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

Kathleen, looking forward to hearing all of your stories today. Alright – so having the idea is one thing, but going from idea to execution is where countless people drop the ball. Can you talk to us about your journey from idea to execution?

From my earliest memories, I’ve always has a love for photography. I’d take my film camera everywhere. I specifically remember dressing my dog up and taking pictures of her. Fast forward a decade or so, and I’d graduated college with degrees in English and Psychology and I’d started my career as an English teacher. After I’d been teaching for a few years, I had the opportunity to become the yearbook advisor for my school. This role reignited my passion as I had the opportunity to take professional development classes focusing on photography.

I purchased my first digital camera and started dabbling in photography for friends and family—that’s where the idea of creating a business sprouted.

I spent hours reading articles, watching tutorials, and even connecting with a few photographers online to understand the business side of things. I had to figure out the essentials: legal structure, pricing, and marketing strategies. With a clearer understanding, I decided to start small. I shared my photos on Facebook (Instagram didn’t exist. yet) and set up a a professional website. I reached out to friends, family, and colleagues to let them know about my new venture. Word-of-mouth is powerful, and soon I had my first few clients. I also attended local events, and offered discounted shoots to build my portfolio.

There were a lot of trials, errors, and small victories that shaped the foundation of my business. With a steady client base and growing presence, I planned the next steps—refining my branding, creating partnerships with local businesses, and continually enhancing the client experience.

Transitioning from a passionate idea to a full-fledged business was a journey filled with learning and growth. There were definley to steps forward and two steps back (shout out to those who know that’s a Paula Abdul reference), but I am loving my life as a photographer and I wouldn’t take any of it back.

Kathleen, before we move on to more of these sorts of questions, can you take some time to bring our readers up to speed on you and what you do?

My journey into photography began at a young age with a deep-rooted love for capturing moments through the lens of my camera. Throughout the years, this passion remained a significant part of my life. Taking photos for friends and family naturally evolved into inquiries from a warm network. This simple start eventually blossomed into a full-fledged photography business.

What I Offer
As a senior and branding photographer, I specialize in creating timeless and impactful images. My services include:

Senior Portraits: Capturing the unique personalities and milestones of high school seniors.
Branding Photography: Helping businesses, entrepreneurs, and professionals visually communicate their brand identity and story.
Problems I Solve for Clients
My clients often face challenges such as needing to stand out in a competitive market or not feeling confident in front of the camera. I provide solutions by:
Ensuring that every client feels at ease and natural during the shoot.
Providing professional images that truly represent the client’s personality or brand.
Helping clients with posing, wardrobe tips, and location selection to bring out the best in their photos.

What sets me apart is my blend of passion, personal connection, and professional expertise. Having started from a love for photography and grown through meaningful interactions with clients, I bring a unique, relatable approach to every project. My background in teaching equips me with patience and the ability to connect with people of all ages, making my clients feel comfortable and confident.

What I Am Most Proud Of
I’m most proud of the genuine relationships I’ve built with my clients and the impact my work has had on their lives and businesses. Seeing a senior’s eyes light up when they receive their portraits or a business owner’s excitement over their new branding images is incredibly fulfilling.

Key Messages for Potential Clients
To potential clients and followers, I want you to know that my work is not just about taking photos; it’s about telling your story and capturing your essence. Whether you’re looking to commemorate a significant milestone or enhance your brand’s visual identity, I’m committed to providing a personalized and memorable experience. My goal is to create images that are not only beautiful but also meaningful and reflective of who you are (and to have fun doing it).

Is there mission driving your creative journey?

My creative journey is driven by a the goal of empowering people, particularly teenage girls and female entrepreneurs, to feel more confident and self-assured. Through my photography, I aim to capture the unique essence of each individual, helping them see their true beauty and strength. By creating a comfortable and supportive environment during each session, I enable my clients to express themselves freely and authentically, fostering a sense of empowerment and self-confidence that transcends the images we create together.

We’d love to hear about how you keep in touch with clients.

I maintain strong relationships with my clients and foster brand loyalty by staying consistently engaged through a variety of personalized touches. Each month, I send out a newsletter that shares exciting updates about my business, upcoming events, and photography tips, keeping my clients informed and connected. Additionally, at the end of each academic year, I write heartfelt thank you notes to express my gratitude for their support and trust. These handwritten notes add a personal touch, showing my clients that I value and appreciate them, and helping to nurture long-term connections.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://www.kathleentrace.com/
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/kathleentracephotography/
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/kathleentracephotography
• Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@KathleenTracePhotography

Image Credits

N/A