We were lucky to catch up with Kate Buckles recently and have shared our conversation below.
Alright, Kate thanks for taking the time to share your stories and insights with us today. To kick things off, we’d love to hear about things you or your brand do that diverge from the industry standard
As a mother myself, I deeply understand how meaningful it is to have beautiful, lasting photos of your children—without making the process feel out of reach. Many traditional photographers stick to industry standards by offering limited digital files and pushing print-only packages. But I’ve chosen a different path because I believe families deserve both.
I pair the convenience of high-quality digital galleries with the option to order professional prints through my trusted lab. This hybrid model allows families to easily share, save, and print what matters most to them—on their timeline and within their budget.
One of my favorite stories is of a mom who told me she had never printed a single photo from a past session because it was just too complicated and expensive. After working with me, she not only had digitals she could share with grandparents instantly, but also printed a full wall gallery through my shop that she said “finally made her house feel like home.”
My goal is to make professional photography feel accessible, meaningful, and lasting for every family I work with.
Awesome – so before we get into the rest of our questions, can you briefly introduce yourself to our readers.
Hi, I’m Kate Buckles—a photographer, storyteller, and mom, based in Albuquerque, New Mexico. I specialize in capturing real, honest moments for families, couples, kids, and small businesses through photography that’s filled with light, connection, and authenticity.
Photography has always been a part of my life, but it truly became my calling after becoming a mom. I realized how quickly childhood flies by—and how much I treasured the photos that captured the little in-between moments, not just the posed ones. That’s what led me to start Kate Buckles Photography: a business rooted in preserving the beauty of everyday love, joy, and family life.
I offer a range of photography services, including family sessions, newborns, maternity, branding, headshots, seasonal mini sessions, and more. What I really provide, though, is something less tangible: a relaxed and meaningful photography experience that makes people feel seen, comfortable, and celebrated.
A lot of my clients tell me they don’t love being in front of the camera—but after a session, they feel differently. That’s one of the things I’m most proud of. I guide each session with patience, ease, and a gentle approach so the result feels natural and full of genuine emotion—not stiff or overly posed.
Something that sets me apart is how accessible and thoughtful I try to make the entire experience. I believe professional photography should feel welcoming and worth it. That’s why I offer both high-quality digital galleries and access to professional prints, so families have the best of both worlds. I also offer creative session locations and mini sessions throughout the year to fit different needs, schedules, and budgets.
At the heart of it all, I just love people. I love their stories, their messes, their joy, and their connection. My goal is always to create a space where that can shine through in every photo I take.
If you’re looking for photography that feels a little less like a transaction and a little more like a meaningful experience—you’re in the right place. I’d love to capture your story.
Have you ever had to pivot?
One of the most valuable lessons I’ve learned as a small business owner is that even with the best intentions, not every idea is going to land—and that’s okay. A few years ago, we decided to roll out premium photography packages that included gorgeous, high-end photo albums. Our thought was to give our clients more: a complete, tangible product that celebrated their session in a meaningful, lasting way.
We were so excited, and honestly, really proud of the offerings. But the truth is—it flopped. The response was minimal, the bookings dropped, and it quickly became clear that while the albums were beautiful, they didn’t align with what our clients really wanted or needed at the time.
So we pivoted. We returned to our tried-and-true model: offering beautiful, accessible mini sessions that allow families to capture special moments without a huge time or financial commitment. We shared openly with our clients that we’re always learning, always growing, and always listening. That transparency and flexibility not only helped us regain momentum, but actually deepened the trust our clients have in us.
The experience was a great reminder that success in small business isn’t about sticking to a rigid plan—it’s about being connected to your people, trying new things, learning from them, and always staying rooted in your “why.”
Any advice for growing your clientele? What’s been most effective for you?
One of the most effective strategies for growing my clientele has been building and nurturing my email list. I’m very intentional about it—I collect emails from every client I work with, have a subscribe option on my website, and often do giveaways at community events to gather new contacts. This allows me to stay directly connected with people who are genuinely interested in my work. Email has been a powerful tool for announcing mini sessions, sharing booking opportunities, and staying top-of-mind in a way that feels personal and consistent.
Another key strategy has been partnering with other businesses that share my target audience—especially moms groups, birth centers, and family-focused organizations. These collaborations have helped me reach families in an organic and trusted way. It’s not just about marketing—it’s about being part of a supportive community and connecting with people where they already are.
Ultimately, I’ve found that growing my clientele isn’t just about reaching more people—it’s about building real relationships, showing up consistently, and creating a brand that families want to return to again and again.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.katebucklesphotography.com
- Instagram: @KateBucklesPhotography
- Facebook: @KateBucklesPhotography
Image Credits
Kate Buckles Photography