WeddingDay Pro Spotlight: Katie VanderWal of Love Photography by Katie VanderWal

When you hire a photographer to capture you and your S.O.'s big day, you want to be sure it is someone you feel comfortable with and trust. Katie VanderWal from Love Photography is person-focused and relationship-motivated to ensure that she returns stunning photos to her couples that will last a lifetime.

With a deep love for making long-lasting connections with her clients, Katie sees you and your spouse-to-be as unique individuals and will do everything in her power to make you feel that way. Boasting many years of experience and mastering the art of photography in any lighting, Katie will curate a show-stoppingly beautiful gallery that represents you and your loved one as you truly are! We were lucky enough to chat with Katie about her skills and Love Photography’s origin. Read on to learn more!

What inspired your business? What keeps you motivated?

"I have always thrived off of human connection, whether it be from the sidelines while the interactions happen or in the thick of it. I also wanted a creative outlet for capturing my kids’ fast-moving childhood. I am kept motivated by the creative process! I love to brainstorm and execute ideas. The fact that the ever-changing world has so much potential for creativity keeps me motivated."

Tell us about your experience/skills.

"I started my photography journey in 2012 on a very basic Canon DSLR. I slowly built my skill set by working for experience as payment at other professionals’ weddings. I quickly learned that composition and light (both natural and artificial) were just two factors in the entire process of creating a photograph. Connecting with the subject on a personal level is the most important factor of wedding photography. Any professional can take a picture, but it takes a special kind of person to create a memory.

My technical skills took about five years to polish. Through years of mentoring and observing, I’ve learned how to manipulate and control light, even in the harshest of conditions (hello, full sun!). I enjoy playing with light as well, in ways that make the subject pop or stand out in unique and interesting ways. I am also a HUGE empath."

As a business owner, what do you wish to accomplish with your customers? What can a couple look forward to when booking you?

"Each and every client has a different set of needs for their wedding day, but the common thread is the same: to curate a beautiful gallery of images that will tell a story for years to come. I hope to accomplish this, and I promise to curate a beautiful and lasting relationship with my clients. I love interacting with my couples and getting to know them personally. Brides can look forward to a stress-free photography experience and an upbeat photographer-turned-friend who will curate a gorgeous wedding gallery that tells a story."

Give us an overview of your services. What makes your business unique?

"I have three options for wedding collections that begin at $2200, with elopement/micro-weddings beginning at $350 per hour. The unique factor comes in because I know light! I know how to create lasting, creative portraits that tell a story, and I take the relationships I build with my clients very seriously. This is what sets me apart from other photographers in my market. I also actually hand-write thank you cards, anniversary cards and send little surprise gifts showcasing their wedding photos every now and then."

Tell us about your favorite part of the job. What keeps it fun for you?

"My absolute favorite part of this job is that it doesn’t feel like a job to me, especially because of the lasting connections I make with my couples! They ask me back for their first home sessions, maternity sessions and family sessions. It truly is a gift that I do not take for granted. I live for human connection and this is what keeps it fun for me. The fact that I can create awesome images for people to save for their future generations speaks volumes, and I care deeply about whoever happens to be on the other side of my camera."

What do you love about the industry you work in?

"For me, I love the fact that each one of us is so unique in our creative style. I also love that there are many of us who are more than willing to share our craft and help each other grow in our creativity and business savvy."

What’s the most common question you get from couples?

"Pricing is the most common and usually first-asked question I receive. I have prepared a beautiful Wedding Client Guide that I send to couples after the inquiry is made."

What are the best tips you have for helping couples prepare for their big day? Any other words of wisdom to share?

"My tips are: 1) Make sure you connect with your vendors immediately. First impressions really do matter. 2) Ask questions. No question is out of line, dumb or redundant. A professional will answer tactfully and with respect to your asking in the first place. 3) Ask to see full galleries before choosing a wedding photographer, especially a gallery in a low-light or tough lighting situation.

Try not to sweat the little things! Have a trusted family member, coordinator or friend handle the details. Keyword: trusted. Make sure your connection with them is genuine before you entrust your big day’s details to them! Having help is a game-changer in enjoying your wedding day!"

Take a moment to brag about something you’re proud of.

"In August of 2022, I traveled to Big Sur, California to shoot stunning imagery for an elopement styled-shoot. It was an incredibly soul-fulfilling experience, and the images that I created were breathtaking!"

How do you calm the nerves of anxious customers? What do you do to make them feel comfortable?

"I always start with humor! I’m known around my market as someone who is so relatable, fun and has a great sense of humor. But I also get the job done! I calm the nerves of customers by backing up my experience with gallery samples, 5/5 reviews, references from past couples if they desire, liability insurance and meaningful conversation. My goal in meeting new clients is to find a way to truly relate to them, whether it be through similar social circles, common interests or our favorite memes (one question on my inquiry questionnaire is “Favorite Internet meme”, and that generates some laughs!)."

What are your future goals for your business? How do you see it growing in the future?

"I would absolutely love to see my business grow into a partial destination wedding business. Travel refreshes my soul, and I enjoy working with couples who share that same passion. I adore local weddings as well, so a good balance of both local and destination weddings would be ideal for my brand!"

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