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

Katie, looking forward to hearing all of your stories today. The first dollar your business earns is always special and we’d love to hear how your brand made its first dollar of revenue.

I honestly can’t remember how I got my first client. But I can remember how I got my first wedding. I had a friend at the time who refused to do weddings. The stress for working those long days did not appeal to her. So when she had an old high school friend reach out because she was getting married, she immediately recommended me. The bride messaged me on instagram and we scheduled an in person meeting at my favorite restaurant which is now sadly closed. I brought my laptop and let them scroll through past photos. I had a big portfolio at the time so I think she trusted no matter how much experience in weddings I had the photos would still look good. I had previously shot my best friend’s wedding for free because it was very last minute, short, and quickly planned. I left that day beaming with joy. I couldn’t believe how in awe they were over the work I had just shown them because inside I knew I was capable of much better. Fast forward a few months later and I was leaving my first reception with my first wedding check, still beaming!

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

I got into photography when I was 7. I’m 28 now so it’s crazy to think I’ve been doing this almost my entire life. I begged my dad to allow me to take pictures and video on all of his old cameras. Eventually he gave in and bought me a disposable camera. I swear for every holiday or family event I was taking the most pictures out of anyone. I kept every single photo too. Once I got into high school I realized photography was an actual profession and took it a bit more serious. I didn’t officially start my business until I was 23. It took a lot of growing, learning, and finding myself to realize photography was meant for me. I had always been creative my whole life and wanted to dabble in other outlets. Photography in a way found me again. My work slowly over the last 5-6 years morphed into what it is now. Which is high fashion and lifestyle with an edge. I love warm and romantic tones but I’ll never stop putting black spiked leather boots on someone with a pink dress!

Any insights you can share with us about how you built up your social media presence?

I by no means have a large following. However I have slowly climbed in numbers over the past couple years. I’ve noticed that the numbers significantly increase the more I post and the more I shoot. Clients and audiences also want to see growth. They don’t like to see the same thing constantly. I’ve evolved my work over the years and I think some people just like to sit back and see that. My advice to any aspiring creator who wants to grow a following would be to never stop creating. I understand we all need a break. I do too. Which is why I created content days with my team. Once a month or so we all get together and just create all day until we can’t anymore. This helps a TON. It’s very helpful to have most of your social media content ready to go a month or a couple weeks in advance.

What’s worked well for you in terms of a source for new clients?

Thumbtack. It isn’t cheap but it’s a great investment. If you’re a freelancer in any line of work it’s likely thumbtack will have an account waiting for you. It costs money for leads but it’s been the number one connection for me to meeting new clients.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://katienovakphoto.squarespace.com/?fbclid=PAAaaxsc79bHi8PGSVVf-pa0rGSId8BuXB2yqf5KCd8cGz-lt3QycnkhSkWhA_aem_AUBtIo6a7qmyzwLNSlSjmmM4pJI3sMpQ9_5QMIlLRzFVaE8vQTJKDPpIYvg5jgM-FVw
• Instagram: @katienov

Image Credits
Hair: @caidycreate Makeup: @makeupbynorms, @artistryxjilleybeee