Today we’d like to introduce you to Katie.
Hi Katie, please kick things off for us with an introduction to yourself and your story.
I started doing photography back in 2017. I have always been artistic my whole life, so my journey with art started when I was really young. My grandparents always fostered and encouraged my love and pursuit of art. I did painting classes in elementary school and entered art into the fair, and then did art classes in middle school as well. When I first began my photography business I also worked for Alex Apland Pottery (alexapland.com) painting and carving on mugs. I just absolutely love having a creative outlet and it really refreshes my soul! Fast forward to today, I have slowed down the pace of my business, but I’ve been doing photography and shooting weddings for nearly 10 years which is so wild to me. I’ve shot on a lot of different formats and experimented with a lot throughout the years, but I’m currently shooting on digital cameras and 35mm film. (I also have a side gig running an Etsy store called West Coast Crewnecks where I design apparel (shirts, hats, sweatshirts…), blankets, and more, and everything is designed and drawn by me. I have been doing this since 2023.)
Would you say it’s been a smooth road, and if not what are some of the biggest challenges you’ve faced along the way?
When I had my first daughter in 2021, I found myself drowning in a huge amount of editing work that was piling up. I found it incredibly difficult to balance motherhood and photography which is why I have stepped back slightly from the amount of work I take on. I do think it’s possible to do both but you must be very strategic and always prioritize the things that matter the most in this life; raising up our children to be the next generation of wonderful God-fearing people will always be more important to me than my career as a photographer.
Appreciate you sharing that. What else should we know about what you do?
My specialty in photography is definitely shooting weddings and it’s where my passion lies. After having my kiddos I just have less time on my hands to do it and I want to pour my heart and soul into the gigs that I do take on, so I have a pretty extensive contact form that people fill out now and that helps a lot to know if a potential client is really interested in my services. I love creating rich soulful imagery filled with life and love and I would define my photography style as more documentary, true to life, and with those good 35mm film vibes as well, so definitely a touch of retro in there.
Can you talk to us a bit about happiness and what makes you happy?
Happiness for me comes from my family and God first and foremost. God is everything to me, the lens I view the world through. That has been the biggest part of my journey the last few years has been growing my faith and realizing true joy is found in Jesus alone. Nothing in this life will fulfill me the way that God can. Everyone has a God sized hole in their heart. A lot of my journey has been about examining the concrete facts and evidence for Scripture, the Bible, and looking at and learning about history. Knowledge and Spirituality can and do co-exist. It is good to have questions, ask God, go searching, and find the answers to solidify your faith. In everything I do including my photography business, raising my family, and my West Coast Crewnecks Etsy store, I hope to share the love of Jesus and radiate His joy, peace, and forgiveness in the way I interact with others.
Pricing:
- Wedding Pricing Typically Begins Around $2100
Contact Info:
- Website: https://katieannhernandez.com
- Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UC_-cOvdOXbv0EUKMg6cG29w
- Other: https://westcoastcrewnecks.etsy.com
