Meet Caitlin Podgornik of Nashville, Tn

Today we’d like to introduce you to Caitlin Podgornik.

Hi Caitlin, thanks for sharing your story with us. To start, maybe you can tell our readers some of your backstory.
I’m Cait – and Here is MY Life Story

Okay maybe not my whole life story… but the story of my life changing adventure that led me to my Calling/DreamJob/Passion!

I had just graduated college & spent the last year working and dreaming about my 17 day trip to the Greek Islands to have my “Momma Mia” moment! After a year of planning out outfits, and memorizing the itinerary, and dreaming of the food I was going to eat, I was finally going on my adventure.

The night before I left, my sister had given me a camera to document all my Grecian adventures. Over my 17 day adventure I found myself capturing the stray cats sun bathing in the streets, fellow travelers dancing and drinking sangria at sunset, the quietness of a little cafe in the early mornings. I found myself directing photoshoots on the beach, in the streets, any and everywhere with my new friends I had made on my trip. Having my camera with me at all times and not wanting to miss a single moment.

While I thought I was just documenting the trip for myself, I had the realization that, I had more fun documenting it for my friends around me more than anything else… Little did I know, those moments were the moments that set my soul on fire and lead me to my passion/dream job!

After returning home from Greece, I got my “Big Girl Job” in sales and marketing and did photography in my free time. After years of feeling drained in the corporate world, I took the leap of faith in 2021 to go full time with my photography.

Since then, I have been able to connect with the kindest and coolest lovers, documenting their love as a full time wedding photographer. There is nothing I would rather do!

Can you talk to us a bit about the challenges and lessons you’ve learned along the way. Looking back would you say it’s been easy or smooth in retrospect?
As a photographer and a small business owner, you will face difficulties and obstacles as you would with any profession. Being a photographer presents numerous challenges, including intense competition, managing client expectations, keeping up with trends, marketing in a digital landscape, maintaining work-life balance, and dealing with the technical and creative demands of the profession.

Despite any challenges or obstacles I have faced, I have welcomed with open arms because of the learning lessons and growth I have gained as a photographer and small business owner. I feel so fulfilled with my career and feel lucky to be apart of the most important day for my clients.

Can you tell our readers more about what you do and what you think sets you apart from others?
Working as a wedding photographer has been a dream come true. Weddings are filled with emotional, once-in-a-lifetime moments. From the bride walking down the aisle to the first kiss, candid laughs, and emotional speeches, capturing these priceless moments is incredibly fulfilling. Whether it’s finding the perfect angle for a shot, playing with lighting, or editing I am able to express my creativity while documenting such a beautiful and important day for my clients. Wedding photos become cherished memories that couples will look back on for years to come. Knowing that my work is something that families will treasure for generations can be incredibly rewarding. No two weddings are the same, which keeps the job fresh and exciting. Every couple has a unique vision, and every wedding is set in different venue, or even a different state. I feel so blessed to be able to travel the world for love and being able to get to know my couples on a personal level and capture their love story. Overall, the best part of being a wedding photographer is the combination of creativity, personal connection, and the joy of capturing life-changing moments that will be treasured for years to come.

Can you tell us more about what you were like growing up?
If you told 8 year old Cait, that she would be a wedding photographer one day, I don’t think she would of believed you.

Growing up, I always knew that whatever career I chose, I wanted to help people. I have always been a people person and I thought that it meant I was supposed to go into the medical felid. But throughout my time in college I found myself drifting away from the medical felid and more towards the marketing and communications world. Post college I found myself in the marketing until I was able to quit the corporate world and pursue my dream with photography full time.

As a wedding photographer, I am not just taking photos—I am helping people preserve memories that are deeply meaningful to them. Capturing emotions, moments, and milestones that will be cherished for a lifetime. In that sense, you’re still offering a form of service, just through my art.

I think it’s cool how being in a creative field like photography can still offer a different kind of impact. There’s an element of joy and healing in capturing happiness and love, which can be just as powerful as the work in healthcare. And I get to witness and be part of some of the happiest moments in people’s lives.

Pricing:

• In state wedding photography average cost is $5,000
• Out of State wedding photography starting cost $5,000

Contact Info:

• Website: https://www.capturedbycaitmarie.com/
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/capturedbycaitmarie/