We were lucky to catch up with Kaitlin Launder recently and have shared our conversation below.

Alright, Kaitlin thanks for taking the time to share your stories and insights with us today. Before we ask you to share more of your insights, can you take a moment to introduce yourself and how you got to where you are today to our readers.

Hello! I’m Kaitlin, a photographer, business owner and most importantly, a mom to a 4 year old boy. I have my B.S. in Psychology and eventually pursued a career in social work. A few big life changes led me to pick up a camera and now I am a full-time photographer with a studio in Dundee.

I photograph many different genres, including newborns, families, couples/weddings, seniors, headshots and boudoir. Even though I have read that you should try and nail down one certain area and specialize in that, I enjoy doing it all and will continue to do it all as long as people continue to hire me! I have branded myself as a “forever photographer.” I want to be there for all the important milestones in life.

I am fully aware that photographers are a dime a dozen and every single time someone books me, I feel incredibly grateful they are choosing to invest in my services. I think one of the main things that sets me apart from say, other younger photographers, is that I’m a mom. I know kids. I know that every session isn’t going to go perfectly, as kids run the show, but I also know that those are the memories you will look back on and appreciate you had. I want to capture your kids laughing (and even misbehaving.) I know you will look back and love seeing their smiles, giving hugs and getting tickles. I not only want to capture those perfectly posed photos for you to hang on your wall, but I also want to deliver emotion.

Opening my studio was one of my proudest moments, but when someone books me over and over again and I get to be a part of their life and memories, that is what makes me happiest in this job. I love when clients become friends and also what makes me the most proud.

Great, appreciate you sharing that with us. Looking back, do you think you started your business at the right time? Do you wish you had started sooner or later

In college, I studied psychology with a minor in heath and human services. After I completed all required classes and had the option to take an elective, something I knew I would enjoy, I chose photography. Photography is something that interested me but didn’t seem like a viable career option for a single woman. After graduating, and applying to A LOT of jobs, I ended up in Arizona with a career in the social work field. While I liked my job and cliche as it sounds, it was fulfilling, it was also incredibly emotionally taxing.

After a couple of years in Arizona, I reconnected with an ex-boyfriend from my past who was still in the Midwest. I ended up moving back and getting another job in the social work field. Once we got married, in order to get on his very good government insurance, I had to drop hours to part-time for a very full-time job. It was too hard to keep up with and I quit to try and find an actual part-time job.

After 5 months of searching and no luck with the job hunt, I started to pursue photography. I bought a cheap camera and immersed myself in online courses, soaking up everything I could. After feeling comfortable with my camera, I did some free model calls to see if I was any good… and the rest is history. I booked 14 weddings that first year.

Looking back, I wish I didn’t feel like I HAD to go to college. Don’t get me wrong, it was a good time and I’m grateful I had the opportunity to go, but now, with a degree in psychology and the student loan debt to go with it, it feels a little pointless that I went. I wish that I would have tried pursuing something I truly loved when I was younger. But at the same time, I also didn’t have the funds when I was younger. Starting a business is expensive!

Now as a mom, I find myself wishing I had started when I was younger. Prior to having a child, I was able to travel more, which is something I now have to turn down. While I’ve had a lot of incredible opportunities, shooting weddings in 6 different states and even in Jamaica, I’m not able to pack up and leave anymore and don’t have time for much other than local gigs.

Arizona is such a beautiful state and I really wish I would’ve been a photographer when I was living there as well. I am a firm believer that everything happens for a reason though and my time spent as a social worker, shaped me into the person I am today. I now have a career I love and it is nice being able to be flexible for my son and I am very thankful for that.

Where do you think you get most of your clients from?

Social media is where I get probably 60% of my clients. The other is referrals (30%) and SEO/ my website (10%.)

It only takes one person commenting on someone’s post recommending me, to get 10 inquiries out of that. Facebook mom groups have really helped me gain lifelong clients and I’m incredibly thankful for that outreach. I also love when clients tag me in their photos and/or share my posts. That gets new eyes on my page and eventually, new clients.

Any stories or insights that might help us understand how you’ve built such a strong reputation?

It may sound crazy, but I am fast. If we only have 10-15 minutes together, I guarantee that we will get a good 20-30 beautiful images from the session. Some photographers aren’t fans of mini sessions, but I love being able to offer my services at a more affordable price and the chance to get more clients seen. I have a hard time saying no to people and stretching myself thin, so shorter sessions allow me to book more clients and not turn anyone down. As a mom, I also know that kids limits are short. They aren’t going to last for a full 1-2 hours for a session. Give me 15 minutes with them and I will get some genuine smiles.

Contact Info:

• Website: www.kaitlinannphotography.com
• Instagram: www.instagram.com/kaitlinannphotography
• Facebook: www.facebook.com/kaitlinannphoto