May 15, 2017

Meet Kate Lemmon of Kate L Photography in Fort Point

Local Stories

Today we’d like to introduce you to Kate Lemmon.

Kate, can you briefly walk us through your story – how you started and how you got to where you are today.
I was always meant to be a photographer and a business owner — even as a child, I used to stage “photo shoots” for my Beanie Babies, and I was obsessed with opening lemonade stands! In my senior year of high school, I was lucky enough to find a family photographer in Austin who took me under her wing and taught me how to legally open my business.

I continued to run KLP part-time throughout undergrad and grad school, often working until 3 a.m. to keep up with my studies and serve my clients at the same time. When I graduated with my master’s in 2014, I rented an office and jumped straight into photographing full-time. Best decision of my life!

Great, so let’s dig a little deeper into the story – has it been an easy path overall and if not, what were the challenges you’ve had to overcome?
Throughout the first seven years of my business, I also seriously trained to become an orchestral musician. My family, friends, and mentors pulled me in two different directions (flute and photography). By the end of my master’s, it felt like I was only giving half of myself to each career, and I knew I needed to make a choice in order to reach my full potential. I had to turn off every outside influence in order to listen to what I knew I always wanted — to give my photography business everything I had. I still occasionally perform with local orchestras for fun, but I’m so glad that I’m now able to dedicate 100% of my work to running the business.

Alright – so let’s talk business. Tell us about Kate L Photography – what should we know?
I’m a family photographer who specializes in colorful, emotional, and playful imagery. I help my clients press pause on the endless BUSY and make moments that matter.

I’m here to give them more than just a new Facebook profile picture (although they’ll definitely be proud of that, too!). I’m here to show them the significance of all of the diaper changing, chauffeuring, and lunch-packing. I’m here to show them that they matter to their kids. I’m here to show them the beauty that’s inherent in parenthood when they’re too tired to see it on their own. I’m here to give them happy family memories that help make the tough days a little sweeter.

From the pre-session guide to the final snail mail thank you note, I work hard to create the ideal photography experience. I love to figure out what my clients need and help them achieve it, including planning outfits and creating customized albums and wall displays. My clients end up with vivid images that make them feel more beautiful than ever (even the busy moms who have gotten 2.3 hours of sleep in the last week!).

Beyond any award or publication, I’m most proud of the fact that my clients continue to come back to me year after year. I don’t take that trust for granted! I’ve been photographing one of the first KLP families for 9 years now, and it’s been an incredible experience to watch their toddlers grow into teenagers.

Is there a characteristic or quality that you feel is essential to success?
Above all, being flexible and open to change. Everything changes, all the time: photography trends, technology, client needs, business priorities, personal priorities. I’m constantly working to refine and improve every facet of my business.

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