We were lucky to catch up with Kaitlin Rude recently and have shared our conversation below.
Hi Kaitlin , really happy you were able to join us today and we’re looking forward to sharing your story and insights with our readers. Let’s start with the heart of it all – purpose. How did you find your purpose?
How I Found Purpose in My Business (and Life) Through Jesus
For a long time, I thought if I just worked hard enough, hit all the business goals, and kept moving forward, I’d eventually feel like I “made it.” And while there were definitely exciting moments — amazing weddings, sweet messages from clients, and dreams coming true — I still felt like something was missing.
That “something” was Jesus.
Once I started inviting Him into my everyday — not just my personal life, but my business too — everything started to shift. I realized that photography isn’t just about taking pretty pictures. It’s about loving people well, showing up with purpose, and using the gifts God gave me to serve others in a meaningful way.
I stopped chasing success by the world’s standards and started focusing on what matters most: being faithful, being kind, and trusting that He has me right where I’m supposed to be.
In December of 2023, I remember crying out to the Lord for guidance on what he wanted me to do with my life. I was juggling being a wife, mom of an almost one year old, full time director of a childcare, and part time photographer. I was being pulled in every direction, and I was burnt out. I remember asking him “God- what do you want me to do with my life?’
I remember- it was Christmas break week and I was woke up by the Holy Spirit 4 days in a row at the exact time each morning, and the first thought in my head was “go full-time with your photography business”. I had a discussion with my husband about it, and how we were going to make finances work, and one scripture from Proverbs kept coming to mind “Trust in the Lord with all your heart, and do not lean on your own understanding. In all your ways acknowledge him, and he will make straight your paths.” It was then that next week, I had that tough conversation with my boss and I decided to go full-time February 2024.
Being full-time has been the breath of fresh air that I was looking for, and trusting in Jesus for my entire direction on it has allowed me to grow in my faith and finding my purpose.
Now, when I show up to a wedding day or session, I feel this deep peace. I’m not just a photographer — I’m someone who gets to love and serve people through their biggest moments. And that’s only possible because of Jesus.
Finding Him in my work gave my business a whole new meaning. And honestly? It gave me a whole new sense of purpose.
If you’re in a season where you’re feeling a little lost or unsure of your “why,” I just want you to know — Jesus is there. He cares about your heart, your work, and your purpose. And He’s really, really good at showing us the way.
Great, so let’s take a few minutes and cover your story. What should folks know about you and what you do?
I am a country loving, faith filled, wife, and mom of 2. Ready to capture your beautiful life and preserving meaningful memories. I have been photographing love stories in Minnesota and beyond, since 2019 and nothing excites me more than capturing the real, heartfelt moments for laidback, country couples, who cherish faith and family, and want more than just pretty photos. With a warm and storytelling approach, I focus on creating timeless images that reflect your love story in the most natural, genuine way. Whether it’s a wedding day, an engagement session, or a sweet family milestone, I’m there to tell your story with warmth, intention, and a whole lot of heart. My goal is to create images that bring you right back to those feelings, so you can relive your best days over and over again. . If you’re looking for a photographer who’s a friend first, who’ll treat your moments with care, and who values family as much as you do, we’re probably a perfect match. I offer wedding and engagement packages, family, portraits, branding and pregnancy journeys.
If you had to pick three qualities that are most important to develop, which three would you say matter most?
Looking back on my journey — both in life and in business — there are three qualities that have made the biggest impact: faith, resilience, and connection. I didn’t always have these things figured out (still don’t, honestly), but they’ve grown with me over time and completely shaped who I am and how I show up in the world.
1. Faith — Trusting God’s Timing and Plan
I used to think I had to control everything — the timelines, the income, the growth. But the more I leaned into Jesus, the more I learned to surrender. My faith has grounded me through uncertain seasons and reminded me that I don’t have to do it all on my own.
Advice: Start with small daily habits — prayer, quiet time, Scripture, even just speaking truth over your day. Invite God into every part of your life, not just the big stuff. You’ll be amazed at how He works when you give Him the room.
2. Resilience — Showing Up Even When It’s Hard
Running a business (and being a mom, and juggling life) comes with a lot of ups and downs. There were days I wanted to quit, days full of comparison and doubt. But choosing to show up anyway — to try again, to keep learning, to trust the process — that’s what builds resilience.
Advice: Don’t wait to feel “ready.” Start messy. Learn as you go. The hard days don’t mean you’re failing — they mean you’re growing. Keep going.
3. Connection — Building Real Relationships
Whether it’s with clients, other creatives, or friends in the same season of life, connection is everything. I’ve found the most joy and purpose when I lean into real, honest relationships — not just surface-level networking.
Advice: Be intentional. Show up for others the way you’d want them to show up for you. Cheer people on. Ask good questions. Share your heart, not just your highlight reel. That’s where the magic is.
If you’re early in your journey — in business, motherhood, or faith — just know this: You don’t have to have it all figured out. Keep showing up, keep growing, and trust that God is writing something really beautiful through your story.
What’s been one of your main areas of growth this year?
If I had to pick one area where I’ve seen the most growth in my business over the past year, it would hands down be confidence — in my work, in my client experience, and in the way I show up as a business owner.
This year, I finally stopped playing small. I got clear on who I’m meant to serve, I refined my brand to reflect my heart, and I started trusting my voice more — not just as a photographer, but as someone running a business with purpose. I said “yes” to the right things, “no” to what didn’t align, and leaned into what actually lights me up.
And the crazy part? Once I made that mindset shift, everything else started to grow too. My client relationships got deeper, inquiries became more aligned, and I started attracting the kind of people I love working with — the laidback, country-loving, Jesus-following kind that feel more like friends than clients.
Growth hasn’t always looked flashy or overnight. Sometimes it looked like working late after the kids were asleep. Sometimes it looked like learning the hard way. But through it all, I’ve seen God’s hand in every step — guiding me, stretching me, and reminding me that I’m capable of more than I give myself credit for.
If you’re in a season of building or wondering if the work you’re doing is making a difference — hang in there. Keep growing. Keep showing up. You might be surprised where a year of intentional, heart-led effort can take you.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.kaitlinrphotography.com
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/kaitlinr.photography/
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/kaitlinrphotography
- Other: pinterest: https://pin.it/S1jH1zw9G
Image Credits
Kaitlin Rose Photography LLC
so if you or someone you know deserves recognition please let us know here.
