We were lucky to catch up with Kathleen Riley recently and have shared our conversation below.

Kathleen, appreciate you joining us today. Do you take vacations? Why or why not?

I joke about my vacations at the dog shows, and yes, that is a thing.

Yes, I take vacations, but they require careful planning. As a business owner, stepping away is tough, but it’s also necessary to recharge and avoid burnout. The key is building a business that can function without you for short periods and having team members and colleagues available to assist as needed.
Here’s my advice for entrepreneurs who feel like they can’t step away:

1. Plan Ahead – Schedule vacations during slower periods if possible. Notify clients well in advance and wrap up major projects before leaving.

2. Automate & Delegate – Use automation tools for scheduling, emails, and invoicing. If you have a team, train them to handle essential tasks in your absence.

3. Set Boundaries – Decide how much you want to check-in. Maybe you only respond to urgent matters or set specific “check-in” times to keep things running smoothly.

4. Create SOPs – Standard Operating Procedures help your team (or a trusted contractor or colleague) handle routine issues without your input.

5. Trust Your Systems – If your business can’t survive a few days without you, it’s a sign you may need to adjust how it operates. The goal is to build something sustainable.

Taking a break benefits both you and your business. A well-rested entrepreneur is more creative, productive, and better equipped to handle challenges.

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 Kathleen Riley, the photographer and creative mind behind Riley Photo. In addition to my photography business, I edit dog publications, regularly contribute to the AKC Gazette, coach business owners, and provide marketing services to small businesses.

My photography journey started as a child with a 35mm camera from Sears. I developed a deep passion for capturing fleeting moments with people, dogs, horses, and livestock. Whether in the show ring, field, or everyday life, my background in showing and working with dogs and horses naturally led me to focus on equine, canine, and event photography. I understand the drive, dedication, and emotion behind these pursuits because I live them myself.

At Riley Photo, I specialize in action, portrait, and candid photography, bringing out the unique spirit of every animal and person I photograph. I work with clients to create dynamic images that tell a story—whether it’s a perfectly timed shot of a dog in motion, a soulful equine portrait, or a heartwarming family session with their four-legged companions. Beyond that, I also provide videography services, offering a way to capture movement, emotion, and personality in a way that still images sometimes cannot.

One of the things that sets Riley Photo apart is my ability to connect with the animals I photograph. Because I’ve spent my life working with dogs and horses, I know how to anticipate their movements, capture their best angles, and create a comfortable environment that brings out their natural personality. I also understand the importance of patience, timing, and reading body language to get that perfect shot.

I’m incredibly proud of my work supporting the dog and horse communities. Whether photographing events, creating promotional materials for breeders and trainers, or offering fundraiser photo sessions for organizations I believe in, I strive to give back to the community that has given so much to me.

For potential clients, I want you to know that when you choose Riley Photo, you’re not just getting a photographer—you’re getting someone who understands and respects your world. I take the time to listen, craft images that reflect your passion, and deliver high-quality results you’ll cherish forever. Whether it’s a personal session, a professional project, or an event, I always aim to create stunning, meaningful images that stand out.

What do you find most rewarding about being a creative?

For me, the most rewarding aspect of being a photographer and videographer is capturing moments that tell a story—whether it’s the intensity of a working dog, the elegance of a horse in motion, or the bond between people and their animals. There’s something incredibly fulfilling about freezing those fleeting moments and creating images that evoke emotion and preserve memories.

I also love the connections I make through my work. Whether working on editing dog magazines or hosting photo fundraisers, my creativity allows me to engage with communities that share my passions. Seeing someone light up when they see a photo that perfectly captures their dog’s personality or a special memory makes it all worth it.

Beyond photography, I enjoy helping small businesses with marketing, sharing knowledge, and mentoring new creatives. Whether it’s guiding someone through branding, social media, or just offering encouragement, I love supporting others as they grow their own creative endeavors. Helping others find confidence in their work and watching them succeed is just as rewarding as creating something myself. I believe you pass knowledge on from one generation to the next.

Do you have any insights you can share related to maintaining high team morale?

Managing a team creates an environment where people feel valued, motivated, and empowered to do their best work. Maintaining high morale starts with clear communication, trust, and appreciation. My approach is to set expectations early, provide the tools and support my team needs, and then give them the freedom to excel.

One of the most important things I’ve learned is that building a strong team makes you look better. My business—whether it’s photography, videography, or my role as Managing Editor or marketing consultant—is only as strong as the people I work with. When my team is thriving, we meet deadlines, clients are happy, and the overall quality of our work is elevated. That reflects directly on me and the brand I’ve built.

I also recognize contributions, both publicly and privately. A simple “thank you,” or acknowledgment of a well-done job goes a long way. I prioritize fostering collaboration and encouraging creative input because the best results come from a team that feels heard and respected.

Morale and work-life balance relate to each other. I understand that passion drives great work, but burnout is challenging. Encouraging breaks, flexibility when needed, and injecting a little fun into the workplace helps keep everyone motivated and engaged.

Ultimately, leadership isn’t about controlling every detail but empowering people to do what they do best. And when you have a great team, they make you look good every single day.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://www.kathleenrileyphotography.com/
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/kathleenriley
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/KathleenRileyPhoto
• Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/kathleenrileydaniels/

Image Credits

Kathleen Riley