Author: Caitlin

Power in Prayer

Last night as I was performing my ritual of ‘the last scroll’ I came across Katelyn James’ IG story. I have followed Katelyn for years admiring many things about her, but mostly finding joyful inspiration for life through her. Well last night was no exception as she shared how she watched Lindsay Letters live and how when someone commented saying ‘I wish I had faith like you’, Lindsay responded with ‘You probably do. You can’t know until you’re in it.’

Katelyn then shared that she also watched Jordan Page’s stories where Jordan expressed having a difficult day, which I think many of us have had bigger struggles the last few days/weeks than we are accustomed to. But then Jordan had a realization which is what I’m getting to with all this… Today is Good Friday, a world wide day of prayer. ‘It’s been a hard day/week because Satan is trying to take the spirit away from our homes.’

This is Holy Week. For Christians and faithful all over the world, today and the next few days represent our faiths to the core. Jesus Christ died for us and today we reflect deeply on that and Satan knows there is power in our homes. He is fighting for our souls just as Jesus does and Easter is so perfectly timed in the midst of this unimaginable world. There is power in prayer, remember that. There is power in your home if you allow it. Holy Week/Good Friday/Easter or not, prayer to Jesus Christ, and to His angels, saints & Mother Mary to pray for me, are my biggest sources of safety, now and always.

Power in Prayer

Just a Photographer

I received this email last week and asked to share because it made me teary with happiness.

Subject: A Plant in a Pandemic

Hi Caitlin,

I hope you and your loved ones are well…and figuring out your new normal during this unusual, uneasy time.

When Sarah was in your studio for her senior pictures, I commented on a darling plant that you had displayed.  You told me it was from your grandmother’s funeral & that you had it in your studio as a reminder of her; you then graciously cut off a small vine for me to take home and root.

Today when I went to water it I was reminded of that story & equally surprised by how suddenly proliferate the plant has become! She is growing sooo well! I knew that I needed to show you.

It was an awesome reminder of the goodness & positive growth in this world even in tough times. God shows us He is still making things new everyday & your grandma & this plant played a part in delivering that message…

Best,
Diana
Just a Photographer

More Than ‘Just’

For the longest time, when asked what I do, I would say something along the lines of ‘just a photographer’. But in reality, I am much more than that. I know that, the person I’m speaking to most likely knows that. And most importantly, I think my clients feel that working with me is more than just having their photo taken.

Client experience has become as big a passion for me as creating the best images I possibly can, for reasons like this little plant that is spreading happiness long after I forgot about gifting it away. We are all here, working for ourselves, so that we can help each other. I really believe that.

Our jobs here on earth are not the ones that put a dollar in our bank account. Our ‘jobs’ are the ones that spread happiness and create love. So let me ask you, have you experienced a photography session that spurred happiness in your heart for months and possibly years after it was finished? Maybe not because of a houseplant, or even the prints you walked away with, but because of the joy that was created along the way.

Spending with Wisdom

For six years now I have been able to live a dream and that would never be possible without clients who choose me as their photographer. There have been many times in the beginning when I wasn’t sure where my next rent payment would come from for CCS. There have been just as many times when a booking would come in just in the nik of time. The income I make as a photographer is never assumed or taken for granted, and I am humbled and grateful to live in a community that supports small businesses.

When you choose to be aware of who you’re giving your money to, you are supporting more than a single establishment. You’re choosing to support the business, the employees and the owners. But more importantly, you’re supporting who they invest with as well. You’re spending with wisdom!

Think about that for a moment. Your dollar makes this community and our immediate economy function.

That is why I feel it is so important for my personal choices to reflect that. I buy in my local economy as often as possible, choosing Amazon and the like as second options. My food is sourced with ethics and sustainability in mind as well as the families who produce it. I also buy art and support other luxury businesses on a regular basis as I can.

It is important to me that Caitlin Claire Studio operates with similar thought in mind. The studio works with and buys from family owned printers, insurance providers, CPA’s, art shops, seamstresses, bakeries, and more, directly in our community. Why wouldn’t I choose them first when I’m asking clients to choose me with a similar mindset?

So remember, regardless of any current fad or social situation, your spending money is valuable no matter your budget. Don’t be afraid to do a little research and buy with wisdom. As a community business, I appreciate you doing so!
Appleton Small Business

Turning 6!

Caitlin Claire Studio is officially 6 years old today! I can hardly believe it and at the same time can feel every growth spurt in my business bones. Being a photographer is wonderful, but what I’ve also learned in the past 6 years is that I love running a business! The journey so far has taught me quite a bit about the world and most importantly about myself. I’m capable of anything I truly set my sights on, no doubts there! And who would believe, Caitlin Claire Studio sort of started by accident!

My first year out of high school, I signed up for a community photography class at Fox Valley Technical College. I thought it would be a film/darkroom class but about 10 minutes in I realized that was not the case. Whoops! 24 hours later I was the proud owner of a Canon Rebel XSI and never looked back. Amusing how a simple miss-understanding can lead to pretty amazing adventures if you allow it to.

Cheers to 6 years and all the lessons along the way. I’m proud of the business owner they have shaped me into!

Caitlin Claire Studio

 

Appleton Xavier Photographer

Appleton Xavier Photographer, Best Friends Session

Let’s get honest for a second. We are all our own worst critic. There is no denying that, I see it everyday in myself and unfortunately, I see it most in the youth around me. We have this idea in our heads that if we aren’t what our friends are, or have what they have, we aren’t as good.

Frickity frack that! (You know what words I really mean here.)

I was my worst enemy in high school. Ugh, it pains me to think back to those days. If I could do HS over, I would! And I’d be as ruthless as I am now with my thoughts, dreams, words, etc. I have a firm belief that being yourself is more important than making friends. And if we’re realistic about that, being ourselves will make us the best kind of friend!

Proof is in the pudding… or in this case, the pictures. My first senior session this year was with eleven best friends and it was AMAZING!! I hope every senior I ever work with knows how amazing they are in their own skin. I will work hard to share that belief with them every single day. And in a world where we are constantly asked to compare ourselves, I hope Caitlin Claire Studio seniors know I’m comparing them with the best version of themselves and no one or anything else. Be better than you were yesterday, that’s it.

Appleton Xavier Photographer

Fall Photography Availability

Who grew this business?

When you first decide to start a business it’s usually not really a decision. At least in my case it wasn’t. I had purchased my first DSLR shortly after college and started snapping pictures around the yard and of my nieces and nephews. After sharing them online (thank you free social media platforms), friends and family would ask – ‘can you take our picture?’ Of course I would say yes, an extra $35 in my pocket for a short afternoon’s worth of work… no complaining here!

Then things get out of hand and you just keep going and quit your full time job to start a part time gig to ‘be sure’ your bills are paid and things keep growing with that business you started 4 years prior so you quit the part time job because FULL TIME PHOTOGRAPHER sounds pretty dang great… *takes a big breath!* You know where this came from right? My friends and family grew it for me!

It’s true. Had they not asked for those early years, I wouldn’t be here. And the best part, they keep asking! I’m honestly blown away when friends, family and acquaintances keep asking for sessions. The support and loyalty to Caitlin Claire Studio is very humbling.

Roth Family, Maternity Photography

Bob and Daali are just those people in my life. Friends (who feel like family) for a few years now, I was thrilled to hear of their new babe on the way and just as excited to see their inquiry roll into my inbox. I know Caitlin Claire Studio has come a very long way since those $35 session days (growth yo!), so families who continue to support this business and my family are never taken for granted. And I’ve said this before – it is such a compliment when someone I know, outside of photography, reaches out for my services. That trust is something I hope to always hold tight to.

Fall Photography Availability

Open Session Dates, 2019

Ask and ye shall receive. Or just wait around and it will come because no one asked for it but it’s important for me to share. Here are my remaining dates in 2019 (maybe give or take a few depending on future circumstances…)

September 19
September 24
September 26

October 3
October 17
October 22
October 24
October 29

November 2
November 5
November 7
November 9
November 12
November 14
November 16
November 19
November 21
November 23
November 26

INQUIRE TODAY

Appleton Business Photographer

The Free Market || Social Media Gallery

I’ve been working with The Free Market for a few months now on their image galleries and am really enjoying it. Every few weeks or so, they have specific projects in mind that need photographing and other times we go with the flow and photograph in season items for social media use. You may have seen a few of these beauties on their Facebook page, and soon you’ll see them on Instagram too! Small steps in the right directions always count as progress!

Fresh imagery doesn’t have to be out of this world fancy or feel unattainable. Most times, the simplest of setups and consistency is what will skyrocket your business above the rest. And who better to tackle that project than anyone but you?? Really! Hiring out for the tasks that are not your strong suit or that you know can be done with greater ease by a professional in that field will not only save you time, but also money, in the long run!

If you have, or know of a business, that would benefit from regularly updated images like these – send a note my way! I’d love to hear about your project and help you manage your business with professional images that represent your brand exactly how you see it!

Appleton Business Photographer