Daily Inspiration: Meet Katie Dahle

Today we’d like to introduce you to Katie Dahle.

Hi Katie, so excited to have you on the platform. So before we get into questions about your work life, maybe you can bring our readers up to speed on your story and how you got to where you are today.
From a young age, I enjoyed taking photos. I had a small little point-and-shoot camera that I’d use to take photos of random things like our cat or my parents at home. In high school, I took some photography classes and eventually bought my first DSLR. My first paid gigs were taking senior photos, mostly for my friends or people I knew. I was literally shocked people wanted to pay me! Throughout college, I got involved in wedding photography and fell in love. But, I told myself I would never pursue this full-time.

It would always be a hobby or side gig. When spring of my senior year rolled around and it was time to start applying for jobs… I didn’t. It became clear that deep down I really did want to work for myself and capture amazing wedding days… even though it was a scary leap. I’m so grateful for my husband who wholeheartedly has supported me from the very beginning. Even when I was making no money and the future wasn’t clear, he believed in me.

Alright, so let’s dig a little deeper into the story – has it been an easy path overall and if not, what were the challenges you’ve had to overcome?
There’s been lots of ups and downs. As an artist, so much of who I am is in my work. It’s all very personal. Most of me loves that because I get to put my heart and soul into my business. I really get to connect with others on an emotional level with my work. I’ve worked hard at perfecting my craft and I don’t have to do it as anyone else does it.

However, it can be tricky. I often overthink my editing style. When I’m not hitting my financial goals, it can really weigh on me because I’m the one in charge. If I don’t work hard, I won’t provide any income. When couples go in a different direction, it can feel very personal because I’ve built my whole brand and business myself. There are days when I feel overwhelmed by all the things I want to do- I don’t have a staff to hand it off to.

But, I wouldn’t trade it for the world! The blessing this business has brought outweighs all of the hard days.

Thanks for sharing that. So, maybe next you can tell us a bit more about your work?
I enjoy capturing a variety of life’s moments, but my heart is really invested in capturing couples. Proposals, weddings, anniversaries, elopements…. give me all the love! There is something so special about capturing the connection and emotion between two people in love. I’m proud to create spaces for my couples to feel comfortable in front of my camera- I really want to capture who people really are as a couple.

Besides capturing the important moments, my biggest priority is for all of my clients to feel loved and celebrated. I get invited into some really intimate and special spaces. That honor is not lost on me and it’s my goal to use that invitation for good. Let’s freakin’ celebrate!

The crisis has affected us all in different ways. How has it affected you and are any important lessons or epiphanies you can share with us?
Oh man, where do I begin?

I think we all learned how important human connection is. Time with friends and family… that’s the good stuff! It has made me even more aware of how important it is to document that connection.

Something like a pandemic makes us all remember that life is short and unpredictable. Document your story now, as it’s happening. Don’t wait!

Contact Info:

• Website: https://capturedbyktphotography.com
• Instagram: instagram.com/capturedbyktphoto
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/CapturedByKt/
• Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/company/captured-by-kt/
• Other: https://www.tiktok.com/@weddingphotographer__

Image Credits
Gesina Marie Photography and Captured by Kt