Today we’d like to introduce you to Katie Iredale.
Katie, can you briefly walk us through your story – how you started and how you got to where you are today.
Once I got a taste for working with couples, I was sold on becoming a photographer of “all things love” and I haven’t looked back. I shot my first engagement session in June of 2018, followed by second shooting weddings for a few local photographers and used the photos to build my portfolio. While I gained experience with couples, I photographed everything under the sun… Families, Boys & Girls Club events, births, newborns, and other random stuff. But my heart was with my couples. I reached out to couples I knew to see if I could photograph them for free so I could have more content… and shortly thereafter, I began photographing weddings. At first, I was so so scared! It is such a huge responsibility to be trusted to document a wedding day, it takes so much attention and razor-sharp focus… but these days I get super excited to go make magic with my couples and I seriously have so much fun on wedding days!! I started booking weddings in August of 2018 and fully booked out 2019 and now in the fall of 2019, I am over half way booked for 2020. I have invested in myself, in my business, I have all the best equipment, I have a brand that is unique to me, I respond in record time to all of my clients, I deliver galleries quicker than 90% of my competition, and I like to think that my charismatic and transparent personality helps me to attract the clients I desire to work with! I love this job and wake up every day that this is what I get to do with my life.
Overall, has it been relatively smooth? If not, what were some of the struggles along the way?
You know, it has been pretty smooth. But it has also been quite scary. Wedding photography is a huge responsibility and huge responsibility comes with a lot of pressure. I know what works for me is being honest with my couples, setting expectations, keeping boundaries, and making sure I am working with clients who respect me and value my work. The advice I’d have is… don’t underprice yourself but also don’t let your ego determine your pricing. Don’t work with shitty clients just to make a buck. Set boundaries with your clients. Set very clear expectations. Invest in yourself so that people will want to invest in you. Be honest. Do your best. Learn from your mistakes. Don’t give up. Save your money. Be grateful. Trust God. Help others. 🙂
What should we know about Katie Iredale Photography? What do you do best? What sets you apart from the competition?
I specialize in couples and intimate weddings. I have a documentary style approach mixed with portraiture. What this means is on wedding days, I document the day candidly, as it is happening. At certain points throughout the day, I will direct and create certain shots that I like to include in my galleries for my clients. I think what sets me apart from others are the qualities that I am most proud of, which are the genuine connections I aim to create with my clients, my prompt communication skills, and my efficiency.
What do you feel are the biggest barriers today to female leadership, in your industry or generally?
I personally don’t feel any barriers, nor have I ever. I don’t have any experience being discriminated against for being female. I am grateful I have never been affected by this, as I know it is an issue that is still alive in our society.
Pricing:
- Sessions begin at $350
- Weddings begin at $2400
Contact Info:
- Website: www.katieiredalephotography.com
- Phone: 760-783-3819
- Email: hello@katieiredalephotography.com
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/katieiredalee
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/katieiredalephotography/
Image Credit:
All photos taken by Katie Iredale Photography
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