We’re excited to introduce you to the always interesting and insightful Katherine Vandergriff. We hope you’ll enjoy our conversation with Katherine below.

Katherine, thanks for taking the time to share your stories with us today Can you talk to us about a risk you’ve taken – walk us through the story?

One of the biggest risks I’ve taken so far in my career was moving across the country from Idaho to New Mexico. I had spent 11 years in Idaho, and while it was comfortable, I found myself craving new opportunities for growth, both personally and professionally. I didn’t know exactly what those opportunities would look like, but I felt stuck and knew a change was necessary. Moving to a new state where I knew very few people felt daunting, especially since I was leaving behind a familiar network and steady freelance work. It was a leap into the unknown.

As a freelance photographer, this move was incredibly difficult. Freelancing comes with the uncertainty of inconsistent income, and starting fresh in a new place meant building connections from scratch. But I was determined to immerse myself in a new creative scene, even if it meant facing those uncertainties head-on. It has only been two months since I made the move, but the creative energy and culture here have already been so refreshing and inspiring.

To help support myself while adjusting, I took a job as a School Portrait Photographer. It wasn’t something I had never tried before, but I saw it as a way to try something new, learn new skills, and meet people who shared my passion for photography. It’s given me a chance to explore different facets of photography and connect with a new community.

Taking this risk has pushed me out of my comfort zone, and though it’s still early days, I can already see that it was one of the best decisions I’ve made—both personally and professionally. The move has opened doors I didn’t even know existed, and I feel more excited than ever about what’s to come.

Great, appreciate you sharing that with us. 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.

I’m a freelance photographer from Post Falls, Idaho, recently relocated to Rio Rancho, New Mexico for new creative opportunities and personal growth.
Photography has been a passion of mine for years, starting as a yearbook nerd and growing into a professional career focused on capturing authentic moments.
I specialize in portrait and lifestyle photography, but also work in wedding and event photography. Recently, I’ve taken on a role as a School Portrait Photographer.
I have an ability to create genuine connections with clients, making them feel comfortable during sessions, which results in authentic, natural photos. I’m also adaptable and able to capture a wide range of styles. I help clients tell their stories visually, delivering high-quality images that reflect their personality, brand, or vision.

I feel excitement from the trust my clients place in me and the versatility of my work. I take pride in exceeding expectations and creating images that stand out. I’m passionate about storytelling through photography and I am eager to collaborate on projects that need creativity, authenticity, and impact.

We’d love to hear about how you met your business partner.

Although we technically have our own separate entities, my boyfriend Jacob Hinkley (@jacob_hinkley on Instagram) and I work closely together in the field of photography and videography. I handle the photography while he specializes in video. We met in high school and began dating in 2019, sharing a passion for cameras and films that began when we were both nerding out about our favorite movies.

Our professional collaboration started in 2022 when we decided to team up on some wedding projects. It was during these early gigs that we discovered how well our skills complemented each other, both personally and professionally. Working together on these projects not only strengthened our bond but also confirmed that we were a great match in both our relationship and our work.

We constantly push each other to set and achieve new goals, inspire each other to improve, and find innovative ways to advance in our field. Networking and making connections with like-minded professionals is a key part of our approach. Having a partner like Jacob is invaluable; we are each other’s cheerleaders, supporting and celebrating each other’s successes. This dynamic has been essential in both our personal growth and our professional achievements.

Can you tell us about what’s worked well for you in terms of growing your clientele?

The most effective strategy for growing my clientele has been networking with smaller businesses and individuals who share a similar spunky and creative spirit. Finding your crowd is crucial because art is subjective— not everyone will resonate with your style, and that’s perfectly okay. The key is connecting with those who do.

Over the years, I’ve explored various niches in photography, from lifestyle portraits, fashion shows, weddings, DJ events, concerts, creative shoots with rappers and singers and so much more. This diverse experience has allowed me to meet a wide range of people and adapt to different styles and needs. I pride myself on being a chameleon in the field, capturing the essence of each individual and reflecting their unique personality through my lens.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://katsphilm.com
• Instagram: katsphilm
• Facebook: katphilm
• Linkedin: katsphilm
• Youtube: katsphilm

Image Credits

Katherine Vandergriff