I was interviewed today by my business software company, HoneyBook, and I thought the questions they asked were really thoughtful, so I’m sharing them here!
Amy, Kate, and Larry at James Island County Park.
Kate Thornton owner of Captured by Kate Photography
Introduce yourself:
I started my photography business in 2003 in Charleston, South Carolina. What began as a one-woman show has grown into a full-service photography studio, specializing in commercial, lifestyle, and portrait photography. While I no longer shoot weddings, I photographed over 300 weddings throughout Charleston during my early years—an experience that shaped my style and deepened my appreciation for capturing meaningful, candid moments.
Today, my focus is on creating impactful images for businesses, families, and individuals that reflect authenticity, connection, and personality. I lead a small, talented team that includes two associate photographers, Larry and Amy. Larry joined me as an intern in 2019 and quickly advanced to second shooter before becoming a trusted associate photographer. Amy came on board as an intern in 2024 and has since grown into the associate role as well, bringing fresh energy and creativity to the team.
Outside of photography, I’m a proud mom to three amazing daughters who inspire me daily. Balancing motherhood and entrepreneurship has been a wild ride, but I wouldn’t trade it for anything. I’m passionate about telling visual stories and feel grateful every day to do what I love in a city as inspiring as Charleston.
What sets you apart from other local photographers?
What sets me apart from other photographers in the area is my deep local knowledge and personal approach to every session. I make it a point to support other Charleston-based businesses whenever possible, and I never book a session without first getting on the phone with the client. That conversation is so important—it allows me to understand their goals, who will be in the portraits, and what kind of vibe they’re going for. From there, I can suggest the perfect location, the best time of day for lighting, and even offer tips on what to wear or bring.
So much can get lost in a text or email, and I want every client to feel fully supported and confident going into their shoot. It’s about creating the best possible experience and building a real connection, so they’ll trust me not just for this session, but for the next one too. That level of care is a big reason why I have over 100 five-star reviews on Google.
A lot of photographers skip that phone call—and I think they miss out on the chance to really connect. That personal touch makes all the difference.
Share a specific change or initiative you’ve implemented in your business recently and the impact it had.
Oh gosh—running a photography business for over 20 years definitely comes with its fair share of ups and downs! One thing I’ve learned along the way is how important it is to pivot quickly and trust my gut.
A challenge I’ve noticed in recent years is that fewer clients are printing their photos. That not only impacts our revenue—since they’re not ordering prints through us—but more importantly, people are missing out on the joy of seeing their memories displayed in their homes. Photos end up buried on phones instead of being part of daily life, which takes away from the emotional and artistic value of the images.
To address that, I now include a print credit in all of my packages. It encourages clients to actually print their favorite images and enjoy them as part of their home. It’s a win-win—it supports my business, enhances their experience, and keeps me top-of-mind the next time they want portraits. When families see my work on their walls every day, they’re more likely to call me again in the future.
Tell us about a recent challenge:
Well, there are always challenges—there’s never a shortage of them! But honestly, I feel incredibly blessed to be at a point in my business where I can outsource some of the photography work to my two amazing associates. That flexibility allows me to take on the sessions that work best within my schedule, which is huge as a mom of three girls.
Balancing motherhood and running a busy photography business stretches my brain daily, but it’s also made me more intentional with my time and energy. One of the biggest lessons I’ve learned is how to say no—no to things that don’t align with my priorities or the direction I want to take my business. And I have zero regrets about that. It’s allowed me to be more present, both for my clients and for my family.
Tell us about the tools, technology, and/or people that meaningfully impact your workflow, allow you to spend more time doing what you love:
Outsourcing has been a game-changer for me—both in my business and my personal life. From hiring a cleaning lady to help with the dusting, mopping, and vacuuming, to using ChatGPT (like I am right now!) to help me write responses like this, I’ve learned how valuable it is to get help where I can. In my photography workflow, I rely on AI to cull images—filtering out the ones with closed eyes or too much repetition—and I outsource editing to a trusted color corrector.
Over the years, I’ve figured out what can be outsourced and what can’t. No matter how streamlined the process gets, I still carve out time with every shoot to add my own personal touch. That creative oversight is non-negotiable. But being able to delegate some of the more time-consuming tasks has shaved off hours of computer work and freed me up to focus on what matters most—connecting with clients, being present for my girls, and staying inspired as an artist.
What’s the story behind the start of your business?
My background is in photojournalism—I started out working for a daily newspaper, which gave me a strong foundation in storytelling through images. But I’ve always had an entrepreneurial spirit, so it was only a matter of time before I launched my own photography business. Even after starting my studio, I’ve continued to freelance for a few publications, including The New York Times, where I’ve been their local stringer in Charleston for over 20 years. That experience has shaped my approach, helping me capture real, authentic moments with a storytelling edge.
What skills or perspectives did you bring from a completely different field or life experience that unexpectedly benefited your business?
Being a mom of three has definitely shaped the way I photograph families and children. I know what makes kids smile, what gets a genuine giggle, and how to be patient when things don’t go exactly as planned.
You’re having coffee with YOU from when you first started your business. What would you tell yourself?
Trust your gut
One of HoneyBook’s values is “people come first”. How do you show up for the people around you outside of your business?
I truly believe one of the strengths of our team is how much we support each other. Whether someone’s dealing with a health issue or a loss in the family—which has already happened this year—we always step in without hesitation. I’ve filled in for shoots, and Amy and Larry have done the same for me and each other. That kind of trust and teamwork is invaluable.
We’re also in constant communication about how to serve our clients better—whether it’s brainstorming ways to elevate their experience or sharing tips to make shoots run more smoothly. It’s not just about taking great photos; it’s about showing up for each other and for our clients in every way we can.
