Today we’d like to introduce you to Kitty Bird
Hi Kitty, we’d love for you to start by introducing yourself.
I was born into a creative family as Kitty. Growing up in Orlando, Florida, I was surrounded by a multi-generational family of artists—my grandmother painted, my mom is an artist in everything she does, and my dad was a commercial photographer. It wasn’t long before I joined in, having my first art show after college.
Life with my dad was anything but ordinary; daily life was a stock photo shoot, and my brother and I became his go-to models. Along the way, I found myself meeting fascinating celebrities and going to amazing music concerts—without realizing at the time, just how unique that was. Along the way, he taught me a thing or two about a camera and composition.
After graduating college, the photography studio my Dad once operated was turned into a vintage guitar and music store. Meanwhile, my mom opened a florist and gift shop as her specialty. I worked in both businesses and quickly got a taste for retail life and entrepreneurship.
Life took another turn when I got married, moved to Austin, Texas and I became Kitty Bird. I was not hindered at starting over, in fact it was exciting. I answered a volunteer call at a retail, fair trade nonprofit shop called Ten Thousand Villages. My curiosity during orientation led to an unexpected opportunity to manage the store, launching years of meaningful work where I used my creativity to plan events, build a team, and strategize inventive ways to meet a balanced budget.
The community that grew around Ten Thousand Villages became my instant family, providing the support I needed to thrive in a new city. Building connections there inspired me to continue nurturing a community—not just for others but also for myself. This passion now fuels both my personal life and my business.
During the COVID shutdown, my passion for photography reignited in the most unexpected way. Eager to create a meaningful moment in time, I offered family street shoots through my neighborhood’s Facebook group. Neighbors responded enthusiastically, and it quickly became my favorite way to connect and scratch that creative itch. It was also a magnificent way for me to create a silver lining and make that strange point in time significant to me.
Today, as a business event photographer, I bring energy and enthusiasm to every project, seeing it as my role to capture the extraordinary in every gathering. I focus on the tiny moments—the magic, the laughter, and the fun happening in every corner of the room—that come together to tell the bigger story of an event. Nobody can be everywhere at once, but I try to give hosts the feeling of doing just that through my photos. Honestly, my happy place is being dropped into the middle of a crowd with my camera, ready to notice and capture those special moments.
Would you say it’s been a smooth road, and if not what are some of the biggest challenges you’ve faced along the way?
Being an entrepreneur is definitely a challenge, but it’s also an adventure. Even though sticking with the security of a full-time job would be easy and safe, the timing was right for me to take a chance. A mix of opportunity and confidence came together and it just felt right. When I look back now, I realize Ive been easing into photography full time for years.
To be successful, I know I need to put in the work and stay focused, and I’m still figuring out exactly what that looks like. Marketing and “selling” myself doesn’t always come naturally, but embracing the unknown has led to exciting opportunities in unexpected places. Some unique spaces I’ve captured images are inside a food trailer during the lunch rush, at an interactive play, during a Sunday church service, and now at wellness retreats. I’m really loving being right in the middle of the action!
One of the newest challenges I’m navigating is balancing my endless responses of yes and enthusiasm for new shooting situations with staying focused on my goals. I love connecting with people, exploring new ideas, and I can find inspiration everywhere, but I’ve learned the importance of channeling that energy into meaningful progress. Again, still figuring out what that looks like, but I see this direction as a creative way to end up exactly where I need to be and enjoy the journey along the way.
Appreciate you sharing that. What else should we know about what you do?
I bring energy, connection, and a deep appreciation for telling the story of people to every project I take on. My work focuses on capturing the magic in the moments that might otherwise go unnoticed—the laughter, the interactions, and the unique details that make an event or gathering truly special. By blending creativity, authenticity, and a desire for making people feel at ease, I create images that don’t just document events but showcase their heart and soul.
If you had to, what characteristic of yours would you give the most credit to?
Two of the most essential qualities for me are connection and fun. Since moving to Austin in 2004, I’ve been cultivating a network of amazing people and relationships. The support of friends who feel like family, along with communities of fellow entrepreneurs navigating similar challenges, has been invaluable. Austin offers a ton of low-cost classes, organizations, and business coaches ready to help. Resources like EGBI and the City of Austin Small Business Department have been instrumental in building my foundation and providing an incredible sense of community.
My love for connection carries over into my work along with the ability to have fun while working. I love interacting with people, capturing their energy, and helping them feel comfortable. Honestly, it doesn’t even feel like work – while I’m “on the job” it’s just fun. That sense of joy not only inspires creativity but also helps everyone around me relax and enjoy the moment. I’m loving what I do and it just doesn’t feel like work, it feels like fun.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.kittybirdphoto.com/
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/okbirdy/
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/kitty.bird.92
