An Afternoon with Cait Kramer Photography

I had the opportunity to hang out with Cait Kramer Photography in my studio recently and it was so much fun. We instantly hit it off and spent a lovely afternoon together, playing with flowers and getting to know each other better. She has such a beautiful heart and is the absolute sweetest. I loved getting a chance to know her better and can't wait for you to do the same! Enjoy!

How did you get started in photography? When did you start Cait Kramer Photography?

I got my first "big camera" for my 16th birthday. I actually got started in portrait photography when my sister came home from college and asked me to do a styled session with her and her best friend--before that, I was too intimidated to photograph anything but our family's dog, Minnie! I had no idea what I was doing, but we had SO much fun. I was absolutely hooked from there! I started learning as much as I could and started to work to grow my business about six months later--that was my senior year of high school! Throughout college, I worked to grow my business even more, and after college, I hit the ground running with the wedding side of my business. The last couple of years have been absolutely crazy, but I feel so lucky each day to be doing what I love!

Where do you draw your inspiration from?

I think I draw my biggest inspiration from the energy of the people around me. I really love creating meaningful and lasting connections with my clients, and feel the most inspired when that connection is really strong!

What about a couple makes you excited to work with them?

There is SO much about a couple that makes me excited to work with them! I love couples that are down to earth and that share similar values with me. I also love when my couples are interested in forming a relationship with their wedding photographer. I am with them so much during their wedding day, and it makes the biggest difference when if feels like they are spending their day with an old friend, rather than some crazy lady with a big camera

What is one thing you wish every bride or groom knew before booking a photographer?

It is so important that your personalities mesh and that you love everything about their photography style! Most likely, you will be with your photographer more on your wedding day that you will be with your parents or your future spouse! It sounds pretty crazy, but it is true! Choose someone that you are comfortable with and that you can laugh with too! On the flip side, do choose someone with a shooting and editing style that you love! These photos will be hanging on your walls for years and years and years to come! It is so important that you TRUST your wedding photographer.

What do you do on your days off?

What are days off? Kidding!! When I have time out of the office or not behind the camera, I love to check out fun spots in DC that I haven't seen before (Even after two years, tourists have probably seen more of the city than I have!!), grill out on my rooftop, or tend to my tiny army of houseplants! I also love taking new fitness classes and catching up with friends over a glass of sparkling white wine!

Other than weddings, what is your favorite thing to shoot?

I really love photographing people, I know that sounds silly! From portraits to weddings, to street photography, sports, and all the crazy things in between!! There is something so special about capturing emotion and who someone is in that exact moment you snapped the photo! I was a photojournalism major in college and have always been fascinated by people and their stories.

What are some of your favorite wedding trends? Least favorite?

My favorite and least favorite trends coincide! I love that I am seeing more and more couples break "tradition" to make their wedding exactly what they want! On the other side of that, I still do see a lot of couples that get caught up in the tradition side of a wedding day, and they aren't 100% happy with their wedding day plans! That is always such a shame to me! Why not design a ceremony that you are so incredibly excited about?! Why not opt to see your future spouse beforehand if you really want to?! Your wedding day is YOUR wedding day and your plans should reflect exactly what you want, regardless of what "tradition" says!

What has been your proudest moment in the industry so far?

This is such a hard question!! Each time I am welcomed into a couple's story to document their day is so humbling. However recently, I received the following comment from a bride, and it really touched my heart: "Thank you for keeping our day flowing and for literally keeping me (corset, bustle, and all!) together the day of! It almost felt like I had gained 2 amazingly competent, efficient, and helpful bridesmaids for my wedding that just happened to be amazing at photography." I always hope that the experience my couples receive on their wedding day lies deeper than just pretty photos! It made me so proud and humbled to hear that brides were recognizing this!

What does the future of your business look like?

I am so excited to see what the future of my business holds! Right now, I am having so much fun growing the wedding side of my business. I have been toying with the idea of specializing in a few other types of photography (and am working on the plans right now!!). A few years in the future, I also hope to be able to offer education and teaching to other photographers and creatives. I have been given so much by other people in the early years of my business and would love to be able to give that back to others!

What area do you serve and how can we find you?

While I'm located in Washington, DC, I'll travel anywhere!! I regularly serve in the DMV, Philly and Central PA regions! I really do love to travel though and will go pretty much anywhere--my suitcase and passport are ready :) You can find me online at www.caitkramer.com and on Instagram and Facebook too :)