Alright – so today we’ve got the honor of introducing you to Kati Brayton. We think you’ll enjoy our conversation, we’ve shared it below.
Kati, appreciate you joining us today. Are you happier as a business owner? Do you sometimes think about what it would be like to just have a regular job?
Going full time with photography was the best career move I’ve ever made. My photography journey began as a hobby right after I graduated high school, and as I began to enroll in photography college courses (originally just for elective credit) I fell in love with the craft and the creative outlet. I began taking free and (barely) paid sessions for friends, classmates and family, and quickly realized that it could turn into something more for me. I graduated from USC Aiken with my BFA in Digital Photography & Graphic Design in 2017, and while I did choose to “go to work” full time as a graphic designer upon graduation, it only took about two and a half years before I couldn’t resist the jump to a full time photography career. I had become a wife and mother shortly after graduation, and so making the switch to being my own boss and having a flexible schedule was such a blessing. Making beautiful galleries for my clients is so creatively fulfilling for me and I hope I’m always able to serve my clients in this profession.
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 back background and context?
I’ve always been a dreamer and creative soul, but I never imagined having my own photography business until college. I originally planned to become a teacher, but photography kind of stole my heart when I began taking college electives courses in both darkroom and digital photography. I’ve made some of the most meaningful connections in my life through this profession, and it’s an honor to follow so many of my clients through the stages of love and life.
My heart belongs to creating for young families and couples. These two genres go well together, as I get to follow many of my brides and grooms through their engagement, wedding, maternity, newborn, and then family photography needs as time marches on. I pride myself in being able to “see” precious moments and interactions that we often miss during day-to-day life, and I use light, movement, and composition to highlight those special glimmers in time and create galleries for my clients that feel real and raw. I want to preserve it all – the embraces, the smiles, and the tears (little ones have a mind of their own during sessions sometimes, but I still love it). It’s an art, and I’m so thankful I was given eyes to see it that way.
I want all my clients (and those considering hiring me) to know that all you need to do for your session is show up and love on your people. I handle wardrobe suggestions, location ideas, posing and planning before and during your session. All of these aspects come together to create the aesthetic, but you and your loves are the story, and I’m recording it all for you, from the outside looking in.
How’d you build such a strong reputation within your market?
I am experiencing life as a woman, wife, mother, creative, and professional, and I believe I do a good job of genuinely connecting with clients (who are often women and/or mothers) before they even book. What they’re after, what they dream of for their gallery – it’s personal to me because as a wife and mother, I want the same magical collection of moments to look back on. I think that interactions during booking, planning, and the execution of the photoshoot are the perfect points to connect with clients in a way that lets them know that I get it. I get the vision they’re after and they understand mine and how I’m going to achieve this for them. The trust between client and photographer has a lot of sway in the end product, and I feel that making sure the couple or parents feel comfortable with me a person and someone who understands their current season of life is so important to ensure the outcome we all hope for.
Is there mission driving your creative journey?
As an artist, my drive is to make photographs that mean something to my clients, that are emotive, and combine all elements (light, location, wardrobe, posing, etc.) to make their vision a reality. I photograph my clients in a hybrid lifestyle/portrait style that lends itself well to well-rounded, storytelling galleries that include traditional photos as well as candids and in-between moments. Those candids and in-between shots are often mine and my clients’ favorite shots, because they’re the most real.
Contact Info:
- Website: katibraytonphotography.com
- Instagram: @katibraytonphotography
- Facebook: facebook.com/katibraytonphotography