We recently had the chance to connect with Katherine Piña and have shared our conversation below.
Hi Katherine, thank you so much for taking time out of your busy day to share your story, experiences and insights with our readers. Let’s jump right in with an interesting one: What do the first 90 minutes of your day look like?
My mornings are really about setting the tone for how I want the rest of the day to flow. The first 90 minutes are where I ground myself before diving into creating for my clients.
I always start with coffee and a few quiet minutes to breathe and look over my goals for the day. It’s important for me to be intentional, so I can show up fully for the people who trust me with their moments.
From there, I check in with my clients. That might be replying to emails, sending updates on galleries, or reviewing timelines. Communication is something I take seriously—it’s one way I can make sure my clients feel taken care of.
I also carve out a little time to get inspired. Sometimes that’s looking through color palettes, revisiting a lighting setup I’ve been wanting to try, or simply listening to music that gets me in the right headspace.
The last part of my first 90 minutes is usually hands-on: reviewing edits, pulling images into Lightroom, or prepping gear and styling pieces for an upcoming shoot. By then, I feel ready to step into the creative flow and focus on what I love most—capturing stories through my lens.
Can you briefly introduce yourself and share what makes you or your brand unique?
My name is Katherine Pina, and I am the owner and lead creative behind Katherine Pina Photography. I specialize in portraits, quinceañeras, and weddings, with a strong focus on capturing authentic emotion and telling stories through light. Photography has been part of my life for many years—I studied it in college and built my business around the belief that every person’s story deserves to be told beautifully and with intention.
What makes my brand unique is the way I approach connection. I don’t just show up with a camera; I take the time to understand who my clients are, what moments matter most to them, and how they want to feel when they look back at their photos years from now. Whether it’s styling a studio set, photographing a once-in-a-lifetime quinceañera, or documenting the energy of a wedding day, I aim to create images that are both artistic and deeply personal.
Right now, I’m also working on educational experiences for other photographers—workshops, guides, and resources that focus on creativity, lighting, and storytelling. My goal is not just to serve clients, but to help other photographers spark inspiration and grow in their craft as well.
At the heart of it all, Katherine Pina Photography is about people, stories, and the timeless power of images to hold memory and emotion.
Appreciate your sharing that. Let’s talk about your life, growing up and some of topics and learnings around that. Who saw you clearly before you could see yourself?
Before I could fully see myself as an artist and business owner, my husband, Ernie, saw me clearly. For 15 years of marriage, he’s been my biggest supporter—kind, funny, and steady in his encouragement. When I shared my dream of working in the photography event industry, he was the one who cheered me on the loudest. He’s not only supported me behind the scenes but has stepped in as a filmmaker to help document event coverage, making this dream something we’ve been able to build together.
What I treasure most is that Ernie has always believed in my vision, even in moments when I wasn’t sure of it myself. His humor keeps me light, his kindness keeps me grounded, and his willingness to invest his own time and energy into my passion reminds me how powerful it is to have a partner who truly sees you.
Was there ever a time you almost gave up?
Yes, there was a time I almost gave up. Running a creative business isn’t always as effortless as the final images make it look. Between the long hours, the pressure of balancing personal life and work, and the moments of self-doubt where I wondered if I was really good enough to stand out in such a competitive industry—it all weighed on me.
What pulled me through was remembering why I started: my love for storytelling, my passion for capturing milestones, and the trust my clients place in me. I also leaned heavily on the support of my husband, Ernie, who reminded me of my worth and helped me see the bigger picture when I was too caught up in the challenges.
Looking back now, I’m grateful I didn’t walk away. Those moments of struggle shaped me into a stronger artist and business owner, and they deepened the meaning behind the work I do today.
So a lot of these questions go deep, but if you are open to it, we’ve got a few more questions that we’d love to get your take on. How do you differentiate between fads and real foundational shifts?
Differentiating between fads and real foundational shifts comes down to observation, reflection, and alignment with your core values. Fads are often flashy, short-lived, and driven by hype—they may get attention for a moment, but they rarely improve your work in a meaningful way. Foundational shifts, on the other hand, create lasting impact because they change how you think, work, or serve your clients.
In photography, for example, trends like certain poses, filters, or editing styles can be fads. They might be popular for a season, but they don’t define your vision or elevate your storytelling. Foundational shifts might include advancements in lighting techniques, deeper understanding of color theory, or learning to connect with clients in a way that makes every session feel authentic. These shifts endure because they’re rooted in skill, creativity, and genuine value, not just popularity.
For me, I ask: Does this enhance my craft? Does this help me serve my clients better? Will this still matter in five years? If the answer is yes, it’s likely a foundational shift worth embracing.
Okay, we’ve made it essentially to the end. One last question before you go. What will you regret not doing?
I think the thing I’d regret most is not fully pursuing the projects and opportunities that excite me, even when they feel risky or uncertain. There’s a tendency to play it safe—stick with what’s comfortable or what seems “practical”—but I’ve learned that growth, both personally and professionally, comes from stepping into the unknown.
For me, that means continuing to push Katherine Pina Photography forward, exploring new creative directions, and sharing my knowledge through workshops and filmmaking. I’d regret not giving my all to the things I’m truly passionate about, because those are the moments that shape a life and a legacy worth having.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.katherinepinaphotography.com/
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/katpinaphotographer?utm_source=ig_web_button_share_sheet&igsh=ZDNlZDc0MzIxNw==
- Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/katherine-pina-9ab6b232/
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/Katherinepinaphotos
- Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@katherinepinaphotographer
Image Credits
Kiara Gearaldini
Garrett Anthony Clifton
