We were lucky to catch up with Katie Ward recently and have shared our conversation below.
Katie, so excited to have you with us today. So much we can chat about, but one of the questions we are most interested in is how you have managed to keep your creativity alive.
The short answer is variety and change.
The long answer is when I started my business, just the act of doing was enough to inspire. Figuring out the ins and outs of day-to-day operations, finding my personal style as a photographer, and client acquisition kept the spark going for two years. Then, slowly, as my business matured, those original challenges became mundane. Then, I had the space and opportunity to get creative. To indulge in both creative ideas for my business and personal projects.
Sometimes, having the courage to follow through with the creation of those ideas has held me back. But investing the time and energy into test shoots and photographing while being out in the world has led to some of my best photographs and best clients who come to me specifically for the type of creativity I am able to have when left to my own devices.
Thanks, so before we move on maybe you can share a bit more about yourself?
I’m a highly acclaimed and sought-after editorial and portrait photographer based in NYC, The Hamptons, and abroad. From the time I was 12, I knew that I wanted to be a photographer. But, like a true millennial, I ended up having many careers before settling on the one that was always right for me.
It’s because of the many jobs and years I spent away from photography that have made me the photographer I am today. I worked at Sotheby’s, got a Master’s in Art History and wrote my thesis on edible food as a contemporary art medium, produced television for a subsidiary of PBS, worked at an art gallery on the LES, created the once famous Instagram @PickleBeholding, worked as a private art advisor, and then went back to news video production all before having the courage to just be a photographer.
My time in the art world and in school helped in shaping my specific point of view. Having an extensive background in art and photo history has led to some really exciting inspirations in my work. It has provided a unique perspective and photographs that feel both modern and contemporary, and timeless.
I started my business at the end of 2018, solely focusing on family photography. Since then, I’ve had the honor of working with hundreds of families who trust me to capture their stories, children, and the moment of time they are in. After establishing my family photography business, I let myself get creative and venture into portraits, advertising, and editorial work.
This past year, I’ve had the pleasure of doing creative branding, headshots, and editorial portraits with some amazing women who have really let me flex my art directorial muscle with great success. I can’t wait to do more of this kind of work.
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?
This is a tricky one!
The first is not to let the fear of change, failure, or being ‘too old’ dissuade you from doing what you want. I’m more successful now than I’ve ever been, and I know it’s because I’m finally doing what I love.
The second is having enough technical skills and mastery over my craft to then move past it to create a unique style and point of view. There are so many photographers in the world! Standing apart from the crowd has meant having a vision of what I want my work to look like and the technical skills to produce it.
The third is learning from my mistakes. Mistakes happen! When they do, I always try to see it from my client’s perspective and provide the type of customer service I would want. Most of my mistakes, up to this point, have been in communicating expectations. So, I now make sure I have many client touchpoints from beginning to end to communicate what is happening at each step of the process.
My advice for other folks is to work hard, have mastery in whatever it is you do, and be humble when working with clients. We are all people with insecurities who want to be seen and appreciated. Knowing your clients want the same appreciation that you do will help shape how you communicate.
How can folks who want to work with you connect?
I’m always looking for families, people, and businesses to hire me!
Collaborating on creative concepts and helping families, people, and brands turn feelings and ideas into visual identities brings me so much joy.
You can get in touch on my website or social media.
Contact Info:
- Website: www.katie-ward.com
- Instagram: www.instagram.com/katiewardphoto
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/katiewardphoto
- Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/katienhoward/
Image Credits
Headshot: Stephanie Bordas All other photos: Katie Ward Photography
