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

Katie, looking forward to hearing all of your stories today. If you could go back in time do you wish you had started your business sooner or later?

As a luxury portrait photographer and business owner, I’ve been doing some reflection on my journey. You know, sometimes I wonder if I should’ve started my business earlier to get more experience under my belt, or maybe started a bit later with all that hindsight wisdom.

But you know what? Every step in my entrepreneurial journey happened for a reason. About four years ago, I officially kicked off my portrait photography business, aiming to capture beautiful family moments. And guess what? At that time, I was still juggling a corporate job as a Legal Assistant for a real estate development firm.

If I had started my business earlier, I probably would’ve hustled more to build up my network and get some solid experience before going all-in full time. Plus, I could’ve given more attention to developing my branding, headshots, and boudoir photography right from the start.

On the flip side, waiting longer might’ve meant missing out on some fantastic opportunities and experiences that helped me along the way. You know what they say – life’s all about timing!

Looking back though, starting my business when I did was honestly a good move for me. Each step of the journey has been a fantastic learning experience, and I’m grateful for all the awesome opportunities that have come my way.

As I keep growing and evolving in the photography world, I’ve come to realize that success isn’t just about when you take the leap, it is about working smarter not harder. It is all about continuing to learn and be better than you were yesterday.

Katie, before we move on to more of these sorts of questions, can you take some time to bring our readers up to speed on you and what you do?

Of course! I’m Katie Wallace, and I specialized in empowering women and elevating businesses through a luxury portrait experience.

My love for photography started way back in my younger days, just with a simple point-and-shoot camera, capturing all those precious everyday moments with friends and family. As time passed, that hobby grew into a burning passion for creating emotive and timeless portraits that truly touch people’s hearts.

After college, I went on quite a journey, working as a landman and later as a legal assistant. I thought law school was my next step, but deep down, I knew it wasn’t where my heart belonged. Being a creative soul, I decided to follow my gut and take the leap into starting my own photography business.

Now, let’s talk about what I do best – providing a luxury portrait experience for women, entreprenuers, businesses and families. I specialize in empowering women through boudoir sessions, helping them boost their confidence and embrace their true selves. For entrepreneurs and corporate employees, I offer compelling marketing visuals and professional headshots that elevate their brand presence. And of course, there’s nothing quite like capturing precious family memories and transforming them into cherished wall art.

What really makes my photography stand out from the crowd is my deep commitment to truly understanding my clients. I believe that every person has a unique story to tell, and I take the time to genuinely connect with them on a personal level. This allows me to craft a creative approach that aligns perfectly with their personalities, resulting in portraits that resonate deeply with their hearts.

Seeing the impact my work has on people’s lives is what fills me with immense pride. Witnessing tears of joy and genuine laughter when my clients first lay eyes on their portraits is simply indescribable. It’s these heartwarming reactions that fuel my passion and inspire me to keep pushing the boundaries of my creativity.

What’s the most rewarding aspect of being a creative in your experience?

The most rewarding part of my photography journey lies in the impact my work has on my clients’ lives. There’s nothing quite like being able to evoke emotions, inspire, and connect with others through photography; it’s an incredibly fulfilling experience. Whether it’s a heartfelt family portrait that brings joy to someone’s home, a powerful headshot that boosts an entrepreneur’s confidence, or a transformative boudoir session that empowers a woman to embrace her true self, as an artist, I hold the power to leave a lasting impression on my clients.

The creative process itself is a source of immense gratification. Having the freedom to express myself, explore new ideas, and stretch the boundaries of imagination allows me to constantly grow and evolve in my craft. It’s an enriching journey of self-discovery that brings both a sense of accomplishment and deep fulfillment.

Ultimately, what makes being an artist or creative truly rewarding is the opportunity to make a meaningful difference in people’s lives through photography. Capturing those special moments, fostering genuine connections with my clients, and creating images that stand the test of time is a legacy I’m proud to leave behind. My photography serves as a window to emotions, memories, and stories, and that, my friends, is what makes this artistic journey so extraordinary and deeply fulfilling.

Can you tell us about a time you’ve had to pivot?

When I first stepped into the world of portrait photography, my focus was entirely on capturing beautiful family connections, and I was deeply passionate about it. However, as time passed, I noticed a pattern – busy seasons filled with family portrait sessions and slower periods with less demand.

Recognizing the significance of maintaining a steady flow of business, I knew it was time to pivot and diversify my services.

I made the decision to venture into other genres within portrait photography, eager to offer something truly unique to every client who hired me. I was determined to embrace change and explore new possibilities.

So, I started incorporating other styles into my business. One of the exciting additions was headshot sessions, catering to entrepreneurs and corporate employees seeking to elevate their branding and professional image.

Adding headshots has not only helped bridge the gap during slower seasons but also opened doors to exciting new opportunities. It is fun to witness the positive impact these sessions had on my clients’ careers and personal branding.

By embracing various genres, I’ve had the chance to continually learn, grow, and challenge myself creatively. Each style has brought its own set of techniques and artistic expressions, and I’ve become a more versatile and well-rounded artist because of it.

Looking back, I’m truly grateful for that slow season that prompted me to adapt. It was a valuable lesson in understanding the market demands and the importance of staying flexible in my craft. Today, I take great pride in my ability to offer a diverse range of services, catering to a wide array of clients.

To all you potential clients, followers, and fans out there, I want you to know that every photoshoot I do is a labor of love. My mission is to make the entire experience not just enjoyable but truly unforgettable. I believe in the magic of authentic storytelling, and my portraits are all about evoking emotions and creating lasting memories that will forever hold a special place in your heart. So, let’s embark on this wonderful journey together!

Contact Info:

• Website: www.katiewallacestudios.com and www.kwboudoir.com
• Instagram: instagram.com/katiewallacestudios and instagram.com/boudoir.kws
• Facebook: facebook.com/katiewallacestudios

Image Credits
In the photo of me with the camera the credit goes to Tina Caron