Today we’d like to introduce you to Kate Preftakes.
So, before we jump into specific questions about the business, why don’t you give us some details about you and your story.
Photography has been a part of my life for as long as I can remember. My mother was always photographing us as children and I acquired her love of beautiful portraits. I studied fine art photography at The School of the Art Institute in Chicago and learned to push myself as an artist. While in Chicago I worked with commercial food photographers and really loved the pace and detail of that kind of work. My husband and I moved to Seattle and it was there that I started working with wedding photographers and my love of weddings began. I had always assumed that wedding photography was cheesy but I discovered that it could in fact be very artistic and beautiful and I adored the energy of the wedding day. After moving back to New England I focused my business on weddings and portraits and have a wonderful collection of clients.
Has it been a smooth road?
Owning and growing a small business is never easy, especially while raising children, but I have loved every minute of it! I have had many late nights (and early mornings) trying to get work done and balancing work and family life.
I think the biggest challenge is staying relevant and valued in a saturated market. The digital age has brought many new photographers into the business and that can make it difficult to maintain the value of your work. But staying true to yourself and your own personal style of photography is the key to staying respected and sought after. I am fortunate to have wonderful couples and families as my clients who value my particular work and style and many have become friends over the years.
So let’s switch gears a bit and go into the Kate Preftakes Photography story. Tell us more about the business.
I have a fine art photography business specializing in weddings and portraiture. My photography is soft and natural and I love details. Whether it’s the lace on a dress or a child’s little toes, I believe the details can beautifully capture the true essence of the day. I think what sets me apart from other photographers is my experience in both fine art and commercial settings. Being able to work with light in a variety of situations is very important to creating strong imagery. Also, personality is a huge factor when taking portraits and if you are able to make people feel comfortable and happy you will get exquisite photos that reflect their true nature. My clients often tell me that I make them feel relaxed and happy and they truly enjoy their sessions. I adore seeing true love and documenting it in a way that is meaningful. It is always my goal to create images that will evoke emotions in people and document their lives in a way that they can remember with fondness. I love non-smiling photos, especially from children.
How do you think the industry will change over the next decade?
The digital age has changed the photography industry dramatically in many ways. One of the biggest changes in the past 10 years is that everyone has access to taking their own photos 24/7. And cameras are becoming more sophisticated every day. Professional photographers now have to work harder than ever to stand out and create work that is unique and inaccessible to the everyday person. The camera is now more of a data collector and the art form is taking place in the post production aspect of photography. I have always believed that keeping my photography classic and timeless while the filter trends come and go is the best way to stand out amongst the ever changing trends and will always be loved and appreciated for years.
Pricing:
- Wedding Packages start at $4500
Contact Info:
- Website: www.preftakesphoto.com
- Phone: 603-759-8362
- Email: kate@preftakesphoto.com
- Instagram: kate_preftakes
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/katepreftakesphotography/
Image Credit:
Images by Kate Preftakes Photography
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