Meet Katy Schilhab: Lifestyle family photographer

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

Hi Katy, is there something that you feel is most responsible for your success?
When I first started my company I worried so much about making my clients happy that I incorporated things/props/ideas that I didn’t necessarily want to. I shot in places that I didn’t really like or want to shoot. It was all about making them happy and doing whatever they wanted. It took me a while to realize that I had a unique voice and vision. The more I photographed things and people in ways that didn’t align with that vision, the worse I felt and the worse my photos looked. It is the MOST important thing in the world for me that my clients are happy… but if I don’t stay true to who I am and the vision that I have then Ive done both of us a disservice. People that hire me are hiring me for the way in which I communicate their story. It isn’t always easy, but the more I have stayed true to myself and my unique contribution to this space the more successful I have become.

Alright, so let’s move onto what keeps you busy professionally?
I started my business as a digital photographer. I began to feel bored and uninspired after a few years. In attempt to get out of my creative rut I read an article with suggestions about how to break out of that. One of the suggestions was to try something new. I learned how to shoot film in college and still had the camera I used to shoot with all the time. I loaded a roll of film and began shooting. Almost immediately, it was as if a spark had been reignited. I began to see things differently, shoot differently. It didnt take long for me to switch over completely. I now shoot almost exclusively film professionally as well. There is something magical about film. It is what photography is all about for me and explains why I had such a hard time in the beginning of my business. When you shoot film, you must get the shot you need in that actual moment. There is no going back to look at 300 images of the same thing to see which you like best (which digital photographers do so often). Film forces me to slow down and be intentional with my clients and my vision. I love that you don’t get the immediate gratification of seeing that image right after you have shot it- you have to wait for the film to be developed. Again, this is the most authentic version of photography. I love that film automatically gives more life to the images I create. I want my brand and my story to be exactly that: AUTHENTIC.

If you had a friend visiting you, what are some of the local spots you’d want to take them around to?
If my friend were visiting me for the week I would definitely take them to eat at some of my favorite restaurants! Houston is a huge city known for its many amazing restaurants and we would start at Roku Akor. This is my most favorite sushi place. The food there is just incredible. We would also definitely have to eat Tex-Mex at El Tiempo. We would definitely get a cookie from Tiny’s Milk and Cookies (yum!). We have some really great parks and places to explore (Hermann Park is a fav). How could we not spend a day shopping? We’ve got some really great options at Highland Park but also some of the most awesome consignment stores ever (aka: The Guild!)

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?
Where do I even start? I wouldn’t have been able to start my business without the support of my wonderful husband, Brent. He has been beyond encouraging and helpful from day 1. He is always reminding me of my worth and talent. He is my biggest cheerleader. I am so thankful for him. Ive had a few mentors along the way that have been amazing but I have to say that there is a group of friends I have made that are so invaluable to me. We lean on each other and guide each other and are sounding boards for the most basic questions or the most grandiose ideas. We chat almost daily and I am so thankful for meeting them at a conference years ago. Shoutout to Kristin, Priya and Alison!

Website: www.katyschilhabphotograhy.com
Instagram: @katyschilhabphotography
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/KatySchilhabPhotography/

Image Credits
Marni Wishart Photography