Caitlin Reinhart shared their story and experiences with us recently and you can find our conversation below.
Caitlin, it’s always a pleasure to learn from you and your journey. Let’s start with a bit of a warmup: What do you think is misunderstood about your business?
I think there are a couple aspects of my business that people may misunderstand, though “misunderstand” might not be the exact word. Most people grasp the service I provide, but they don’t always recognize its value, or they assume their property isn’t suitable.
We take photographs of our families because we know life changes quickly, and one day we’ll want to look back and remember the details of a certain time. The same applies to the places that shape our memories: the backyards, buildings, and landscapes that are the backdrop to our lives for years, or even decades.
When I look through my own family’s albums, it’s often the background that strikes me with nostalgia more than the people themselves. The old carpet that was eventually replaced, the barn that collapsed, the tree that’s now much taller: these are part of our personal histories, too. I believe they’re worth preserving in a more intentional and artistic way.
Today, it’s common for young people to scatter like dandelion seeds, moving far from their childhood homes. I think that’s a shame, but it’s also all the more reason to photograph the places we grew up in, to share with future generations who may never have the chance to revisit them.
I also hear many people dismiss their own spaces, assuming they aren’t “worthy” subjects. Of course, some places, like a plain apartment complex, can pose challenges. But when someone tells me their property is too small, outdated, run-down, or chaotic, I want them to know I see beauty in all of that, often more than in a “perfect” home or yard. I love signs of life: children’s toys scattered about, evidence of age and work, nature left to grow wild. That’s where the soul of a place lives.
Can you briefly introduce yourself and share what makes you or your brand unique?
My name is Caitlin. I’m 28, married to a wonderful husband, with a 19 month old son and another child on the way. I’m a homemaker first, and photography has been my main creative outlet for about eight years. In 2021, I launched Rooted and Remembered, my property portrait business. It grew out of my love for nature and landscape photography, and my desire to offer something different from weddings or family portraits.
I grew up on a property that shaped who I am today, and everywhere I go, whether visiting a home or passing through a small town, I find myself searching for the quiet beauty and unique soul of each place. I am rarely disappointed by what I discover.
The concept of my business is simple: intimate, artistic portraits of homes and yards. I begin with a short phone interview, then schedule a visit. After a brief optional tour, I wander the property, capturing scenes with an emphasis on light, shadows, color, texture, and meaning. Clients receive a collection of around 100 professionally edited photos in an online gallery within one to two weeks. I also offer a range of packages and add-ons, all detailed on my website.
I truly love this work, and with each passing year I hope to connect more people with the idea of preserving their spaces in this meaningful way.
Appreciate your sharing that. Let’s talk about your life, growing up and some of topics and learnings around that. Who taught you the most about work?
I’ve learned from many people about work over the years. It wouldn’t be fair not to start with my parents, who both have strong work ethics and never quit even when things got tough. They raised me well, and their example has stayed with me.
More recently, especially in relation to my business, I’ve learned the most from my husband, Ted. He is an incredibly hard worker with his own business, gifted in many areas, and something of a jack of all trades—which he’d probably tell you has been both a blessing and a curse. I deeply admire the way he provides for our family, and he has also been a huge support for my own business. He makes time in his busy schedule to answer my questions, listen to my frustrations, and guide me through the behind the scenes work, like marketing and finance. His “Excel spreadsheet” way of looking at things has been the perfect complement to my “paint palette” perspective.
When did you last change your mind about something important?
A few years ago, I changed my mind about the most important thing: God. Faith has become a central part of my life and even my photography, so when I’m given the chance to share about it, I take it. You never know who might be open to hearing it.
I was raised Christian, but for much of my life I felt indifferent and leaned more agnostic. In high school I dated an atheist, and for a while I was convinced that belief in God was a kind of delusion. Years later, though, as I spent more time immersed in the beauty of nature, that perspective began to crack. I started to feel that it actually took more faith to be an atheist than to believe in God. I described myself as “spiritual but not religious” and dabbled in philosophy and other paths. Thankfully, I didn’t wander too far down certain roads, but I was definitely searching.
When I met my husband, who was raised Catholic but not practicing, we began our own search for meaning together. Through years of reading, listening, and wrestling with questions, I let go of the old assumption that Christians were naive or less intelligent. I discovered countless brilliant thinkers, past and present, who held deep faith. In time, I became a Catholic convert, and life has been so much richer since.
My faith journey is still ongoing, and I write about it occasionally on my blog. Photography, in particular, has been a catalyst for me—it’s taught me to notice beauty, meaning, and mystery in a way that keeps drawing me deeper into faith.
Next, maybe we can discuss some of your foundational philosophies and views? What are the biggest lies your industry tells itself?
A couple come to mind in photography. The first is an obsession with gear. There’s this idea that you need the newest camera, the sharpest lens, and constant upgrades in order to take good photos. And while photography can be incredibly expensive, it can also be very low cost—it just depends on where you place your value. For certain careers, like a National Geographic photographer, gear matters more. But for most of us, an entry level camera is more than enough. That’s what I use, and it has served me well. I’ve learned it inside and out, and I’m still learning. If you want to begin taking photos, just start with what you already have: an old digital or film camera, or even your phone. Focus on composition first. Some of the greatest photos of all time are grainy, blurry, or technically imperfect, but they’re unforgettable because of their composition, subject, or timing.
The second lie is that you have to travel far and wide to find the “best” shots. Travel is expensive, and it creates this illusion that beauty is always somewhere else. Of course jungles, mountains, and exotic wildlife are captivating, but there is just as much wonder in the everyday spaces around us. You might have to train your eye to see it, but it’s there. There are millions of photos of Hawaii landscapes or the Milky Way—but how many photos exist of your great aunt’s garden shed at sunset, or the old fountain downtown?
When I put together my street photography book on my small town, it became an exercise in finding those overlooked treasures and appreciating the beauty right under my nose. It taught me gratitude: to value what’s here instead of always wishing I were somewhere else. I think the world would look different if we all cared more deeply about the places we were raised on.
Okay, we’ve made it essentially to the end. One last question before you go. When do you feel most at peace?
I feel most at peace when I take the time to forget my to-do list and simply be present. Whether it’s watching my son explore and learn, spending time with my family, or wandering outdoors with my camera, I feel a deep sense of calm. Nature, family, and faith all come together in those moments.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.caitlinreinhart.com
- Instagram: @oohh.man
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/rootedandremembered
