Today we’d like to introduce you to Katie Lyke.
Hi Katie, so excited to have you on the platform. So before we get into questions about your work-life, maybe you can bring our readers up to speed on your story and how you got to where you are today?
I have always been interested in photography and capturing moments in time to save away for later. I used to love the anticipation of dropping a roll of film off at the drugstore and reliving the memories as I thumbed through the photos. As I embarked on my nursing career, photography became a creative project for me–an outlet through which to process the years of working in a busy, demanding environment. I have several amazingly talented friends who are also photographers and who graced me with their time (and patience) to not only show me the technical details of my camera but also helped to shape my creative eye and bring my vision to life.
Over the next six years, I took the opportunity to photograph anything and everything I could–I shot incredible weddings, brand new itty bitty babies, modern real estate and architecture, bright-eyed seniors, first birthday parties, and everything in between. This gave me a chance to gain experience behind the lens and find what I truly loved to capture. But when I stepped away from my nursing career at the end of 2020 to enjoy my toddler while she was still so young, I really took some time to uncover where my true passion was within the realm of photography and how the next chapter read for my business. After a lot of soul-searching (and time behind the lens), I realized that two things made my heart absolutely sing–capturing the interactions and small moments within families and helping entrepreneurs (including many of the mamas whose families I photograph!) bring their brand’s vision to life through cohesive imagery.
Since narrowing my focus to serve these two types of clients, I feel an immense sense of purpose in my business. I have met some incredible people doing amazing things and I feel honored to be able to help tell (or preserve!) a part of their story.
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?
I thought that working 40+ hours a week as a nurse while running my business on the side would be the hardest part of being a small business owner, but deciding to stay home with my daughter and run Live Love Lyke Photography full time has actually presented a whole new set of unexpected challenges! I am, at the core, a people pleaser, and I want to give everything and be everything to everyone–and I’m realizing that that’s easier said than done! I always want to be present and engaged with my family while also serving my clients to the best of my abilities, and I’ve found that in order to do this effectively, I have to create and adhere to strict personal boundaries. It’s a constant work in progress for me, but I’ve found that by carving out time for self-care in the form of my daily quiet time and devotional (this often involves waking up before the sun), moving my body (I am a huge Peloton enthusiast), and prioritizing good sleep (have you heard of the Chilipad? It’s a game-changer for hot sleepers!), I have the energy and capacity to be the wife, mother, sister, friend, and business owner I am called to be!
Thanks for sharing that. So, maybe next you can tell us a bit more about your work?
It’s often said about motherhood that “the days are long but the years are short.” Having thousands of images on our phones is amazing but also a cruel and frequent reminder that just a year ago (or two years ago or three) our kids were so small and so young and so innocent! I want to capture those details that fade within the chaos of every day–the curls at the nape of a toddler’s neck, the way a kiddo looks at their dad like a total hero, the way a mother snuggles her baby to her chest and breathes her in. And since I know what it’s like to struggle with the idea of getting my family into planned outfits and out into the Texas heat so that everyone can just stop moving and smile already–I take the reins and try to create a fun, natural environment that fosters genuine interaction and beautiful images in a short amount of time.
When I started my own business, I had no idea how much cohesive, intentional images on my website and social media would change the game. Never has the need for abundant media content for businesses been higher, and it can be completely and totally overwhelming to even know where to begin when it comes to branding imagery. My goal is to make this easy for my clients–I want them to feel like they’re talking to a friend over a glass of wine, who just so happens to be able to help create exactly what it is they’ll need to bring all of the ideas they have in their heads into reality. Whether it’s creative headshots, content for social media or websites, lifestyle business portraits, or product photography, I guide my clients through each and every step of the planning and execution process in order to produce the type of imagery necessary to effectively market and promote what they themselves are passionate about!
Can you share something surprising about yourself?
This is not a secret to those who know me, but people are often surprised to find out that I (still) love the band Hanson. Yes, that Hanson. From the 90’s. Yes, I have traveled the world to see them. Yes, they still make music. I have been a fan since I was twelve years old and I don’t see it going away anytime soon!
Pricing:
- Family portraits starting at $300
- Seasonal family mini sessions $185
- Branding photography starting at $250
Contact Info:
- Email: hello@livelovelyke.com
- Website: www.livelovelyke.com
- Instagram: www.instagram.com/livelovelykephoto
- Facebook: www.facebook.com/livelovelykephoto
- Twitter: www.twitter.com/LLLykePhoto
Image Credits
Personal photo courtesy of Ashley Streff Additional photo courtesy of Live Love Lyke Photography
