Meet Katie Baechler | Photographer

We had the good fortune of connecting with Katie Baechler and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Katie, we’d love to hear about how you approach risk and risk-taking
When contemplating a creative or professional risk, I find myself buzzing between fear and exhilaration. For me, it’s a mandatory journey toward personal and professional growth, even though I might occasionally grumble along the way. But once I embrace a risk, I’m rewarded with a deep sense of pride and accomplishment, pleasantly surprised by my own gumption.

I’m also a wife and mother of two school-aged children. I’ve reached the point in my motherhood journey where I’ve become a school-bus and secretary. It’s busy up in here! This whirlwind stage doesn’t often leave time for experimentation with new ideas.

Opportunities for growth usually come in the way of paid, high-pressure jobs resulting from a “can do” attitude. After questioning what I’ve gotten myself into, I methodically invest hours of research into the technical side while whimsically dreaming and creating. It’s electrifying!

Being self-taught in both the creative and professional realms, I credit any skill mastery to saying “yes” to opportunities and embracing risks. Risk-taking is now the vital catalyst for my growth and success, a thrilling journey that fuels my passion for new adventures in both my personal and professional life.

Let’s talk shop? Tell us more about your career, what can you share with our community?
My art is a blend of various photography fields, including portrait, wedding, commercial, and architecture.

In my work, I strive to preserve the authentic mood, tone, and color in each image. I find an odd pleasure in symmetry, straight lines, and framing subjects within their surroundings. I also encourage individuality, have never been a fan of trends, and encourage clients to explore ideas that are uniquely personal. I deeply prefer documentary photography over contrived, lifeless shots.

I started sporadically pursuing professional photography when I was just 18. I took family photos here and there and attempted to build skills, an online presence, and a name for myself. I booked my first solo wedding at the young age of 21 just a few weeks after my first child was born. That was 12 years ago now! I remember coming home after that very challenging day with breasts hard as rocks with unpumped milk, a screaming newborn, and a mountain of responsibilities. The memory is crisp: I sat at my desk, tears streaming down my face as I attempted to nurse my baby, while also uploading memory cards to review the images. It was a demanding moment and a testament to my personal and creative dedication.

The journey has been far from easy, marked by a fair share of stumbles and heartache. I often say, “I hate learning lessons!” I’ve grown through mistakes, personal reflection (ouch!), and a willingness to take risks.

I hope to share some wisdom I’ve learned along the way: Organize, organize, organize – that’s the key to success. Underpromise and overdeliver, because nothing beats exceeding expectations. Keep the lines of communication open, especially when you’re running on empty. Build meaningful relationships with your fellow artists and clients – they’ll become your biggest supporters. And put effort into finding your work/life balance, it’s achievable!

What I hope the world knows about me is that I’m a kind human who genuinely cares about the people I photograph and the clients who believe in my work. I’m always willing to go the extra mile, and I wholeheartedly love what I do. When working, you can often find me with a smile from ear to ear, a hand stretched out to check light, and a hearty laugh. I consider myself incredibly fortunate to create art for a living while being able to devote time to my family.

Let’s say your best friend was visiting the area and you wanted to show them the best time ever. Where would you take them? Give us a little itinerary – say it was a week long trip, where would you eat, drink, visit, hang out, etc.
Oh, I’d love to show a bestie a week around my town! Here’s a short and sweet list of places we’d visit, all within walking distance in Downtown Castle Rock.

Ecclesia Market: A beautifully repurposed old white church that now celebrates a few local businesses. In the place where church would have been held is my favorite bar, Sinners and Saints. You’ll find the old church pews, stained glass behind the bar, and an incredible heaven vs hell mural on the main wall. I love the vibes.
Downstairs is my favorite hangout, Sudden Fiction Bookstore, a hidden gem. This comfy spot includes a great collection of local authors, beer on tap, the coziest velvet chair, and even a typewriter where guests can leave messages.

The Castle Rock Collective is a coffee shop I’ll shout about. The coffee is delicious but it’s the mission that makes it truly special: To empower adults with special needs through a coffee shop and market, providing job skills, art, and handmade products, with proceeds supporting both the STARS (Specially Talented Adults Raising Standards) and vulnerable families overseas.

The Barn and Emporium: These neighboring shops house an array of small boutiques, making them a charming destination for fun and eclectic shopping experiences.

My favorite pizza in the world is made at Granelli’s, the town’s most underrated pizza shop, where I’ve been enjoying slices since my teenage years. My kids get a kick out of the square cuts!

The small-town vibes are where it’s at for me. Our downtown feels like it’s out of Gilmore Girls sometimes. The spot has really changed since I was growing up here, we now have a ton of fun breweries (try Battle Mountain Brewing Company on a live-music night!), art installations and murals, cute concerts in Festival Park, a farmer’s market, record shop, candy store, and so much more.

Who else deserves some credit and recognition?
I’d like to dedicate my shoutout to my loving husband, Derek Baechler. His love, unwavering support, challenging intellect, and appreciation for each piece of my art have been the foundation of my success. I’ll never forget the day that he, on his firefighting shift and still in his bunker gear, rushed to the grocery store and bought out all the copies of The New York Times when my name and photography graced its pages.

Website: www.katiebaechler.com

Instagram: @katie.baechler.fam.photos

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/katiebaechlerphotography

Other: TikTok: @katie.bae.bae https://www.tiktok.com/@katie.bae.bae