We caught up with the brilliant and insightful Katherine Gonzales a few weeks ago and have shared our conversation below.
Alright, so we’re so thrilled to have Katherine with us today – welcome and maybe we can jump right into it with a question about one of your qualities that we most admire. How did you develop your work ethic? Where do you think you get it from?
My work ethic comes from my father. He worked hard to support our family and also taught me to work for everything that I have. I got my first job at 16 and by 19 started working for a Fortune 15 company where I would stay for 17 years until I left to pursue my photography career full time. Working there I was able to get my Bachelor’s degree in Business Management, buy my first home at 23 years old, and start my photography business all while supporting my daughter as a single mom. After 7 years of shooting part time and working full time, I was able to scale my photography business to the point where I could replace my full time salary. My prior company was a fast-paced, sales driven company which has helped me to push for growth in my own business’s sales goals.
Thanks, so before we move on maybe you can share a bit more about yourself?
As a luxury photographer specializing in maternity, newborn, and first-year baby photography, I have the privilege of capturing one of the most special seasons in life for families. This work holds deep personal significance for me because, when I was pregnant with my daughter at 21, there were no smartphones or social media to document such moments, and I have no photos of that time. Not knowing at that time that it would be my only pregnancy, I now see the immense value in preserving these memories. My passion lies in helping women feel beautiful and confident during a time when many feel self-conscious about their changing bodies. By providing heirloom-quality albums and wall art, I ensure these memories not only remain cherished but grow in value over time.
Looking back, what do you think were the three qualities, skills, or areas of knowledge that were most impactful in your journey? What advice do you have for folks who are early in their journey in terms of how they can best develop or improve on these?
Looking back on my journey as a luxury photographer, three key qualities and areas of knowledge have been most impactful in helping me build my business: improving my shooting skills, implementing a luxury pricing strategy, and creating a brand centered around exceptional customer experience.
First, taking in-person workshops was pivotal in refining my shooting skills. I initially was learning solely online, but there’s nothing like learning from experts in a hands-on environment. These workshops allowed me to not only master the technical aspects of photography but also to understand the artistry involved in capturing intimate, emotional moments. For anyone early in their journey, I highly recommend seeking out workshops or mentorship programs where you can receive personalized feedback and grow your craft.
Second, implementing a luxury pricing method and learning how to sell products was a game-changer. Early on, I struggled with pricing my services and felt unsure of how to make a living from something I loved to do. Once I began focusing on offering high-end products like heirloom albums and wall art, and aligning my pricing with the value I provided, everything clicked. For anyone looking to make this shift, I’d advise studying the luxury market, understanding the psychology behind premium pricing, and practicing confidence when talking about the value of your work.
Lastly, building a brand around a memorable customer experience has been essential in my success. Luxury clients are seeking more than just a photo session—they want an experience that feels exclusive and personalized. From the initial consultation to the final delivery of heirloom products, I make sure my clients feel valued at every step.
In short, invest in refining your skills, be confident in the value you offer, and always prioritize your clients’ experience. These areas will not only elevate your photography but will also help you build a sustainable and thriving luxury photography business.
All the wisdom you’ve shared today is sincerely appreciated. Before we go, can you tell us about the main challenge you are currently facing?
The biggest challenge I’m currently facing is getting ghosted after initial inquiries. Potential customers express interest, inquire on my website, and then fail to respond when I make initial contact.
To address this, I’m focusing on improving follow-ups by making them more personalized and strategic, using multiple touchpoints like email, text, or phone calls. I’m also testing different messaging approaches to keep prospects engaged and emphasizing urgency or added value to encourage responses.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.katherineallisonphotography.com
- Instagram: https://instagram.com/katherineallisonphotography
- Facebook: https://Facebook.com/katherineallisonphotographer
Image Credits
Danielle Barry – personal headshot
so if you or someone you know deserves recognition please let us know here.
