Meet Katelyn Kettmann | Photographer

We had the good fortune of connecting with Katelyn Kettmann and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Katelyn, what do you attribute your success to?
This is such a good question! Besides just the average busting my butt and spending all my time devoted to my business, one of the most important factors behind the success of my business has been my ability to collaborate! I started in the wedding industry by assisting wedding planners. I wanted to build a foundation of knowledge of what the wedding industry looked like, what the process was that goes into putting together a wedding day, and what the ups and downs were that come with being a vendor day of the wedding. This came partially from being terrified to jump straight into wedding photography, not thinking my work was good enough, and partially from wanting to truly understand what it takes. I realized early on that in order to succeed in the wedding industry, or really even just on one wedding day, you need to be able to work as a team. There is no one vendor more important than another on a wedding day because when it comes down to it, you are all there for the same purpose – to serve the vision of the bride and groom. If one vendor is off, or not following through, or doesn’t hold up their end of the deal, it really does affect the entire team, the flow of the day, and the energy of the bride and groom. Working together as a team, building a list of preferred referrals for my clients, coming to the wedding day ready to be a team player, and having the ultimate goal be to support their vision – this is what has made me successful. People notice, clients notice, and other vendors notice, building real and lasting relationships helps me stand out. Weddings bring people together, I like to bring vendors together, and I think that is something beautiful.

Let’s talk shop? Tell us more about your career, what can you share with our community?
My art originally came from a place of pain. I have been in pain since I was 7 years old. I have late-stage Lyme Disease and it has affected my entire body. I spent most of my childhood in and out of hospitals and doctor’s offices. But one of my loves in life was people… I used to carry around a disposable camera and make my little sister and friends dress up and take photos with me. I loved people’s energy, life, and love! I didn’t know it then but those little moments as a child were shaping my future. I really fell in love with photography when I discovered I could capture love stories. They are so pure, effortless, and hopeful. They inspire me to keep pushing through the hard things in life, because they remind me of the beauty in the world.

It was definitely not easy to get here. I started pursuing photography in college when I was attempting to achieve a nursing degree and  my health prevented me from being able to maintain a college schedule. I found that with photography I could create my own schedule, work around my doctor’s appointments, work from bed editing when my body wouldn’t work, and find joy in my job even on the days when my body was yelling at me.

It hasn’t been easy. I still struggle with my health but I have found so much joy in my job that I look back and realize how much it was meant to be and this was the path I was meant to go on.

I think this determination comes out in my photos and in my work ethic. I want to show off natural, honest, pure, true love, real emotions, and nature’s beauty that surrounds us with every single photo. I want to show my clients my passion for my work, despite what life throws at me. That they inspire me, just as much as I hope my photos inspire them!

Let’s say your best friend was visiting the area and you wanted to show them the best time ever. Where would you take them? Give us a little itinerary – say it was a week long trip, where would you eat, drink, visit, hang out, etc.
There are so many incredible places near where I live! I am blessed to be surrounded by so much natural beauty here in Northern California. I would recommend Yosemite National Park, California, one of my favorite places in the whole world!

Yosemite National Park is a place I have been visiting since I was a kid. When you drive into the park you are met with granite giants that feel like another world. No matter the season, the trees sparkle with energy and the beauty of the mountains just spark your sense of adventure. Whether you want a stroll, a hike or to sit by a lake, it is perfection. I always recommend staying in Oakhurst if you can’t camp in the park (which is truly the best). I love this little town’s variety of hotels, dining, and ability to ready you for an adventure in Yosemite! I think my favorite spot in the park is Taft Point at sunset. It is the perfect spot to truly enjoy the sun setting, golden around you, as it drops behind the granite masterpieces and you stand on top of one of these masterpieces gazing down to the valley below. I even did my “Free the Dress” session with my husband here after our wedding! It is one of my favorite places in the world!

The Shoutout series is all about recognizing that our success and where we are in life is at least somewhat thanks to the efforts, support, mentorship, love and encouragement of others. So is there someone that you want to dedicate your shoutout to?
Oh man – this list could get so long! There is not just one person who has made me into the photographer, person, or entrepreneur I am today. I am so thankful to have the amazing support of my family and friends around me to lift me up, cheer me on, encourage me, and remind me that I can do it, even when it doesn’t feel like it. I specifically want to shout out to my husband, Chris. I for sure wouldn’t be where I am today without him supporting my career. He has always been by my side, even with my crazy ideas. He supports my artistic vision, helps me grow in my business venture, and daily reminds me to pursue whatever drives me!

I am incredibly grateful for the education so many mentors, other photographers, and educators have offered to me along the way. I am a self-taught photographer (YouTube mostly), and to have the ability to find connection to education that inspires me, helps me grow, and is niche specific has been huge for my career! As I’m writing this, I literally just finished a 3 day course with The Adventure Academy – Maddie Mae and Henry Tieu – on how to grow into the high-end market. My brain hurts for the vast amount of knowledge that has flowed in and I can’t wait to implement all I’ve learned into my business!
Some other courses I’ve taken that have inspired me –
-The Heart University Workshops & Podcast
-Seo Workshop with Dani Purington (Rooted Workshop)
-Dawn Charles Education
-Claire Hunt Education
-And so many other amazing podcasts that inspire me daily!

Website: www.katelynbradleyphotography.com

Instagram: www.instagram.com/katelynbradleyphotography

Other: TikTok: @katelynbradleyphoto

Image Credits
Katelyn Bradley Photography