Daily Inspiration: Meet Carolyn Patterson

Today we’d like to introduce you to Carolyn Patterson.

Hi Carolyn, so excited to have you with us today. What can you tell us about your story?
All forms of art have always been a major outlet for me. My childhood was pretty rough, art was my escape. My love for art only continued to grow as I became an adult. I enjoy many forms of art – from crafting, to hair and makeup, to drawing and painting, of course, digital art, and photography.

At first, I only created art as a hobby in my spare time, while I made an income working jobs I hated. Many times over the years, I toyed with the idea of buying a “real” camera and learning photography. (Mostly to have content for my digital art and composite work.) I could never really justify the cost. Photography is a very expensive hobby.

However, in 2019 I finally decided to take the plunge and buy a camera. The best choice, ever! I’ve spent (and still spend) countless hours reading literature and watching videos, educating myself about photography. Lighting, composition, editing, how my camera works, marketing, and so much more. I spent the rest of 2019 and most of 2020 taking as many photos as I could, building my portfolio, and trying to improve with every click of the shutter. In April of 2021, I photographed my first wedding and brought my husband along as my assistant/second shooter. Turns out, he’s a natural! After that, we decided to team up and run Catch Your Fire Photography as a duo and haven’t looked back!

I absolutely fell in love with photography! I love everything about it. I love capturing memories for people. I love helping people feel beautiful and empowered. I love making creative visions come to life. I love to tell visual stories. And I love to show people the beauty I see in the world around me.

I do any and all sorts of photography. I refuse to niche down and pigeonhole myself into making just one kind of art. I have an incredible passion for photography and now I can finally say I have a job I love! I hope to, one day, have a truly thriving photography business that will allow me to travel the world doing what I love, with the one I love!

I’m sure you wouldn’t say it’s been obstacle-free, but so far would you say the journey has been a fairly smooth road?
It’s never been smooth sailing for me, and photography is no different. But, when you find something you love, you work hard for it. So that’s exactly what I am doing! My biggest setback is money. As I said before, photography is very expensive. In 2020, it was extra difficult because of COVID. As a new business, it’s hard to build clientele during a pandemic, However, I have been fully vaccinated and am completely committed to keeping myself healthy so that I can continue to provide amazing experiences for my clients.

Appreciate you sharing that. What else should we know about what you do?
There is too much beauty in this world and too much creativity in me to do just one kind of art. I suppose if you asked someone else, they might say I specialize in creative, fine art editorials, weddings, and engagements, and live music photography. I don’t know what sets me apart from others. I’m not worried about them.

I focus on doing what I love, so I’m not really sure how that compares to other creatives. I am proud of all of my work, even the stuff I made when I first started. But what makes me happiest is when a client gushes over their photos!

If you had to, what characteristic of yours would you give the most credit to?
I am a firm believer in shooting for the moon. Even if you fail, you will still land somewhere among the stars. I love what I do. I don’t plan on ever giving up, and I will always strive to learn and improve. I think as long as I maintain that mindset and work hard, success will be inevitable.

Pricing:

• Creative Portrait & High School Senior sessions start at $150
• Family, Engagement, Maternity, & Boudoir sessions start at $200
• Elopements & Weddings start at $800
• Memorial & End of Life sessions start at $300
• Band Promos & Live Music sessions start at $150

Contact Info:

• Email: [email protected]
• Website: catchyourfirephotography.mypixieset.com
• Instagram: catchyourfire_photography
• Facebook: catchyourfirephotography
• Twitter: CYF_Photography
• Other: linktr.ee/CatchYourFirePhotography

Image Credits
Catch Your Fire Photography