We were lucky to catch up with Kaitlyn Baker recently and have shared our conversation below.
Kaitlyn, appreciate you making time for us and sharing your wisdom with the community. So many of us go through similar pain points throughout our journeys and so hearing about how others overcame obstacles can be helpful. One of those struggles is keeping creativity alive despite all the stresses, challenges and problems we might be dealing with. How do you keep your creativity alive?
“Learn the rules like a pro, so you can break them like an artist.” – Picasso
I’ve always believed in learning everything I can about photography—starting with light. I quickly realized that light doesn’t just illuminate a scene; it shapes the entire mood and meaning of a photograph. From there, I immersed myself in composition—how to fill a frame, guide the eye, and use angles to bring my vision to life.
Once those foundations were solid, I moved to manual settings, determined to apply what I’d learned hands-on. That meant fully understanding the exposure trifecta: aperture, shutter speed, and ISO. Learning and practicing these fundamentals has shaped the way I shoot today.
Dedicating myself to mastering the core principles of photography has only deepened my desire to keep pushing creatively—to see differently, shoot intentionally, and tell stories.
Great, so let’s take a few minutes and cover your story. What should folks know about you and what you do?
I’m a professional photographer with over 10 years of experience, and I’ve built my business from the ground up with a deep passion for authentic connection. Photography isn’t just a job for me—it’s a way to give families something lasting: real, meaningful keepsakes that tell their stories.
As an entrepreneur, I not only run my own photography business, but I also help manage my husband’s business behind the scenes, so he can focus on doing what he does best.
At the heart of my brand is connection—making sure every client feels seen, comfortable, and celebrated in front of the camera. I’m honored to turn fleeting moments into portraits that hold a place in your life for years to come.
I’ve recently opened my own photography studio in Sevierville, and I couldn’t be more excited to share it with everyone! The space is large, versatile, and designed to bring creative visions to life—whether it’s a full-scale shoot, a collaboration, or a space you need to bring your own ideas to reality.
Whether you’re a fellow creative, a client with a bold vision, or someone simply looking for the perfect spot to shoot, I’d love to help you make it happen. Let’s create something amazing together!
There is so much advice out there about all the different skills and qualities folks need to develop in order to succeed in today’s highly competitive environment and often it can feel overwhelming. So, if we had to break it down to just the three that matter most, which three skills or qualities would you focus on?
Looking back, I’ve learned that the three most important principles in building a lasting career in photography are: choosing quality over quantity, committing to mastering your craft, and embracing the mindset to never stop learning. These values have shaped my work and my business, and they are what I hope to pass on to both my clients and the creatives I collaborate with.
Never stop practicing. Believe you can achieve great things. Don’t let where you start stop you—and if you fail, try again. No one else is you, and that’s your greatest strength. Stay true to your vision, and you will be great.
One of our goals is to help like-minded folks with similar goals connect and so before we go we want to ask if you are looking to partner or collab with others – and if so, what would make the ideal collaborator or partner?
Calling All Creatives!
I’m currently looking to connect and collaborate with passionate creatives for styled photo sessions. Whether you’re a:
📷 Photographer
📹 Content Creator
🎨 Set Designer / Stylist
💐 Florist
👗 Wardrobe Stylist
🖌️ Makeup Artist / Hair Stylist
🪑 Prop Curator
🌾 Event Designer
…or simply someone with a vision and creative spark—
Let’s come together to create visually striking, story-driven photo sessions. This is a space for passion projects, portfolio building, experimentation, and just making magic happen.
If you’ve got an idea, a mood board, or just want to be part of something artistic and collaborative—let’s talk!
Let’s dream it up and bring it to life.
Email: [email protected]
Contact Info:
- Website: https://smokenlenses.mypixieset.com
- Instagram: smokenlenses_photography
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/smokeNlensesCommercialPhotography/
- Yelp: https://www.yelp.com/biz/smoke-n-lenses-sevierville
Image Credits
Kandee Philips – Owner / Head Coach at Wallace Tumbling and Dance Academy
Steph Blue – Digital Marketing Strategist at Knoxville Chamber
Krishanda Upton – Account Manager at The Brand Agency
Skyla & Justin
Sierra M.
Max Dance Studio
Megan W.
Aimee & Braden
Lily B.
so if you or someone you know deserves recognition please let us know here.
