Alright – so today we’ve got the honor of introducing you to Katie Loeffler. We think you’ll enjoy our conversation, we’ve shared it below.
Katie, looking forward to hearing all of your stories today. Can you talk to us about how you learned to do what you do?
Photography is not something I went to school to learn how to do. It’s not something I had lessons for or spent time with a teacher learning. I went to school to be an educator and fell into photography as a creative outlet during a really rough time in my life. I began playing around with my camera and taking photos for close friends and family. A really good friend of mine was a bit further into her journey as a photographer and she encouraged me to continue offering free shoots and practicing. I got a lot of really good feedback from her and learned so much about my camera, the best ways to capture what I felt, how to be more confident in my vision, and my editing style in the process.
I’m really so happy that I was able to dive into this creative space and have others lift me up. I learned everything I know about this craft by following successful business owners on social media, doing workshops and styled shoots, and working with other successful creatives in the community. I think the most important skill I needed to have to become successful was being outgoing. When you’re doing something like this in a small town like Baltimore, you have to be willing to talk to people and network. You have to be confident enough to reach out and ask for advice and build relationships with people who can help to propel you into success. I have made so many friends and learned so much about myself. The biggest obstacle for me has been looking my imposter syndrome in the face and knowing I deserve to be where I am because I have worked hard to get here! Sometimes when I’m in a space, its hard to believe this is my reality!
Great, appreciate you sharing that with us. Before we ask you to share more of your insights, can you take a moment to introduce yourself and how you got to where you are today to our readers.
Hi pals! My name is Katie and I am the owner of a small photography business based in the Baltimore area, called Katie Loeffler Photo, LLC. I went to school and got a teaching degree, and about halfway through found myself feeling really lost as my grandfather was battling cancer. After his passing, it was a real wake up call for our family when we realized how few photos we had of us with my poppy after childhood. I have always been someone who loves looking at pictures of people and talking about fun times we’ve had when photos are all that’s left. That’s what kind of kickstarted my whole photographer journey. I’ve always loved being creative, and this was a new outlet I’d never explored that would allow me to have tangible things to hold onto forever. When you think about it, photos really are just memories frozen in time. I wanted more of that, and so imo bought my first camera off of facebook marketplace and started taking family photos for my family! Then I started offering photoshoots to family and friends of mine! That’s when I started really focusing more energy into perfecting the craft, and got more serious about it.
When I look back and reflect on the past few years growing my business, the thing that makes me the most proud is the relationships I’ve made and the people I’ve connected with. I think that’s also what sets me apart from other photographers. I love getting those texts from people that say “You made us feel so comfortable! We can’t wait to work with you again!” or “We’ve never gotten pictures done and you made us feel so natural!” or, my personal favorite, “I feel like we’ve known you forever!” I love hearing that I’ve touched people’s hearts in the way they’ve touched mine! I am such a people person and I genuinely feel so privileged to get to share such special, intimate moments with people! I cannot thank my clients enough for welcoming me into their homes, hospital rooms after birth, weddings, etc. to allow me opportunities to celebrate them! Once we work together, we’re friends and you can’t get rid of me!
Is there mission driving your creative journey?
So long as photography allows me to spread joy and fills my cup, that is enough to keep me going! A goal I’ve more recently set for myself is that I really would love to branch out and do more destination photography, specifically weddings and elopements!
My long term goal is to book a wedding or elopement in every state in the US, and hopefully even beyond the US! I’ve always loved to travel, so if my passions are able to coalesce, I’m up for the adventure!
What do you find most rewarding about being a creative?
The most rewarding part of my job comes in the form of my clients’ responses and reviews for sure! Like I mentioned before, getting a text thanking me or praising me for helping people feel more comfortable.
Nothing feels as good as delivering a gallery and then hearing how you brought someone’s vision to life, exceeded their expectations, or how they can’t wait to share your work! I love talking to my clients and getting to keep up with the new phases of their life! I have clients who I have known my entire life and some who I’ve just met! Just recently one of my very first childhood friends reached out to me after losing touch for years, to take photos of her family and her new baby! I also have clients who found me on instagram one day, and I’ve now shared in their engagements, weddings, and growing their families!
These relationships and connections are so precious to me, they fill me with love and make me feel so overwhelmed with gratitude!
Contact Info:
- Website: https://katieloefflerphoto.mypixieset.com
- Instagram: @katieloefflerphoto
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/KatieLoefflerPhoto?mibextid=LQQJ4d
