Capturing Success: How Kathryn Ann Waller Built a Thriving Photography Business

The Journey of a Photographer: Passion, Pivots, and Staying True to Your Vision

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Feb 27, 2025

Hi friends,

This week on The Founders Society Podcast, we sat down with Kathryn Ann Waller, a lifestyle, travel, and editorial photographer based in Savannah, Georgia. From picking up a camera as a teenager to building a thriving creative business, Kathryn has learned firsthand what it means to evolve as an artist, build meaningful client relationships, and protect your creative vision.

Whether you're a photographer, entrepreneur, or creative looking for inspiration, Kathryn’s journey is a testament to the power of following your instincts, staying true to your aesthetic, and embracing change when the time is right.

Listen to the Episode

The Early Days: A Passion for Photography

Kathryn’s love for photography began long before she ever called it a career. As a child, she borrowed her father’s digital camera, experimenting with edits and capturing the world as she saw it. In high school, an all-girls academy fostered her passion—AP 2D Design, award wins, and the mentorship of two SCAD students who refined her technical eye and encouraged her to keep going.

But perhaps the most unexpected affirmation came at a local market, when a photographer for The Walking Dead stopped to admire her images of Savannah. Later, he thanked her—for teaching him how to truly photograph the trees.

Building a Business Through Life’s Seasons

Kathryn has always had a keen eye for the natural seasons of life—not just in her photography, but in the way relationships evolve over time.

It all started with graduation portraits.

Those graduates became brides, bringing Kathryn along to capture their wedding days. Then, as their lives and careers unfolded, they returned once more—for lifestyle and brand photography.

Her big break in the branding world came in the most unexpected way: babysitting. A mother in need of a last-minute photographer for a holiday campaign turned to Kathryn, and without hesitation, she stepped up. No prior experience? No problem.

She embraced the fast-paced challenge, proving to herself—and soon, to brands like Lake Pajamas and Garden & Gun—that she belonged in this space. Now, her work has even graced the cover of Savannah Magazine, a testament to the power of saying yes to the unexpected.

Finding Your Style

Like any true artist, Kathryn’s photography is instantly recognizable—rooted in a style that feels both intentional and effortless. Her images invite the viewer to pause, to step inside a moment suspended in golden-hour warmth.

At the same time, she embraces the nostalgia of flash and high contrast, a signature that has shaped several Mellow Mushroom campaigns over the years.

Because success isn’t just about what you do—it’s about how you do it.

Kathryn encourages fellow photographers to experiment, explore, and most importantly, trust their own creative instincts. Stay true to your style, she reminds them, and align with clients who are eager to follow where your vision leads.

Lessons from Kathryn’s Journey

Let Your Work Evolve – Creativity isn’t meant to be stagnant. Kathryn’s journey is proof that artistic style and career paths naturally shift over time. From graduation portraits to weddings, and later, to lifestyle and brand photography, she allowed herself to pivot, refine her approach, and embrace new challenges. Growth happens in the willingness to explore—and in trusting that every phase of your work has a purpose.

Trust the Seasons – Some opportunities arrive unexpectedly, while others require patience. Kathryn has learned that the natural rhythms of life often present moments of growth when the time is right. What started as small portrait sessions eventually led to photographing major brands—simply by saying yes to opportunities that aligned with her evolving vision. Success isn’t always about chasing; sometimes, it’s about recognizing when the next season is calling you forward.

Prioritize Creativity – The more you create, the clearer your vision becomes. But just as important as saying yes is knowing when to say no. Kathryn believes that true artistic fulfillment comes from aligning your work with your passion. If a project no longer inspires or challenges you in a meaningful way, it’s okay to step away. Making space for creativity means being intentional about the work you take on—and trusting that the right opportunities will follow.

Build Genuine Connections – A lasting business isn’t just built on good work—it’s built on real relationships. Kathryn’s career has grown through meaningful connections with clients who return again and again, trusting her to document their milestones and brands. She believes in nurturing those relationships, knowing that word-of-mouth, mutual respect, and shared creative vision are just as important as talent behind the lens.

At its core, Kathryn’s journey is a testament to the power of patience, passion, and staying true to what makes your work uniquely yours.

Tidbits!

Before wrapping up, the ladies shared what’s been on their minds (and in their shopping carts) this week:

Kathryn → Clearing the clutter by unsubscribing from emails and diving into Unreasonable Hospitality, a book all about elevating the client experience with unexpected moments of delight.

Meg → Embracing Shopify’s automated welcome emails—customizing them to feel like a personal letter from a friend. Also, she’s been loving Few Moda for designer looks at an approachable price.

Hayley → Flipping through Brand Brilliance—a book that’s as gorgeous on a coffee table as it is essential for business strategy. Plus, she gave a shoutout to her stunning silk scarf from Swells by Wells Maley!

Shop Founders Favorites!

Thank you for tuning in and reading along. We hope this episode with Kathryn Ann brings a little light to your week—just as it did to ours. See you on the pod!

Love,
Meg & Hayley

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