Today we’d like to introduce you to Kathryn Powers.
Hi Kathryn, so excited to have you on the platform. So before we get into questions about your work-life, maybe you can bring our readers up to speed on your story and how you got to where you are today?
Honestly, I never imagined I’d end up as a photographer. I went to university for hospitality management and spent years working and traveling all over the world. The hospitality industry gave me the chance to live abroad, meet people from all walks of life, and learn how to truly connect with others. I’ve always felt drawn to different cultures and perspectives. Surrounding myself with people who live, think, and feel differently has shaped so much of who I am.
While I was working and traveling, photography became my way of slowing down and truly seeing a place. It helped me capture the soul of it in a single frame. I treated it like a diary…something to remember all the places I visited and the people I met along the way. I loved photographing people, landscapes, and the small cultural details that made each experience feel unforgettable. Looking back, that was probably the beginning, even if I didn’t realize it at the time.
Eventually, friends started asking me to take their portraits. That led to people I didn’t know trusting me with their memories: families, couples, and eventually weddings. That trust gave me the courage to take the leap and start my business.
Starting my own business wasn’t easy. When I moved to the UK, I had to begin from scratch without the network or support system I’d had back in Cleveland. I reached out to other photographers and was lucky to meet some truly amazing people who offered guidance and support when I needed it most.
Running your own business is a real test of commitment. It was, and still is, hard work. But you get out what you put in. It meant working long hours—building relationships, creating a website, learning to market myself, managing social media, editing constantly, and figuring out how to build something sustainable. The growth has been slow, and it’s taken time, but I don’t regret it. I get to do what I love every day. And when I see how people react to their photographs, it’s the best feeling in the world.
Now, I photograph weddings, families, and everyday memories across Cleveland, the UK, and anywhere else my clients invite me. My passport is always ready. My sessions aren’t about perfect poses or forced smiles. They’re about the candid, playful, and deeply human parts of life. I love a good sunset, a pint of Guinness, and that moment when my clients completely forget the camera is there. Especially with families, I focus on natural connection instead of perfection. I encourage adventure and the freedom to be yourselves, because that’s when the real magic happens.
When someone chooses me as their photographer, I never take it lightly. It’s personal to them, and it’s personal to me too. My dad passed away years ago, and the photos I have with him are some of my most treasured possessions. They help me remember his laugh, the way he looked at me, and who I was when he was still here. That experience changed the way I see photography. It’s not just about making something beautiful. It’s about preserving memories and passing them on. It’s how we remember. It’s how we stay connected.
That’s why I do what I do. Whether it’s a wedding or a muddy family session in the woods, I’m there to document the real moments. The ones that only grow more meaningful with time.
Would you say it’s been a smooth road, and if not what are some of the biggest challenges you’ve faced along the way?
Oh, definitely not smooth. But every bump taught me something important.
When you’re just starting out, especially as a solo creative, you’re figuring everything out as you go. I learned a lot of lessons the hard way. One of my very first weddings turned out to be a complete scam. A guy reached out last minute, saying he needed an emergency photographer to cover for him because of a family situation. I was so excited to shoot a wedding that I didn’t even stop to think about contracts or red flags. I showed up, photographed the entire thing, delivered the gallery—and then he completely disappeared. No payment, no follow-up, nothing. I was devastated. But I also came out of it much more aware, and determined to treat my work like the business it truly is.
Behind the scenes, running a photography business means wearing every hat: marketing, admin, editing, social media, scheduling. It’s a constant juggle. And when you’re working for yourself, there’s no one else to fall back on. There have been days when I’ve questioned everything. Days when bookings were slow or it felt like I was building a business with no roadmap, like assembling IKEA furniture with the wrong screws and no instructions. But those little reactions—tears, laughter, quiet joy at seeing real life reflected back—are what keep me going.
One moment I’ll never forget was with a family that flew in from Indiana to visit Manchester United’s stadium. I photographed their private tour and captured them cheering and dancing as the anthem played before they walked through the tunnel and onto the pitch. But it wasn’t just about the photos. They told me I helped make their trip unforgettable, from rescheduling last minute to suggesting places for them to explore together. That’s when it hit me: this job isn’t just about snapping pictures. It’s about creating meaningful experiences people carry with them long after the moment is over.
This road has been messy and far from perfect, but I wouldn’t trade it for anything.
Great, so let’s talk business. Can you tell our readers more about what you do and what you think sets you apart from others?
I’m a multiracial woman—Peruvian-American with Irish and Scottish roots—who brings a deeply human and inclusive approach to photography. My business is rooted in connection. I’m known for creating a warm, relaxed space where people can be themselves, no matter their background, beliefs, or life choices. Whether you’re LGBTQ+, celebrating nontraditional family structures, or simply someone who doesn’t usually feel comfortable in front of the camera, you’re welcome here. I believe in capturing people as they truly are, and my goal is always to make every client feel seen, accepted, and celebrated.
Photography, for me, is more than a profession—it’s a way to learn about others and reflect their essence back to them in a way that feels genuine. I’ve always been fascinated by different cultures and perspectives, and that curiosity shows up in my work. I’m especially proud of the emotional honesty in my photos. People often tell me they see joy and warmth in my images, and I think that comes from how I approach each shoot: with openness, empathy, and a good sense of humor, even when things go a little sideways. I try to be a calm, happy presence in the middle of the chaos.
Visually, I’m drawn to bright color, candid emotion, and the beauty of everyday moments. I don’t rely on poses or heavy editing. I want your photos to feel like you—natural, real, and full of life.
Brand-wise, I’d say I’m still growing, but at the heart of it all is a commitment to honesty, connection, and creativity. I’m an open book, and I want to be known for both my artwork and the energy I bring to every experience. When you work with me, it’s more than a transaction. It’s a collaboration where we create something meaningful together.
So, before we go, how can our readers or others connect or collaborate with you? How can they support you?
The best way to work with me is by reaching out. Whether you’re planning a wedding, looking to capture special moments with your family, or in need of a personal portrait, I’d love to hear about your vision and how we can bring it to life. You can contact me through my website or social media. From there, we can chat about the details, set up a consultation, and plan the best way to document your moments.
If you’re looking to collaborate on a creative project, I’m always open to new ideas and partnerships with other vendors or creatives. Whether it’s styled shoots, projects with local businesses, or anything in between, I’m passionate about supporting fellow artists and creating something memorable together.
There are so many ways people can support me. Word of mouth is incredibly powerful. If you’ve had a great experience, telling your friends and family means the world. Engaging with my content on social media—liking, commenting, and sharing—also helps get my work in front of more people. If we’ve worked together, sharing your photos and tagging me is another amazing way to spread the love. Fellow creatives can also reach out to collaborate on projects that highlight both of our work.
Every bit of support, whether big or small, helps me keep doing what I love. Whether it’s a wedding halfway across the world or a cozy shoot in your back garden, I’m here to capture the real, the raw, and the beautiful in-between.
Pricing:
- Wedding Packages start at $2500
- Engagement Sessions start at $500
- Family Photography Packages start at $250
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.kathrynpowersphotography.com
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/kathrynpowersphotography
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=100086367886800
