Today we’d like to introduce you to Caitlin Ciulla.
Hi Caitlin, thanks for joining us today. We’d love for you to start by introducing yourself.
My story goes back to 2006, I had two passions: photography and interior design. I bought my first, cheap, point-and-shoot camera and collected used interior design magazines and books. In my free time, I would either hand draft my dream home floor plans & have my parents take me to Home Depot to “pick out” selections or I’d photograph anything of interest around my home or backyard. Years later, in high school, I dabbled in portrait photography which eventually led to me starting my first photography business at age 16. For 6 years I photographed portraits. Within that timeframe, I also attended community college for interior design. A year and a half into school, I realized my true passion was with photography. After 6 years of photographing portraits and holding various other jobs, I quit my portrait photography business and opened a new photography business: brand & interior photography. I realized that my heart was with business owners and I knew I had an amazing entrepreneurial community in Cleveland (and beyond) to serve. While I have 11 years of professional photography experience, I mainly focus my work on interior design. I went on to expand my team, adding two gals (one former, one current), and expanded my clientele to all around the country. My husband and I currently travel the country full time but I still have a strong base of clients in Cleveland, of which my contractor manages the photography.
I’m sure you wouldn’t say it’s been obstacle-free, but so far would you say the journey has been a fairly smooth road?
Definitely not! I’ve wanted to give up at least 5 times each year. Entrepreneurship is not for the faint-hearted. After 6 years of portrait work, I hit my first major decision: give up photography or explore other photography to see where my passion was. Since then, I’ve had various struggles with copyright issues, clientele, myself worth & imposter syndrome, and photography in general. One of the bigger struggles I’m facing currently is growing my clientele (in caliber and in price) while remaining faithful to my heart for interior designers that are just starting out.
Can you tell our readers more about what you do and what you think sets you apart from others?
I’m an interior photographer serving the greater Cleveland, OH area and beyond! I’m known as a photographer for my education background in interior design, my passion for all things interior design and serving the industry, and for elevating brands through stunning imagery. What sets me apart from other photographers, besides my education background, is that I truly care about others’ success. I love seeing my clients being published by bigger brands, when they book their ideal clients, or when they win awards for their hard work! This also translates through my work: I’m keen on details, composition, and love providing my clients a full gallery of images for each project. I also love connecting people: if one of my design clients is starting out, I have a whole network of people who can help…I truly believe connections bring 80% of one’s success!
So, before we go, how can our readers or others connect or collaborate with you? How can they support you?
caitlinantje.com caitlinantje@gmail.com
Instagram @caitlinantje
Facebook @caitlinantje
LinkedIn @Caitlin Antje
Best to connect with me through website or email if they want to work with me!
Contact Info:
- Email: caitlinantje@gmail.com
- Website: caitlinantje.com
- Instagram: caitlinantje
- Facebook: caitlinantje
- Other: https://anchor.fm/going-for-it
Image Credits
Caitlin Antje
