Today we’d like to introduce you to Kaitlin Rude
Hi Kaitlin, so excited to have you with us today. What can you tell us about your story?
My journey of becoming a photographer started back in 2015, when I was a junior in high school and took my first photography class. I instantly fell in love with a camera, taking photos, and developing film, that I asked every friend I had to model for me. In addition to all my friends modeling for me, I would capture many sporting events and events within the school just so I could take photos. After my junior year- I had moved from Missouri to Minnesota, and my senior year of high school was taking many of my new senior classes’ senior photos. The word got out fast that I was a “photographer” and being it was a small town, I was your go to gal. After I had graduated high school- I went to college at Minnesota State University Moorhead where I majored in Early Childhood Education and minored in Photojournalism. I thoroughly enjoyed the photojournalism classes, and pushing myself to be creative, yet it was missing something. Through a connection within the photojournalism classes, I got asked to become the photo editor for the college newspaper and taking photos at every event on campus. Through that position- I got asked to be a second photographer for my first wedding. back in spring 2017. I was so excited, yet so nervous to capture a wedding as I never had done something like this before. Following that wedding- I was so pumped and I knew that I wanted to do more. I spent my time in 2017 and slowly into 2018 being a second photographer and shadowing different photographers on wedding days. I got my first wedding in 2018, and looking back I am so proud of how far I have come since that day. I knew from my first solo wedding, that this was something that I wanted to keep going. I slowly developed my portfolio and starting gaining more clients and by 2019 I had 5 weddings. I was so excited as this was my first year of capturing weddings as the lead photographer. Each year has progressed in weddings, and opportunities within this business. I have been able to travel all over the US into some amazing places capturing photos. Places like, Utah, Alaska, Michigan, Grand Marais, MN, Nebraska and more! February 2024, my son had just turned a year old and I knew that I wanted to raise him and watch him grow at home versus in a daycare setting. I took a leap of faith and leaned on God for guidance, and I went full-time. I have been full-time for a year in February, and seeing how my business has transformed and grown since then, has been such a blessing. We welcomed our second little one in the middle of December 2024, and I am so excited that I have an occupation where I can be at home and raise my littles, but also still do what I love, and that’s capturing amazing photographs that people can cherish for a lifetime.
Alright, so let’s dig a little deeper into the story – has it been an easy path overall and if not, what were the challenges you’ve had to overcome?
Getting to where I am today has been challenging in many different ways. Building a business from nothing, is difficult and if you have no experience (like myself) in business, it can be oftentimes frustrating. Thankfully I had some mentors that were able to guide me in the right direction for everything I needed to succeed. Some struggles included, finances, getting clientele, pushing through long work days and drives to and from weddings, capturing weddings at 36+ weeks pregnant, and being away from my families on weekends.
Can you tell our readers more about what you do and what you think sets you apart from others?
I am a portrait and wedding photographer based out of Moorhead, Minnesota. I specialize in weddings and am slowly getting into doing more elopements and smaller weddings. I tend to draw near the clients who are the country, outdoors, laid back, and adventurous couples who are getting married in barns and on family properties. I am known for my faith, and how I am constantly leaning on God within my business. My vibrant true to color editing style is minimal in my area- so I feel as if I draw many clients who are drawn to that style that align with my personality as well.
I am most proud of how far I have come today and my grit to get me where I am. I bust my butt each day while caring for two kids, and I have seen so much progress. In my first year of being full-time- I surpassed my income of my regular 9-5 job (which was a huge blessing and a sign of this is what I am supposed to do).
What quality or characteristic do you feel is most important to your success?
I am so outgoing and can hold a conversation with anyone. Need me to talk about hunting with the groom to build a connection? I got you. Need me to shotgun a beer with the bridal party to loosen up? I got you. My goal each wedding day is to be as laid back, but structured as possible. I am there to ensure that everything goes smoothly, and bring so much more to the wedding day than just capturing photos. I am there to ensure we stay on schedule, will carry your dress, bustle your dress, pin boutonnieres, touchup hair and makeup, hold your flowers, phones, keys, wallets, and so much more. Being transparent and open with my clients since day one has really allowed for me to build a connection with them, and that is the most important part of my business and tailors to my success.
Pricing:
- $4,000 for 8 hour coverage
- $4800 for 10 hour coverage
- $500 for 60 minute portrait session
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.kaitlinrphotography.com
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/kaitlinr.photography/
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/kaitlinrphotography/
