Today we’d like to introduce you to Kate Ackermann.
Kate, please share your story with us. How did you get to where you are today?
I started my business almost six years ago when my oldest child was enrolled in a Parent Co-op Preschool in Andover. While attending a fundraising meeting, I suggested doing a Family Photo Fundraiser, Photography was already a big part of my life at that time, although I had not been doing it professionally. The other parents loved the idea and it turned out to be a big success. Many of the families that I photographed ended up using my pictures for their holiday cards that year. That led to their friends asking who took the pictures and I began receiving requests for business cards. I seized this opportunity to turn my passion into my profession and I have been fortunate enough to make a living doing what I love since then. I turned an existing secondary structure beside my house into a private studio space, which has proved to be invaluable to my business. Over the years I have gained experience in many areas, including Newborn Photography, Wedding & Event Photography, Family and Child Portraiture and Professional Headshots. I have also had the pleasure of donating my time and talent to causes that are near and dear to my heart. Some of the organizations that I have worked with include PAWS NE Dog Rescue, The Friends of Jaclyn Foundation, Nan’s Circle of Hope Foundation and, most recently, St. Jude.
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?
My biggest struggle has been finding a balance in time management between my business and my family. I think this is something that every working parent can relate to. Most of my sessions take place during the weekends when everyone is home from work and school. That can be difficult, but I have found ways to make it work. I schedule a weekend off every couple of months and we spend real quality time together then. I also let my children work as my “assistants” when the situation allows. This makes them feel included in my work and it also helps build a little early work ethic.
Please tell us about Kate Ackermann Photography.
Photography is an art form that requires creativity, technological skill (both with the camera and the editing process), an understanding of how light works and the ability to connect with people on a personal level. The people that you photograph have to feel comfortable in front of your camera in order for you to capture a still image that expresses who they are. This is as true for the adult sitting for a professional headshot as it is for the tiniest newborn baby that needs to feel safe and comfortable. The ability to connect with people of all ages and walks of life is really the cornerstone of my business and I feel like that is what sets me apart from most other photographers.
Do you look back particularly fondly on any memories from childhood?
When I was a child my favorite holiday was The Fourth of July. I have many found memories of our annual family cookout at my grandmother’s house, which is actually my house now. We have a big extended family and we all managed to come together each year for this holiday. We would have a cookout with volleyball and, since most of my father’s family is musically gifted, we would sit around and listen to my aunts and uncles play guitar and sing. Towards the end of the evening my cousins and I would pack up into the back of my father’s pick-up truck and drive down to Wilmington Town Common for the “Fun on The Fourth” carnival and fireworks. I loved laying down on a blanket on the baseball field and looking up at the fireworks. I remember the smells of Fried Dough and popcorn wafting from the carnival and the sounds of people screaming on the carnival rides. I would see all my friends from school and my neighbors… it was our town’s time to annually come together. It was a magical time of year for me and I will always look back on it with great fondness.
Pricing:
- Newborn Studio Sessions Beginning at $250.00
- Outdoor Family Sessions Beginning at $225.00
- Professional Headshot Sessions Beginning at $100.00
- Childhood Milestone Studio Sessions Beginning at $125.00
Contact Info:
- Address: 56 Chestnut St
Wilmington, MA. 01887 - Website: www.kateackermannphotography.com
- Phone: 978-853-5263
- Email: www.kackermannphotography@gmail.com
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/KateAckermannPhotography/
Image Credit:
All images credits to Kate Ackermann Photography
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