We’re excited to introduce you to the always interesting and insightful Katie Todd. We hope you’ll enjoy our conversation with Katie below.
Katie, looking forward to learning from your journey. You’ve got an amazing story and before we dive into that, let’s start with an important building block. Where do you get your work ethic from?
I got my work ethic from my parents. When I was 15 I had my first job at a restaurant busing tables. My dad had worked there as well and made if very clear that I was to not make him look bad and to work my butt off! I was taught at an early age the importance of showing up on time, not calling out and working hard when I was there. Since then I’ve had a job and have really followed by example. My mom always works hard and not just at her job but just for everyone in the family. Its just something that’s been apart of my life. I truly believe that you get what you put in. Nothing comes without hard work.
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 am a Colorado based photographer that specializes in weddings, elopements and life’s milestones. I started photography back in high school and went to Rocky Mountain College of Art and Design for Fine Arts with an emphasis in painting. I switched over to photography shortly after. I’ll admit I didn’t finish school and photography started to become more of a dream. I had different photography jobs over the years but felt financially attached to my full time job. When I met my husband in 2017, I had talked about my dream of being a full time photographer. I had about every excuse in the book to not do it. I needed new gear, a new computer, didn’t know where to start, you name it! My husband who helps me keep things simple, told me to just buy the gear and start there. So I did! And things just took off from there! I worked my full time job and did photography on the side and my goodness, it was a lot! About a couple years in, it really became apparent that it was time to take the leap. It was terrifying! But I’m so glad that I did.
Fast forward several years and I have really been focused on personal relationships with my clients and other small businesses as well. Weddings and elopements have been a big focus for me lately and I am loving it! I am about to launch a new website and am shooting for volume 2 of The Scout Guide of Boulder. The Scout Guide is a national publication that promotes local business, and it has been so much fun being a part of it as well as being in the guide as well! I love becoming a part of something special with my clients. I think my favorite part is delivering galleries and seeing client reactions! I love being able to convey the emotion from the day, like you’re living those moments all over again.
If you had to pick three qualities that are most important to develop, which three would you say matter most?
1. Don’t give up – I know that’s said a lot but it really is true. There were so many moments that pushed me and I felt like it’d be so much easier to just give up or not do it at all and I’m so glad I didn’t.
2. Get out of your comfort zone! We don’t learn or grow without doing this and it’s what shapes us and you’ll be so thankful for it later
3. Go master your trade – I can’t say I feel like a master yet as I feel that I’ll be a forever student. There is so much to learn and so many talented people, but go learn as much as you can. If you don’t feel you like your editing style, find someone who’s style you like and learn from them, watch youtube videos, talk to other creatives. There are so many resources out there. Some of it will just be trial and error but it goes back to not giving up. Keep trying and keep learning.
Any advice for folks feeling overwhelmed?
When I’m feeling overwhelmed, it is typically because there are a lot of things going on in my head and sometimes writing them down helps. I call it a brain dump ha ha ha. I will just start writing everything that pops in my head in a notebook, it doesn’t have to look good, it’s just to get it all out. When I’m done, I’ll start looking at the most important things and look at my schedule. I put them in my planner and I still write in a physical planner because there’s something about writing things down and crossing them off that is so fulfilling. Prioritizing and planning gives me reassurance that I can get things done and I don’t need to feel stressed about it.
I also like to get up from my computer and take the dog for a walk, listen to podcasts that are motivational or sometimes just talk it out with someone. My favorite podcast to keep my head right is The Mindset Mentor. Rob Dial is to the point and has so many tips on living a better life!
Lastly, sometimes it’s important to remember that we’re only human and can only do so much. Give yourself some grace and time for yourself because taking care of yourself is important to being productive too!
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.katietoddphotography.com
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/katietoddphotography/
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/KatieToddPhotography/
- Other: https://www.pinterest.com/katietoddphotography/
Image Credits
Katie Todd Photography
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