Meet Katelyn Powell | Photographer & Content Creator

We had the good fortune of connecting with Katelyn Powell and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Katelyn, what principle do you value most?
To be successful in a creative field, you MUST know your worth. It’s easy to take on clients who want a good “deal.” But those gigs don’t may off in the long run, when you’re burnt out from working so much for so little. I’ve built a foundation of honesty in my business where I’m upfront with my clients about how much I charge and what their money goes towards. For example, I can break down for them my monthly expenses and how long I spend curating their galleries or shooting their weddings. That honesty goes such a long way and not only establishes your worth to your clients, but reminds you of your own value in whatever creative industry you’re in!

Let’s talk shop? Tell us more about your career, what can you share with our community?
You’re probably a photographer. Or your friend is… or maybe even a family member. We all know a photographer, whether they’re picking up an iPhone or an expensive lens. The hardest part of being in this industry is standing out. I want you to see truth and romance in my photos. And I want you to smile when you look at them. When you look at a photo of yourself, you aren’t looking at the technicality or sharpness or color toning. You’re remembering the moment it was taken. And if I can create an environment of expression and trust and FUN, I’m doing my job right, as you look back at those images and smile at how GREAT those moments were. When I first started my business, I wanted to be different. I wanted my clients to know I wasn’t going to con them out of thousands of dollars for a service that someone else could do for much less. So I decided early on to provide honest prices and friendly communication. The latter is more rare in the industry. I never wanted my clients to feel like they were bothering me, or even that they couldn’t ask me for advice about another vendor. So I committed to them, and they trusted me. I also knew I wanted my images to be recognizable. I wanted people scrolling through Instagram to know a photo was shot and edited by me without having to say so. So I looked at the market and tried to fill a hole I saw — romantic editing. I realized the market was saturated with photographers shooting and editing really moody or light and airy. But what about the clients that wanted something whimsical? I wanted there to be a place for them, because that’s what I wanted in my own images. I wanted romance in the tones and the spontaneous captures. And I delivered that, something that was really missing in the industry.

Let’s say your best friend was visiting the area and you wanted to show them the best time ever. Where would you take them? Give us a little itinerary – say it was a week long trip, where would you eat, drink, visit, hang out, etc.
Let’s get caffeinated. You want booze in your coffee? Let’s head to the bi-level Greek masterpiece of Agora, then walk down Westheimer and hit up the thrift stores. We have to stop at Space Montrose and browse through local artists’ jewelry, knick knacks, and watercolors. You want a mocha that’s not too sweet but perfectly chocolatey? Let’s go to Catalina and browse the expertly curated men’s shop next-door, Reserve Supply Co. You want brunch at 11pm with a side of mimosas and fresh drip coffee? We’re heading to Tout Suite, and we might spend the entire day there, feasting on pastries or macarons. You want a photo op with a side of coffee? Let’s go to Boomtown in the Heights, or Tea Sip if you’re feeling hipster. Then we can walk down W 19th to Emerson Rose for some boutique clothing and accessories.

The Shoutout series is all about recognizing that our success and where we are in life is at least somewhat thanks to the efforts, support, mentorship, love and encouragement of others. So is there someone that you want to dedicate your shoutout to?
Shoutout to the people who booked me for their weddings and senior pictures 6 years ago, based solely off of my character. I had such little talent back then, and you TRUSTED my vision and creativity. My skills have improved dramatically since then, but the drive and compassion remain the same. Thank you for trusting that.

Website: http://sonderphoto.co

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/sonderphoto.co/

Twitter: https://twitter.com/katelyn_holm

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/SonderPhotoCo