Alright – so today we’ve got the honor of introducing you to Katie Hart. We think you’ll enjoy our conversation, we’ve shared it below.

Alright, Katie thanks for taking the time to share your stories and insights with us today. What’s something you believe that most people in your industry (or in general) disagree with?

Everyone has their fears – the world around us is a really scary place. I’ll avoid listing all of the political unrest, climate issues, and frustrations each of us faces when we wake up. I’m here to remind you that there is something you can do about the anxiety you’re feeling. In a world where it sometimes feels like you’re a only a drop in the bucket, you can fight fear and apprehension with community and philanthropy.

Each time a major event happens, whether it’s a personal trauma or a worldwide challenge, I remind myself and my friends that we can do good and put it into the world. You may not be able to stop the news from coming your way, but you can make the world a better place by giving your time and care to others around you. You have the privilege and power to make a difference through any cause, and you’ll surely feel better by doing so!

For example, during COVID, we were all locked in our bubbles and felt like there was not much more we could do to help. I took this as a chance to get more involved in some of my favorite local nonprofits. I wanted to help these communities, especially when they were hardest to reach. So, I joined virtual sessions for Kate’s Club – an organization that empowers children and their families who have lost a parent, guardian, or sibling – with day programs that empowered children through their grief journeys, and I felt connected with new people in the organization. I was compelled by the Kate’s Club mission, and I didn’t realize until much later that it helped to heal me and bring me joy as well!

Awesome – so before we get into the rest of our questions, can you briefly introduce yourself to our readers.

I always have a hard time describing myself to new people because I like to take on multiple challenges at once! I am happiest when I can constantly use both my analytical “left brain” and creative “right brain to help others.

“Left brain”: Through corporate strategy, I continually learn how large businesses grow and support their clients. I get to work closely with business leaders and problem-solve, which challenges me to think outside the box and prepares me to serve on boards for nonprofits and corporations in my future. These skills also help me think through and plan local events – whether those are for non-profits or local musicians.

“Right brain”: I use my creative outlets to empower local musicians. I love offering my concert photography services to local artists for little or no cost. I know how hard they’re working to launch their careers, and it provides me with a fun, creative way to help them reach that next step! Their reactions when they receive a portfolio of images bring me joy.

If you find a challenge, I’m ready to help you face it (with a smile).

Learning and unlearning are both critical parts of growth – can you share a story of a time when you had to unlearn a lesson?

There is no one way to break into the creative world. You may walk into a room where the person photographing or performing has been at their craft for 30 days or 30 years, and they could have the same level of confidence and even the same opportunities. When I first started shooting professionally, I assumed you had to have credentials and a resume. Instead, I learned that by photographing friends and family, they would share my work with their loved ones, and this quickly lead to new gigs and experiences for me!

The best way to join is to show up, be kind, and support others without expecting anything in return. Community and good karma will bring you new opportunities and connections. I offer my photography at no cost to many small singers as a way to support them, and this has led to paid gigs through social media visibility and word-of-mouth.

Also, remain both confident and humble. You can be proud of your work without feeling a need to show off or belittle someone else’s journey. This will leave room for you to approach new opportunities and still hone your craft over time! With each new event I shoot, I learn something new from the photographers I work with, the gear I bring along, and the editing I complete!

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

I am fortunate enough to gain both concert and studio photography gigs through word of mouth. Each time you tell someone new about a creative, it leads to new opportunities – whether in photography, music, or in any other field.

Word of mouth often comes from satisfied clients, but I’m also grateful for how my network of photographers and videographers supports each other. Some of my biggest opportunities have come from the strong connections in my own field – other photographers who need a hand at a shoot or can’t make an opportunity know my work and work ethic, and they trust me for referrals.

These themes tie to the lessons I mentioned earlier. Joining the creative world really is about showing up, being kind and humble, and remaining confident so others around you feel confident in your work too!

Contact Info:

• Website: https://www.katiehartphotography.com/
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/katiehartphoto/
• Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/katiedhart/
• Other: https://beacons.ai/katiehart

Image Credits
My headshot was taken by Elizabeth Devoe Photography. All other photographs by Katie Hart (except the photo of her taken by Steve Clarfield). Artists: John Milton Ashe B Naoma and the Sundaze Parker Wierling Chris Hart