Meet Katee Bratcher | Professional Photographer

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

Hi katee, what was your thought process behind starting your own business?
I originally started taking photos of my kids because I could not afford to have photos of them made as often as I wanted. It turned into a business after I had my second child, she has a heart condition and I needed to find a way to earn an income and stay home with her. I am completely self taught and it has been a long (8 year) journey. I started out giving out pictures for free in order to practice then started charging $25 per session and have moved up from there. I still learn every day!

Alright, so let’s move onto what keeps you busy professionally?
I take the most pride in the relationships I form with my clients. Photography isn’t just about taking photos then saying “see ya later”. I become friends with my clients. I have shot all kinds of sessions for people from births to weddings, and even funerals. These types of things bring you very close to people. I truly care about my clients and I think that really sets me apart. I also am newborn photography safety certified. I actually quit photography twice during my journey. I had a woman tell me once I was only good at taking pictures of kids, I let her words steer me off my path for some time. But I always came back to it thanks to my clients never letting me leave lol. The biggest challenges I have had to overcome is caring what others think, and comparing myself to other artists. I think what I would want people to know is I am a walking success story of what hard work can do for you. I have received Best of Texoma the past two years and Best of Cooke County in 2022. I recently just opened my own studio also! I continuously push myself into new comfort zones. If you work hard, believe in yourself, and stay true to yourself and your morals, you can do anything you set your mind to. I would have never dreamed I would be where I am in my career when I was first handed a camera! (Thanks, Mom!)

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.
My best friend has actually come to visit from Colorado! We went to Babe’s for dinner of course! Also had to make a stop by Buc-ee’s! We spent the weekend at Lake Texoma on the boat and camping at Thousand Trails camp ground! I of course did her family photos while she was here too, which was also a surprise engagement! We grabbed lunch at the one and only Lovejoys on main street in Whitesboro, TX and did some shopping at my favorite boutiques, The leopard Antler (Whitesboro) and Bungalow 123 (Gainesville). We also had best friend bracelets bonded by “Let’s Bond”, formally knows as Moss and Metal.

Shoutout is all about shouting out others who you feel deserve additional recognition and exposure. Who would you like to shoutout?
I could not be where I am today without my Mom. She is always there to help us with the kids so I can make it to sessions when my husband is at work. She comments on every single post I make and is always sharing and tagging me in posts. She is most definitely my biggest fan not only in photography, but in life. I have had many photographers help me along the way, but I would say I received the most encouragement and help along the way from Ashley Wright and Kassie Rodgers. Both are amazing photographers! Obviously my sweet Husband, he has always stood behind me and believed in me. He is the best and I am so thankful for all of his patience with me throughout my career. Photography takes a lot of time away from the family and he has always been there to pick up my slack. Also, of course my clients. They have kept me busy and always believed in me, even when I did not believe in myself. My kids also help me these days at sessions and should be given a lot of credit for some of the best photos I have, they are so good with kids and babies!

Website: https://kbratcherphotography.mypixieset.com/

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Image Credits
headshot: Ashley Wright