Today we’d like to introduce you to Katie Smith.
Katie, we appreciate you taking the time to share your story with us today. Where does your story begin?
I’ve always loved taking photos, but I truly fell in love with photography when I became a mom. When my oldest was born, I was that first-time mom who always had a camera in hand- documenting every little milestone, every new expression, every day that felt like it was flying by too fast.
Then came his first birthday. I booked a session at one of those chain photo studios, expecting it to be a big moment. Instead, it was a disaster. The session felt rushed and impersonal, and when I looked at the final photos, I couldn’t help but think, “I could do better than that.” That thought was the spark.
At the time, my husband was deployed to Iraq, and photography became my creative outlet. I poured myself into learning everything I could about the art and technical side of photography.
When he returned home, I decided to take a leap and turn my new passion into a business. But life as a military family meant constant change. Just as I started gaining clients and momentum, we’d get new orders and have to move. I built and rebuilt my business at every duty station, learning resilience, adaptability, and the power of connection along the way.
When my husband was injured and retired from the military, we finally settled back home in North Carolina. We bought our home in Mebane, and I made the decision to go all in- no more starting over. In 2020, I opened my studio, fulfilling a dream that had been more than a decade in the making.
What started as a mom with a camera has grown into a full-time career built on connection, creativity, and capturing stories that matter.
Alright, so let’s dig a little deeper into the story – has it been an easy path overall and if not, what were the challenges you’ve had to overcome?
It definitely hasn’t been a smooth road.
As a military family, we moved a lot- four times between 2009 and 2017. Each time I started to build momentum, we’d get new orders, and I’d have to start all over again. It was tough, but there was a silver lining. Each move gave me the chance to take what I’d learned and reinvent my business. By the time we finally settled in Mebane, I had a clear vision of what I wanted my photography business to be.
When my husband retired from the military as a disabled veteran, our lives shifted again. His health means I sometimes need to be flexible with my schedule, which has pushed me to design a business that works around our family’s needs instead of the other way around.
Then, just as everything was coming together, I signed my studio lease in February 2020. A few weeks later, the pandemic hit. Suddenly, I couldn’t meet clients in person, fix a strand of hair, or give the kids a high five after a great photo. I had to pivot. During that time, I explored digital art and spent a lot of time photographing flowers and insects up close. It gave me a creative outlet and kept me connected to photography even when I couldn’t work with people.
Looking back, all those challenges taught me flexibility and perseverance. Every setback shaped how I run my business today and made me appreciate every opportunity to create for my clients.
Appreciate you sharing that. What else should we know about what you do?
I photograph families, pets, seniors, and headshots, but what really drives me is creating portraits that feel natural and full of personality. My sessions are relaxed and fun, with a focus on connection instead of stiff poses.
I’m very hands-on with my clients. I help them plan their session, choose outfits, and design finished pieces like wall art and albums. I want them to leave with something they can enjoy every day, not just digital files sitting on a computer.
I’m especially proud of the relationships I’ve built over the years. Many of my clients come back year after year, and I’ve had the honor of watching their families grow. I also love using my business to support local causes and community events — that’s a big part of who I am and what my business stands for.
Is there something surprising that you feel even people who know you might not know about?
People who know me already know I’m introverted, but what usually surprises them is how much that changes once I have a camera in my hand. It’s like flipping a switch. I go from quiet and reserved to completely in my element. Photography brings out a different side of me- confident, creative, and fully focused on creating something special.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://katiesmithphotography.com
- Instagram: https://instagram.com/katiesmithphotography
- Facebook: https://facebook.com/katiesmithphotography2
