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Life and Work with Kate Schwindt

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Today we’d like to introduce you to Kate Schwindt.

Kate, let’s start with your story. We’d love to hear how you got started and how the journey has been so far.
Photography runs in my family. My father, uncle and one of my cousins are all professional photographers. When I lived in New York City, I worked for a high-end wedding photographer, as a second photographer, for over six years. That’s where I learned about digital photography, as well as building relationships with your clients. For me, I was more drawn to working with our youth (middle and high school students) and their families. As a youth mentor, I see their struggles and want to shine love and light on them so they feel seen, heard and recognized.

Kate Schwindt Photography has been in business since 2012 and focuses on high school senior portraits and families. We have a studio in Littleton where we also photograph headshot and fashion sessions. Kate Schwindt Photography has an amazing high school internship program, as well as a rep program called the KSP Dream Team. Our interns are 10th grade or higher who assist us on a minimum of 5 photo sessions between May and September. They help with our clients, making sure they look their best, as well as assisting with holding reflectors, etc. and scouting locations. Our KSP Dream Team reps sign up for the program in January/February and have up to 7 or 8 styled photo sessions, both group and individual, at some amazing locations around Colorado up until December. We have partnered with local boutiques, like Susan Loves William at Streets of SouthGlenn, as well as with Athleta at the Park Meadows mall, and they style our reps for 1-2 photo sessions. The reps represent Kate Schwindt Photography as their sole photographer throughout the year, and in exchange, we provide mentoring, positive role models and friendships while participating in creative and unique photo sessions!

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?
I’m a firm believer in growing through challenges. Anytime I encounter an obstacle in my business, I literally say to myself, “What can I learn from this?” It usually comes down to clearer communication but it can also direct me into a new opportunity within my business. Other times, I learn that it is best to put an end to a particular part of my business as it doesn’t benefit me or my clients.

For example, when I first started out, I wanted to find a way to connect with my community and give back. I had been an actress for 12 years, and so I contacted the local high school theatre departments and asked if I could donate a photo session for the cast and crew of their shows. I also volunteered a photo booth to the high school talent shows. After a year, I took a look at both of these donations to see if they benefited my business and the community. I saw that the high school theatre students really cherished the photo sessions we did of the cast and crew of their shows, but doing two shows for 2-3 schools was a bit too much time. So, the 2nd year I reached out and offered the same donation but for just one of their shows. They loved it, and our relationship continues to this day, six years later! However, the talent shows didn’t provide any sort of benefit, as the kids were all so focused on their talent acts and I thought the photo booth was more of a distraction than a fun way to celebrate them.

Overall, I’ve been fortunate to grow each year in my business, with our without challenges. To young women starting out, always remind yourself “What can I learn from this?” And that not every client is right for you or you for them.

So, as you know, we’re impressed with Kate Schwindt Photography – tell our readers more, for example what you’re most proud of and what sets you apart from others.
My work celebrates high school senior students and families through customized portrait sessions. My clients refer me on a regular basis to their friends and family, which is such an amazing compliment. What I hear most from them is that I make their kids feel comfortable and that our session is truly a fun time. Lastly, they love the final images as they say it really looks like their child, not overly edited or awkward/ uncomfortably posed.

I’m really proud of my connection with the youth today. I love to recognize them for their achievements, but also provide them with one on one coffee shop mentoring if they ever need it. Sometimes, I’ve found they just need an adult, not a peer, to talk to. Someone who will really listen…and who isn’t their parents. I always encourage students to talk with their parents and connect with them through hard and honest conversation, but sometimes, they just want someone who is a little removed from their personal life. I’ve gone so far as to be certified with the state of Colorado through their mental health program, Youth Mental Health First Aid as well as with the program, Sources of Strength.

I give my time and attention to the youth of today and hope that makes a difference during the positive and challenging moments in their lives.

What advice would you give to someone at the start of her career?
Be business savvy. Get a degree or continue your education with marketing, business, social media, etc. You can fine tune the rest of your craft with ongoing education through workshops etc. But being on top of your business and building those skills first will save you so much time on the back end. Also, know when to delegate or outsource tasks within your business AND be automated in as many areas as you can, without losing that personal touch.

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Image Credit:
Kate Schwindt Photography

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