Katie Mortland
Name: Katie Mortland
Location: St.Louis, MO & Mount Carmel, IL
Profession: Newborn and Wedding Photographer & Owner of Kathleen Mortland Photography
Self-Description: Mother, Wife, Photographer, & Doctor
Words to live by: It’s not a big deal unless you make it a big deal
Words to your younger self: Your life doesn’t have to be dictated by one profession. Explore all your interests and be open to change.
On business
Tell us about your business: I own a photography business. I shoot weddings and newborns mostly, but I also do families and high school seniors.
Were you always interested in this line of work or did you fall into it? Never. I never even considered becoming a photographer. I was in grad school working on my PhD in evolutionary genetics when I started it as a hobby after my husband got me a camera for Christmas. My Mom always took a lot of photos when I was a kid and so it just seemed like something fun to do. When my niece was born I took some photos of her and realized I enjoyed it. I started taking photos more and more, and It became my creative outlet. Once I completed my program, I had my daughter and decided to take photography full time to have flexibility and the opportunity to spend more time with her than a typical 9-5 would allow me. I haven’t looked back since. Turns out working for yourself is pretty darn awesome.
What is your favorite part of your work? Meeting new people and getting a glimpse of who and what is special to them.
What advice would you give someone who is looking to become a photographer? Get a camera (doesn’t have the be high end) and go out and shoot every opportunity you can in the beginning. You can read all the books you want and watch all the tutorials, but actual practice shooting is where you will see the fastest growth.
What advice would you give to someone who is looking to grow their customer base / wanting to establish themselves as a photographer in their market? It is all about connection. Be good to people and the return will come back to you 10 fold. Referrals are my favorite form of new business.
What's your favorite type of camera and/or lens? I’m a Cannon girl! I use the R5 body and my favorite lens is my 85mm. It creates the most gorgeous skin tones and bokah! I use different lenses in different scenarios but the 85 is *chefs kiss* and I’ll put it on my camera any chance I get!
If someone was just starting out, what camera would you recommend? The Cannon R100.
Are there specific photography classes you would recommend, or were you self taught? I’m self taught. In the beginning, I read books and watched a lot of YouTube or training videos from specific photographers I liked. If you can, find a mentor, it will speed up the learning process! I wish I would have!
What’s your funniest or most unexpected moment during a shoot? I have been pooped on more times that I can count during newborn shoots. It doesn’t phase me so much anymore, but I’ve also gotten really good at hiding diapers with different fabrics to avoid it!
If you had to describe your photography style in three words, what would they be? Timeless, personal, and joyful.
What’s your best advice for parents bringing their newborn to a shoot? Relax, I’ve got this. You can even take a nap if you want to.
If you could give every client one piece of advice before a session, what would it be? Stop picking yourself apart. It’s astonishing to me how many women can’t see how beautiful they are.
On motherhood
What advice would you give a new mom who is going through it for the first time? Don’t act like you aren’t tired. All new Moms are (unless you have a unicorn baby), so just ask for help when you need it!
Was motherhood something that came naturally to you or did it take some time to find your rhythm? Does not sleeping come naturally to anyone? No. It is a steep learning curve and you learn to function on very little sleep and sometimes food. You realize you might in fact have superpowers and at some point, you will feel less like a zombie and become really proud of yourself!
What is one product you'd recommend for a mom of a newborn, toddler, or teenager? Gerber baby cloth diapers make the best burp clothes for a spitty baby! Super absorbent!
Is there anything you'd want to say to women who are currently pregnant for the first time? Binge watch Netflix while you still can
What is something you would tell a mom to start doing now to have as a keepsake later? Make a note in your phone and write down all the funny things your kids say when they are little!
The full list of favorable mentions are linked below with a brief description.
What is your go-to gift to give people? A thoughtful one. If you just take the time to stop and think, it’s really not hard to give a great gift.
What is a recent purchase you made that you love? K18 Air Wash. It’s the best dry shampoo and doesn’t stink or leave my hair cakey!
What do you never leave the house without? My children. Ha! A water and chapstick. Ok Vaseline honestly haha. It makes my lips so soft!
Book Recommendation: Mel Robbin’s-the Let them theory. OR Jane Eyre by Charlotte Brontë
Artist Recommendation: I’ve been digging Chappell Roan. My 8 year old daughter likes her music too, so we listen together and dance around the house, the car, wherever!
Makeup product: Make Up For Ever HD Skin Face Essentials Palette with Highlighters & Ilia’s Multi-Stick
Skincare Product: Epionce Renewal Facial Cream, Epionce Firming Mask & Laroche Posay Gentle foaming cleansing oil
Baby/child clothing brand: I love Zara’s little boy sweatpants for my son!
Small Business Shoutout: Soul Beauty in Mount Carmel, IL.
Favorite store in another state or country: The cake bake (bakery) in Indianapolis is so adorable, especially if you have young girls!
Hotel Recommendation: West Baden Hotel in French Lick Indiana
Recipe: This Stromboli recipe & Cinnamon Swirl Bread
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