Today we’d like to introduce you to Kaitlyn Thayer.
Hi Kaitlyn, we’re thrilled to have a chance to learn your story today. So, before we get into specifics, maybe you can briefly walk us through how you got to where you are today?
Ever since I was little, I’ve been artistically and creatively inclined. I loved to write: stories, music, poems, and everything in between. And, I loved to draw. I have always felt so deeply and there was nothing better than creativity as an outlet. I, however, did not get into photography until I was 19. It was one of those things that just kind of falls into your lap for no apparent reason. I was looking for something to do with my extra time, and on a whim, I ordered a used camera off of Amazon. My best friend was my first model and I slipped into the life of being a photographer. It was as easy as breathing for me. Eventually, I made an Instagram and Facebook and began to cautiously market my work. Only a few weeks into this journey, a lovely lady reached out to me about photographing her wedding. My first instinct was to tell her no. I was hardly a seasoned photographer and I did not feel comfortable to be trusted with something so significant as a wedding. In fact, I wasn’t certain I EVER wanted to get into weddings. Her wedding photographer had ghosted her, she was panicking (on a timeline and a budget), and I eventually told her yes. I did not take this lightly and spent the few short weeks I had upgrading my gear, researching how to be the best wedding photographer I could be, and praying that I would succeed. I owe this woman everything. I immediately fell in love with the emotions of the day, and I spent the entire drive home crying. I was filled with so much joy and realization that this is exactly where I belonged in the photography space. I was born for this.
We all face challenges, but looking back would you describe it as a relatively smooth road?
Although wedding photography is something I sort of naturally fell into and fell in love with, it has been far from easy. I recognized the importance of this job very early on. I have never taken it lightly and always poured my whole heart into my couples. I, of course, was still working a full time job. While this made for long days and late nights, I have always considered myself driven and a hard worker. No one ever said starting your own business was easy. This was hardly a concern of mine. I, however, had found myself in an increasingly abusive marriage. My once beautiful life was rapidly turning into a nightmare. My passion never once wavered and I found my photography to be such a lifeline for me. In 2024, I felt completely trapped and lost. I could hardly find the energy to market myself or take on new clients. Early 2025, with the help of so many incredible people and with a strength I didn’t know I had, I left my marriage. In the last year since then, I’ve over tripled my client base compared to past years. I got my passport and I began traveling for photography. I started a new job that allows for the flexibility I wanted to pursue and grow Captured by Kaitlyn. I have an incredible partner who supports everything I do and always encourages all my crazy dreams. The relationships I’ve built with all of my couples makes me so emotional and I’m so grateful for my strength, my supporters, and my couples who continue to trust me with their love story.
Appreciate you sharing that. What else should we know about what you do?
I specialize in digital and film wedding photography in Minnesota, throughout the states, and out of the country. I am so inspired by love, nature, and passion. Someone once told me they believe the reason I’m a good photographer is because of my ability to see beauty in everyone and everything. My photography is fueled by the love my couples have for each other and the love I have for my couples. My edits are true-to-life, romantic, and intentional because I believe that is the true meaning of timelessness. Not whether or not a wedding is “trendy.” My work is driven by the passion behind it. I also recently got into film which I believe preserves a wedding day in such a nostalgic fashion. I really believe in documenting a wedding day exactly how it unfolds so that my couples can look back on their photos and always remember exactly how each moment felt. I think my passion, artistic eye, and ‘ability to see the beauty in everyone,’ is what makes me and my work unique. Even in dark times, love is the bright light that guides our way and I’m so grateful to be someone that is trusted with such an important piece of people’s lives.
Where do you see things going in the next 5-10 years?
Photography and weddings are constantly shifting machines. I mentioned timelessness before and “timeless” is a word I always see brides chasing. The world is constantly evolving and I think the timeless photos come more from the feelings than the trends. I recently started offering film and I can tell you I see a huge shift towards film in the wedding industry. I think people will always gravitate towards the nostalgia and old timey feeling you get from film. It’s timeless. It’s hard to say where the industry in a whole will go over the next 5-10 years. I do know that people will always fall in love and people will always get married. I hope that as an industry we can continue to strive for authenticity, real moments, intentionality, and romance. Prioritizing the people, the emotions, and the passion behind it all.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://capturedbykaitlynmn.com
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/capturedbykaitlyn.mn?igsh=b211NnNhYjNkaXl4&utm_source=qr
