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

Alright, Katie thanks for taking the time to share your stories and insights with us today. Any thoughts around creating more inclusive workplaces?

As a wedding photographer who values inclusivity, you recognize the importance of creating a welcoming and supportive environment for couples who are not “society’s standard”. Throughout my experience and journey of fostering an inclusive space I have received requests from couples in tears who have experienced discrimination, harassment, and hate that has no place in today’s society, yet is still so prevalent. Including everyone hurts no one, but leaving no space for those who don’t identify with heteronormative standards leaves a long lasting negative impact. Inclusive language and options are crucial for the future. By using inclusive language and showcasing diverse couples in your work, you help to increase representation for couples who may not conform to traditional gender norms or sexual orientations. This representation allows them to see themselves reflected in the industry feeling validated, accepted, and celebrated in their existence and this chapter of their lives. It shows that their love is equally valued and celebrated, fostering a sense of belonging and reducing the stigma they may face in society. Being inclusive and affirming helps to create safe spaces within the wedding industry for everyone. This means couples can confidently choose vendors who respect their identities and create an environment where they can be themselves without fear of discrimination or judgment. Feeling safe and supported should be a wedding industry standard and it is my goal to leave a lasting positive impact in this space. By prioritizing inclusivity in your work, you directly contribute to the overall progression of the wedding industry. As more professionals embrace and advocate for inclusive practices, the industry will become more diverse, welcoming, and reflective of the love and relationships it represents. Your commitment to inclusivity will undoubtedly make a positive impact on the couples you serve and that’s the place everyone should start.

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 am an Aries who thrives on adventure and a bit of spontaneity. My work has consistently been inspired by the beauty of life and the complexities and intricacies of the human experience. When I began my journey as a photographer and videographer I was challenged by the question of “What do you think makes a good photographer a great photographer?”. Obviously, one may say taking great photos and understanding how to run a business, but I have come to learn that it is so much more than that. Having your photo taken is a vulnerable experience. After a certain point, you can no longer rely on your gear and you’re simply left to show people themselves and their lives in a way that means something. It is a really intimate interaction and I think that the reason I resonated so deeply with the wedding and elopement industry is the fact that it is one occasion where people come together to celebrate love and life and the moments they have shared together. I have had the privilege of experiencing love and happiness at the highest of highs and I have experienced rock bottom lows and pain. I have experienced the spectrum between the two and I have learned to absolutely cherish the moments we have together to celebrate and love one another. People share their most intimate moments of their lives with me and that’s something I have come to appreciate and carry such gratitude for. I want my work and art to take you on the journey of your lives time and time again. I want my work to live as a time capsule so that you can re-visit the faces and memories of those you love the most and be an honest and true visual diary of these moments.

Can you share a story from your journey that illustrates your resilience?

I think this could accurately be answered in one word…Covid. Small businesses, specifically small creative businesses like my own, often heavily rely on in-person events and interactions, such as wedding expos, workshops, and networking events to generate new leads and income. With lockdowns and social distancing measures in place, these events were canceled or severely limited, resulting in a significant, lingering loss of revenue. Many businesses struggled to cover fixed costs like rent, utilities, and inventory, leading to financial instability and, in many cases, closures. The pandemic required ongoing adaptability and resilience. Lots of the time it was forming a plan, revising, revising again, crumpling up the paper like a frustrated author sitting at their desk at the end of a long day. Many small businesses accelerated their digital transformation efforts to reach customers in the online space. Embracing technology allowed me to broaden my customer base and mitigate certain aspects of the pandemic, but it was no simple solution. Despite the difficulties, the pandemic showcased the resilient mindsets of many small business owners like myself and created a space for us to grow, even under immense pressure.

Do you think there is something that non-creatives might struggle to understand about your journey as a creative? Maybe you can shed some light?

One of the phrases that I struggled with most, specifically during the pandemic, was “Why not just get a real job?” as if this isn’t. The same way the world needs doctors, nurses, teachers, firefighters…we need creatives. We need art. Creativity and art provide a means of expression and communication that transcends language and cultural barriers. It touches hearts and lives. The world without creativity and art would lack the beauty, and depth that they bring. Creativity and art foster thought, communication, cultural preservation, imagination, emotional well-being, social commentary, beauty, and economic impact. They are essential for our individual and collective human experience, shaping societies, inspiring minds, and nourishing the human spirit.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://thedaydreamerdiaries.com
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The Daydreamer Diaries