Today we’d like to introduce you to Johanna Kitzman.
Hi Johanna, can you start by introducing yourself? We’d love to learn more about how you got to where you are today.
My photography journey started over 10 years ago and over the course of the last decade, it grew from a hobby to a passion to a career. In 2022, as I was just about to enter into maternity leave with my first baby, I signed a contract on my very first, very own Studio space. Located just across from Cowles, it was a dream come true.
I’m sure it wasn’t obstacle-free, but would you say the journey has been fairly smooth so far?
Owning a business, and being the sole employee, is not always a smooth road. There’s been a lot of ups and downs, heartbreaks as well as celebrations. I started my business in Minnesota, and as I finally thought I had it figured out, we packed everything up and moved cross-country to California. Just as I was getting my business up and running again, lockdown came and turned everything upside down. And then, after three years of infertility, we finally welcomed a baby boy into our family. So, needless to say, this business has been through the wringer over the years, but it’s also been my saving grace to have and to go back to. Even when it’s not easy, I feel incredibly grateful to have my own photography studio and for all of the families I meet along the way.
Thanks – so, what else should our readers know about your work and what you’re currently focused on?
My primary focus is the first year in a baby’s life. I love meeting families and seeing the longing on their faces as we capture their maternity pictures. Then the love on their faces as we welcome their little one to the world during their newborn session. From there on out, I adore seeing them come back for future milestone sessions and family portraits.
My style is natural, minimalistic, and timeless. To me, it’s important that my families are in focus and don’t disappear among large props. While I primarily shoot families outdoors, I’m best known for my studio maternity sessions and studio portraits.
In a world where it’s easy to get lost in the shiny props that pop up everywhere, I’m happy I’ve stayed true to my simple style. People have started to recognize me for that and that are the reason they book me. They love the clean, minimalistic look, and it’s one I’m proud to have and share.
What do you think about happiness?
My family makes me happy. They’re the reason I work so hard to build a profitable business. Thanks to that I’m able to spend as much time as possible with my little baby boy. Having a flexible schedule has been so important in the last year. Having the opportunity to watch him grow up in front of my eyes has been worth all the years of building up my business.
Pricing:
- Full Maternity, Milestones, and Family sessions start at $1250, and Petite start at $750
- Full Newborn Sessions start at $1350, and Petite start at $950
- Albums and Wall art is available for purchase to really enjoy the images the way they’re supposed to
Contact Info:
- Website: www.studiofreyja.com
- Instagram: www.instagram.com/studiofreyjaportraits
- Facebook: www.facebook.com/studiofreyjaportraits
