Hello! So you have stumbled upon my little corner of the web, my creative space and safe place to share with you my journey, the people I have met and the stories I have told all through the photos I capture. I’d love for you to hang around, so make a cuppa, get cosy on the sofa and get to know me.

You never know, we may end up working together in the future.

To start my ‘get to know me’ blog series, I thought a little Photogtaphy Q&A would be an excellent way to answer some questions about my photography.

When did you first get into photography?

I have always loved taking photos; first with the good old-fashioned disposables (you never knew what you were going to get back with those), then a simple digital point and shoot and then finally upgrading to a DSLR.

I started to take photography more seriously in my mid-20s after a break-up. I had always loved photography and taking photos but I had never quite had the confidence to take the leap and pursue it further. That year, I bought myself a new DSLR, booked myself onto my first photography course and fell even more in love.

It remained a hobby for many years until the past few years where I have taken it much more seriously and made it into a business.

Who is your favourite photographer/who inspires you?

I was inspired by many growing up, but the first photographer/artist that stood out to me was Jeremy Cowart. It wasn’t just that he is a fantastic photographer; it was his photography story/that really struck a chord with me and the fact that his photos have/are making a difference in the world. He wasn’t scared to document the hardships of people. I discovered Jeremy through his wonderfully inspiring video, titled I’m possible. I challenge you not to watch this video and not be moved or inspired.

I am still constantly being inspired by many artists, photographers and cinematographers, Instagram is really an incredible social media platform. I get to be inspired daily whilst looking at my feed whilst connecting with people.

How would you describe your photography style in five words?

Lifestyle, documentary, candid, vibrant and fun.

Where is home for you and where do you work?

Home is Buckinghamshire. I have lived in a small village for most of my life (apart from 5 years when I moved to Sheffield) I feel so lucky to call the countryside my home.

I work mainly in Buckinghamshire, but I am happy to travel through the UK and even further a field. When we are able to (hello, corona virus pandemic) I would like to travel a lot more and take photographs.

Travel and photography would be the dream!

What did you do work-wise before you started your photography business?

My first ever job was working in Waterstones, which at the time was heaven for me as I’ve always been a big reader. I cannot tell you how many books ended up making their way into my bedroom (over 500 to be exact)

After Waterstones, I worked in childcare for seven years as a nursery teacher which was so rewarding and fun. As much as I loved working with children after seven years, it was time for a change, and I started working in marketing for a well-known children’s holiday multi-activity camp. Marketing was a lot of fun, and I learnt so much but after three years the pandemic hit, and I was made redundant.

Which really was a blessing in disguise as it gave me the push I needed to try and my photography business full time.

How do you choose the locations for your photoshoots?

It really depends on the shoot. Luckily where I live, I have so many beautiful locations right on my doorstep. I like to go location scouting regularly, to try and find new and amazing places to shoot.

I love shooting in the countryside but I also would like to shoot in some more urban areas in the future.

What editing software do you usually use?

I mainly use Adobe Lightroom to adjust exposures and to complete simple editing. If a image needs a little more work, I will then more it to Adobe Photoshop.

What’s your favourite thing to photograph?

I love taking photos of people and capturing their stories.

What does photography mean to you?

Photography, for me, is a way of expressing myself and help others to do the same. I feel very honoured, especially as a family photographer, to be able to capture some precious and beautiful moments that can be cherished for years to come.

Photography can be such a powerful form of expression; I love that images can be subjective and can make the viewers think and feel just by looking at them.

What camera and lens do you use?

I currently shoot with a Canon 6D Mark 2 DSLR. My favourite lenses I now use is my trusty 50mm prime lens and my 35mm prime wide-angle lens! I would always highly recommend prime lenses.

What do you like most about being a photographer?

Telling peoples stories. I have also met some fantastic people through photography.

Where do you see yourself in 5 years with your career?

I would like to think in 5 years I will still be working freelance and taking photos of families, whilst doing more personal projects.

Documentary photography is definitely something I want to shoot more in the future, focusing on telling the stories of people who may help in doing so.

It’s not sercret that I suffer with anxiety, I would also love to bring more awareness to mental health through my work.

Something fun I’d like to do would be to photograph a musical festival one year, capturing the colours, the atmosphere and the vibrant costumes would be amazing!

I hope you enjoyed getting to know about more about me and my photography journey!

If you have any more questions, please drop me a message :)

Katie Mayer Photography Q&A