We recently connected with Kaitlyn Baker and have shared our conversation below.

Kaitlyn, looking forward to hearing all of your stories today. If you needed to find a key partner or facility – how did you find them, what was the process of striking a deal like and what would you do differently knowing what you know now?

Nothing is more important than community, and when it comes to styled sessions we could not do it without our fellow vendors! Getting the chance to work with so many fellow vendors is a dream come true and makes the session a thousand times better! One of our biggest key partners is The Knox Exchange! They have two amazing studios that they allow us to rent and it really makes all the difference for cooler weather and creating! Not only do they help us, but they also host events, and so much more! We also could not do most of ideas without a brilliant florist, and The Wild Iris Florals is an absolute blessing to have met and be able to work with! Stay tuned for them because they just got their first shop! Our makeup artists are also a key component when creating and bringing our ideas to life! We absolutely adore, MakeupDess, Afterlife Lashes, and of course Alana Glamour! Saving the best for last, our models! They are never given enough credit, but NONE of the ideas would be possible without their willingness to trust us all! All of these women owned businesses have truly helped every idea come to life and supported us through thick and thin. We are so excited to add more vendors as the years roll on, but could never forget where it started and who with.

As always, we appreciate you sharing your insights and we’ve got a few more questions for you, but before we get to all of that can you take a minute to introduce yourself and give our readers some of your background and context?

I have been passionate about photography since I was in Jones Cove Elementary. I worked for many years as a second shooter and slowly made my way into becoming my own business! It was not easy, but it made the business that much more rewarding! Now I sit here and see the website, the many client portraits, and the happy reviews and it all feels like such a daydream. I could not be more thankful to have come this far and could not have done it without my amazing husband, and community believing in me. The level of discipline it takes to run a small business and work part time jobs was far from easy, but it has been a rewarding one! Somedays you just want to rest, but getting to that family session or wedding and creating all of those happy memories makes everything so worth it. Especially when they see their portraits and cry or just cannot stop smiling, that feeling just never gets old! Luckily I no longer have to work part time jobs, but we added a beautiful baby girl to our family in March 2021, so it was replaced with a full time mom position. Of course I am beyond blessed to be called to be a mom, and cherish getting to share photography with her. She already tried to use the camera and as many parents know, an 18 month old and a camera, do not make for a great mix, but she sure is cute! It has been a challenge to balance self care with owning a business because there just never seems to be time for everything, but I’m only 26 and still have much to learn! I believe what sets us apart is the honesty, and that we will genuinely have fun during the sessions. From unexpected bears, to tripping in fields, I provide sessions that you will never forget! We offer so many services, but we started in weddings, and have branched out to real estate, fine art portraits, drone photography, family portraits, newborn sessions, mile stone sessions, and more! We also love styled sessions and getting to work with other vendors, the more the better! My proudest moments in this business has been seeing the happy reviews, it truly warms my heart knowing we have captured so many happy memories for families to cherish. As for the brand, we wanted something that had to do with our beautiful smoky mountains, but that made sense, thus created Smoke N’ Lenses. We are so fortunate to call this magical place home, and love getting to share it with everyone. Of course do not forget your permits when using the National Park for business, see Jamie Sanders for all permit needs! I try to keep our client closet very earthy tones and of course elegant and flowy materials to keep you feeling like a bohemian princess! We offer a client closet for children, and women! Don’t worry guys, we are working on one for you all as well! We are the ones you call when you are ready for the most magical photo session that will leave you and everyone you know absolutely stunned!

Can you talk to us about how your side-hustle turned into something more.

I started working when I was 10 years old as a cabin cleaner. Of course ten year olds do not make much money, but it was a great start. I ended up working part time jobs until 2020, cabin cleaner, yogurt shop employee, server, and slowly photographer / editor. My final side job was for a wedding venue, where I took on 3-4 weddings a day, or 2 larger ones, and then edited into the evenings. Of course it was great to get paid hourly to do what I love doing, but I adore getting to create magical portraits and really getting to spend time with my couples. The last job really taught me that I cherish the quality over the quantity. I wanted to ensure each person, couple, and family I worked with got my full attention and that I would have the time to create exactly what they are wanting. Now we take on cabin rental companies, real estate agents, owners, families, soon to be brides, mommas, and so many more that each get the time and attention they need to feel heard and to create everything they want.

What do you find most rewarding about being creative?

the most rewarding aspect for me is the joy I see when others see the portraits of their loved ones. Newborn and maternity have become very special to me and getting to capture those moments for others is such an amazing reward. These moments come and go so quickly that I myself find days where I remanence by staring at our baby girls newborn photos asking where the time went. Of course this applies to every kind of photo session, your first house, your wedding, your body, your first car, your first full family photo. There are so many moments that are worth photographing and I am so honored to be apart of any of those times with you and your family!

Contact Info:

• Website: https://smokenlenses.mypixieset.com
• Instagram: @smokenlenses_kb
• Facebook: Smoke N’ Lenses Commercial Photography
• Youtube: Smoke N’ Lenses
• Yelp: https://www.yelp.com/biz/smoke-n-lenses-sevierville
• Other: Find us on Google, Wedding Wire, The Knot, and more!

Image Credits
Carlie & Grady Baker, Ezra Baker, Kanda Wallace, Stephanie Blue, Krishanda Upton, Kaylee & Matt Glassmann, Alana Goodwin, Saraphina Quilliams, Elisha Bennett, Barcena’s Children