Today we’d like to introduce you to Kaitlin Lopez.
Kaitlin, please share your story with us. How did you get to where you are today?
My story started about 15 years ago when I took a high school photography class. I had always loved looking through old photos, playing around with cameras, and covering my walls with pictures of my friends and I. At age 17 I began working at a camera shop, developing film (I swear I am not that old) and selling cameras. It was then, that I started photographing friends for their senior photos, and capturing the occasional family portrait. The occasional family portrait turned into a full-time thing when I took a position at a big box portrait studio
I have always enjoyed being behind the camera. I think of myself as an artist, but not in the traditional sense. I love decorating and composition, I love the design and a good cohesive flow. Photography was the perfect way to display all of those traits and really have fun doing it!
After spending almost 8 years in the retail portrait studio environment (photographing and managing), I decided it was time to venture on my own. I wanted to capture people how I saw them, I wanted to create a business for myself that I could be proud of. I wanted to get outside, into the real world, and capture images that truly reflected my client’s personalities.
I started my business from the ground up. I harassed everyone I knew until they let me photograph them and their families. I started marketing on Facebook and Instagram, and before you knew it, clients starting contacting ME! I have been in business for 3 years now and doubled my session count every year. I still have so much farther to go, and so much higher to climb, but I truly am grateful. Every time I look at my client count or scroll thru my feed, I am so AMAZED that people have come to me, to capture memories for their families.
In three years, I was blessed with a wonderful husband, an amazingly special daughter, and a business all my own. That’s what dreams are made of, right there.
We’re always bombarded by how great it is to pursue your passion, etc – but we’ve spoken with enough people to know that it’s not always easy. Overall, would you say things have been easy for you?
The road to build my business has not been easy always, and the hard work is far from over.
When I began Spark the Heart, I was still working another part-time job, just to make sure there was steady income. There would be long periods where my schedule was empty, and I wondered if I was doing the right thing. It has always been, and will probably always be, a challenge to stand out from the rest. Photography is popular nowadays. There are lots of talented photographers out there, and it takes confidence (and a lot of internal pep talks) to make sure that you keep yourself motivated and encouraged.
As humans, we try not to compare ourselves to others, but it’s inevitable. I constantly ask myself if I am as good as the next… I need to work on that. I’m doin’ just fine!
So, as you know, we’re impressed with Spark the Heart Photography – tell our readers more, for example what you’re most proud of as a company and what sets you apart from others.
Spark the Heart Photography specializes in family, children, and lifestyle photography.
My goal is to capture my client’s real personalities and style. I don’t ever want the photos to look forced and I never want my clients to feel uncomfortable. It’s a rule of mine, that I become friends with EVERY SINGLE CLIENT.
When you show up to capture family photos, a birthday, a wedding, or a newborn, people are letting you be a part of their most important life moments. To capture the real spirit – you have to be friends.
There are two things that I think set me apart from others:
1. I’m a husband whisperer. My husband is the worst with taking photos. He will seriously avoid it at all costs, so I’ve become a pro at making the session quick, easy. and relaxed. The quicker it goes, the less awkward it is, the better the husbands do, and the happier the wives are!
2. I’m funny. At least I think I am. Without a doubt, I laugh and the client laughs, in EVERY single session.
So, what’s next? Any big plans?
I’m still a one-man show and a home-based business, but I would love to have a team in the near future, one that loves life and people and photography as much as I do.
I plan to grow. I plan to grow as a person, as a business owner, as a photographer, and as a friend. One truly never stops growing and never stops learning as long as they are open to it.
Pricing:
- 45 minute family session + 25-30 images ($169)
- 45 minute child session + 25-30 images ($169)
- 45 minute engagement/couple session + 25-30 images ($149)
- two hour newborn session + 20-25 images ($229)
Contact Info:
- Website: www.sparktheheartphotography.com
- Phone: (619) 849-0570
- Email: sparktheheartphoto@gmail.com
Getting in touch: SDVoyager is built on recommendations from the community; it’s how we uncover hidden gems, so if you know someone who deserves recognition please let us know here.
