We caught up with the brilliant and insightful Katherine Collins a few weeks ago and have shared our conversation below.
Katherine , so good to have you with us today. We’ve always been impressed with folks who have a very clear sense of purpose and so maybe we can jump right in and talk about how you found your purpose?
I picked up my first camera almost a year ago. It was the very first time I had ever even touched one. At the time, I was in the middle of an internship related to the field I was studying in college, but I couldn’t shake the feeling that it wasn’t what I was meant to do. It didn’t fulfill me. I didn’t have a passion for it. On the day that internship ended, I took a leap of faith and spent what little I had on a camera I didn’t even know how to use. I just knew I had to try. If this was part of God’s plan, I trusted that He would make a way.
I started from nothing. I offered free sessions just to gain experience. I spent hours watching tutorials and studying my camera until the buttons and settings became second nature. Little by little, passion began to grow into purpose. I discovered a deep joy in capturing love, especially through photographing couples. I began to see how clearly that kind of love reflects God’s own, intentional, beautiful, and holy.
As I built my business with God at the center, He began to bless it in ways I never imagined. It grew. I grew. My faith plays a huge role in how I approach photography. I don’t just see people in love, I see the miracle of connection, the gift of two people choosing each other, and the glimpses of eternity that show up in even the simplest touches. Whether it’s the early days of falling in love, the vows exchanged on a wedding day, or the life that love goes on to create, it all reminds me how present God is in every season.
Of course, the journey hasn’t been without its challenges. Every business has ups and downs. But through every insecurity and question mark, I’ve felt peace. I don’t lean on my own understanding. I trust in His. I believe His plans are good and that He equips us when we step into the calling He’s written for us.
Photography isn’t just a job for me, it’s a way to preserve the fleeting, to honor beauty, and to reflect the divine love that changes everything. One verse that guides the heart behind my business is 1 John 4:19: “We love because He first loved us.” That truth shapes how I approach every client, every session, and every interaction. I believe I’m called not just to document love stories, but to reflect the One who created love in the first place.
Let’s take a small detour – maybe you can share a bit about yourself before we dive back into some of the other questions we had for you?
I’m a couples and wedding photographer based in Florida & Minnesota, and I specialize in capturing timeless, romantic, and deeply authentic moments. What began as a spontaneous leap of faith has grown into a full-time creative business rooted in purpose, passion, and most of all, love. My heart for photography is simple: to preserve the beauty of real connection and reflect God’s love through every image I take.
What makes this work so special to me is knowing I get to be present for some of the most sacred, joyful, and intimate moments in people’s lives. I get to witness the quiet glances, the loud laughter, the in-between moments that often go unnoticed. My goal is always to document love in a way that feels true to who my clients are, not just posed or perfect, but honest, emotional, and enduring.
My brand, Katherine Collins Photography, is built on the belief that love is a divine gift and worth remembering. From proposals and engagement sessions to wedding days and growing families, I strive to be a storyteller for every chapter of love. I don’t see photography as just a service, I see it as a calling to serve people with care, creativity, and intention.
Right now, I’m working toward breaking more into the destination wedding industry, while continuing to pour into my heart for couples and family sessions. I find so much joy in capturing love in all its stages, from dating and engagements to marriage and the families that grow from it. One of my biggest dreams is to combine my love for travel and photography by documenting stories in beautiful places around the world.
Whether someone is booking a session or simply following along online, my hope is that every part of what I share reminds people that love is powerful, beauty is worth celebrating, and God is always in the details.
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, three things have made the biggest impact in my journey: faith, consistency, and connection.
Faith was the foundation of everything. I had no roadmap when I started, no photography background, and no guarantee things would work out. But I had a deep trust that if God placed this passion in my heart, He would guide the path forward. That kind of faith gave me the boldness to try, even when I didn’t feel qualified.
Consistency came next. I committed to learning something every day, whether it was through free sessions, YouTube videos, or simply experimenting with my camera. Growth doesn’t happen overnight, but daily effort adds up. I always encourage beginners to stop waiting until they “feel ready.” Just start, you’ll be amazed how much progress comes from showing up again and again.
Connection has probably been the most surprising and rewarding part. Building relationships with clients, fellow creatives, and even people online has opened so many doors I never expected. Being kind, intentional, and genuinely supportive of others goes a long way in business and in life.
My advice to anyone just beginning is this: trust the process and trust the One who’s leading it. You don’t have to have it all figured out. Stay faithful, stay curious, stay kind and the rest will come.
Any advice for folks feeling overwhelmed?
When I feel overwhelmed, the first thing I do is pause and pray. It’s easy to get caught up in the pressure of running a business, creating constantly, and showing up for everyone, but I’ve learned that stillness brings clarity. Taking a moment to step back, breathe, and bring it all to God reminds me that I’m not doing this on my own.
I also try to get practical. I’ll make a list, break things into smaller steps, and tackle what I can one piece at a time. Overwhelm usually comes when everything feels urgent or tangled together, but slowing down helps me see what actually needs my attention.
One mindset shift that’s helped me is choosing gratitude. When I feel stretched thin, I remind myself how grateful I am to be busy, because this is something I once prayed for. Having a full schedule means I’m living in answered prayers, and that brings everything into perspective.
My advice is to not let overwhelm make you believe you’re failing. It usually means you care. Let that remind you of your purpose, and don’t be afraid to rest. Rest isn’t quitting, it’s obedience. It’s making space to be renewed so you can keep going.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.katherinecollinsphoto.com
- Instagram: Katherinecollinsphoto
so if you or someone you know deserves recognition please let us know here.