We caught up with the brilliant and insightful Katie Blondin a few weeks ago and have shared our conversation below.

Katie, looking forward to hearing all of your stories today. Learning the craft is often a unique journey from every creative – we’d love to hear about your journey and if knowing what you know now, you would have done anything differently to speed up the learning process.

I began my journey in photography by learning the basics through a high school film photography class, which laid the foundation for my skills. However, my education didn’t stop there. To further enhance my abilities, I turned to various online resources, particularly YouTube videos, to self-teach posing techniques and how to capture the essence of a wedding day. Through countless hours of practice with friends and family, I refined my craft and gained invaluable hands-on experience.

Recognizing the importance of marketing in this competitive industry, I decided to invest in a marketing course. This decision proved instrumental in improving my overall client experience and expanding my reach. Looking back, if I could go back in time, I would have prioritized investing in education on wedding photography and marketing much earlier. I believed I had a solid grasp of what it took to succeed, but in hindsight, I now realize how much I had yet to learn at the beginning of my journey.

In retrospect, the most essential skill I’ve acquired as a photographer is confidence. It’s crucial to have the ability to connect with my subjects, establish trust, and direct them with ease right from the start. Posing people in a way that captures their natural essence and brings out their best features requires not only technical knowledge but also the confidence to guide and communicate effectively.

Throughout my learning process, various obstacles stood in my way. One significant challenge was overcoming self-doubt and fear of failure. It took time and perseverance to develop the self-assurance needed to venture into the world of wedding photography and establish myself as a professional. Additionally, finding the right balance between artistic expression and meeting client expectations presented its own set of hurdles. However, by continuously seeking knowledge, honing my skills, and remaining open to growth, I was able to overcome these obstacles and push myself further as a photographer.

Today, armed with a solid foundation, a wealth of experience, and an unwavering commitment to improvement, I am confident in my ability to capture the beauty, emotions, and unique moments of every wedding I photograph. My journey has been a testament to the power of continuous learning and the importance of embracing new opportunities for growth in this ever-evolving field of photography.

Katie, love having you share your insights with us. Before we ask you more questions, maybe you can take a moment to introduce yourself to our readers who might have missed our earlier conversations?

My name is Katie Blondin, and I am a Colorado wedding photographer dedicated to full and open communication with my couples. From our initial meeting to the moment I deliver their personalized wedding album and beyond, I prioritize making sure my brides and grooms feel truly cared for.

Photography has not always been my calling, but it has always been my passion. My interest in photography began back in high school. I went to Green Mountain High School (class of 2011) and I decided to take a film photography class beginning in my sophomore year and I ended up taking film photography through senior year. I dabbled here and there with my camera throughout college, but never took my hobby anywhere. I pursued Medical Laboratory Science and got a Bachelor’s degree in Biology with a minor in Chemistry at Metropolitan State University of Denver with the intention of becoming a medical laboratory technician.

Long story short, I met my husband Junior year of college and we were married and became pregnant with our first child within 2 years. I picked back up my hobby of photography to photograph our daughter and then eventually friends and family.

As I delved into photography, I discovered my niche in the world of weddings. The ability to document and preserve the essence of such a meaningful day for couples and their loved ones resonated with me on a profound level. It was a natural fit for my creative vision and my desire to create lasting memories. From there, I took many online courses and watched YouTube videos to refine my craft and hobby into a sustainable business.

I offer a range of services tailored to each client’s unique needs. From capturing the anticipation of an engagement to documenting the love and joy of a wedding celebration and then preserving those moments in a custom wedding album, I strive to create timeless images that evoke genuine emotions. My aim is to deliver a seamless and enjoyable experience, ensuring that every client feels comfortable and at ease throughout the process.

What sets me apart from others in this field is my unwavering commitment to excellence through communication to ensure couples get exactly what they envision for this time in life and my dedication to continuous growth. I firmly believe that the key to providing exceptional service lies in constantly refining my skills, staying updated with the latest trends and techniques, and embracing new creative approaches. By combining my technical expertise with a genuine passion for storytelling, I create imagery that truly reflects the personalities and stories of the couples I work with.

One of the aspects I am most proud of is the trust and relationships I have built with my clients. I strive to go beyond their expectations, delivering not only stunning photographs but also an exceptional overall experience. The ability to connect with my clients, understand their vision, and capture their most cherished moments is an honor I hold dear.

For potential clients, I want them to know that I am dedicated to providing a personalized and professional service. I am committed to creating images that tell their unique stories, focusing on the genuine emotions and the intricate details that make each wedding day extraordinary. With me, they can expect a collaborative approach, open communication, and a commitment to excellence in every aspect of their photography experience.

What’s been the best source of new clients for you?

Investing in my business by taking courses and learning how to market to my ideal client has proven to be the best source of new clients for me. By honing my marketing skills and understanding the unique needs and preferences of my target audience, I have been able to effectively reach and connect with potential clients.

Have you ever had to pivot?

During high school, I discovered my passion for photography in a film photography class. After capturing my best friend’s engagement photos in college, I became intrigued by portrait photography. Despite initially pursuing a degree in Biology and facing frequent relocations due to my husband’s military service, I reignited my photography business in 2019 to document my daughter’s life. Since its official launch in 2019, I have focused on family sessions and weddings, finding joy in capturing couples and their love stories.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://kbradiantphotography.com/
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/kbradiantphotography/
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/kbradiantphotography/