How about some seriously amazing high school senior photography to get you inspired for the weekend??  I chose Kathleen Frank Photography for this week’s Featured Photog Friday because, truth be told, I’m slightly obsessed with her.  The ethereal quality to her light, the movement, the intimacy of her subjects eyes and emotions, all wrapped up in gorgeous locations and tied with a bow of artistic vision.  She is a true artist.  And I just love her for that.  Enjoy!!

Q. Welcome, Katie! Tell us a little bit about yourself.

I am a Midwestern girl who has been living on the beach in Melbourne, Florida for the last five years with her amazing husband and also amazing puppy.

Q. How and when did you get into photography?

I’m not sure I can remember a time when I wasn’t drawn to a camera.  As a kid, I played with Polaroids and plastic film cameras that I discovered around the house, but it was high school when I took my first photography class, borrowing my father’s Canon FT QL, that I really fell in love.

Q. How long have you been in business and what do you specialize in?

I started my business about a year and a half ago, specializing in senior portraits.

Q. Natural light v. studio light?

Natural light.  I love me some sun flare and those golden afternoon rays.  I would love to conquer studio lighting one of these days, but I am drawn to a simple system with minimal gear, which is why natural light and I get along so well.

Q. Tell us about your camera gear. Any gear on your wish list?

I shoot with a 5D Mark II and an 85mm1.8 lens.  I also have the 50mm1.4, but the 85 never leaves my camera.  I told you I was a simple girl!  I also have a slew of film cameras that I use for personal projects and occasionally with clients: Yashica D, Canon FT QL, a Holga, the instax mini, and the instax mini wide.

The wish list???  A 45mm Tilt Shift is at the top of the list, and right along with it is the SX-70 Polaroid Land Camera.

Q. How would you describe your style of shooting; your style of editing?

I strive to create photographs that are artistic, modern, and unique, incorporating a sense of beauty and simplicity.  I keep my editing clean with a sense of vibrancy.  Honestly, when I am editing, I am always looking for that clean, strong edit that has that little bit of magic thrown in.  I can’t exactly describe that magic, but I know when I’ve reached it!

Q. What’s your best marketing tool? Where do most of your clients come from?

Marketing has definitely been my greatest challenge, and I am far from on expert on it.  Working with charities that I am passionate about, connecting with businesses that relate to my target market, and not being afraid to let people know who I am and what I do have all been helpful ways to encourage word of mouth and help seniors find me.

I also think that working and shooting even when I didn’t have paying clients was so, so helpful in building my business.  It allowed me to practice and hone my skills so I was ready when clients started calling, and it allowed me to constantly show new work on my blog, increasing my SEO and showing my clients that I was busy.  And… it helped me figure out exactly what I love to photograph without the stress of producing a product for a paying client.

Q. What has been the best advice you have received on your photography journey?

Advice that I wish I would have heard (and listened to!) earlier is to slow down.  Have fun with your camera and your art before jumping into business.  Learn your camera inside and out before jumping into business.  I am still trying to focus on enjoying the journey and balancing all parts of my life instead of always being so focused on the end goal.

Q. Who or what are your photography inspirations?

Where do I start!?!  I am a hoarder of beautiful images.  I swear, Pinterest was made just for me…  But Julia Trotti, Trevor Hoehne, and Lou Mora are some of my favorites.

Q. What secret power do you wish you had? (For example, I wish I could stop time so I could catch up on my to-do list :D )

A testament to where I am in my life right now, I just want the power to live without sleep.  I am sure there are better and cooler things, but I can’t think of anything that would be more helpful right now!  :)

Q. Any parting words of inspiration or tips for those starting out?

You can do this.  Dreams are hard but they are never impossible.  So, even when you doubt yourself and want to throw in the towel and are just so exhausted, if you keep putting one front in front of the other, you will get there!

Kathleen Frank Photography

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