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

Hi Catherine, putting aside the decision to work for yourself, what other decisions were critical to your success?
One key moment that really boosted my success in photography was when I decided to invest in my education. At first, I tried to go it alone, figuring things out as I went. I learned a lot, but my business was moving at a crawl. It wasn’t until I started investing in courses, workshops, and mentorship that things really took off. Learning from experts gave me the tools and insights I needed to accelerate my growth. So if there’s one piece of advice I’d give, it’s to never underestimate the power of continued learning and seeking guidance from those who’ve been where you want to go.

What should our readers know about your business?
I’m a family and newborn photographer, with a special focus on mini sessions, which are truly the backbone of my business. These sessions are set up with specific dates, time slots, and locations where clients book a 10 or 15-minute slot. This efficient model allows me to work with hundreds of families each year.

What I believe really sets me apart in the world of family photography boils down to two things. First, I prioritize the client experience above all else. I’m constantly striving to enhance this aspect, ensuring that clients leave not just satisfied but genuinely delighted by every interaction. I aim to make every step of our journey together as smooth as possible, anticipating their needs and addressing their questions before they even ask.

Secondly, I offer a same-day sneak peek of their session. I know how much effort goes into preparing for a shoot—coordinating outfits, packing essentials, and keeping little ones happy can be a lot. So, I want to reward moms (and dads!) with a beautiful image the very same day. Plus, I provide fully edited galleries within a week, not weeks later. This quick turnaround helps keep the excitement fresh and contributes significantly to the overall client experience.

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.
If my best friend were visiting, I’d need more than a week to show them all the amazing spots I love. Being an outdoor enthusiast who adores hiking and soaking in the stunning views of Colorado, there’s so much to explore. I’d start by taking them to Lake Isabelle—it’s a relatively easy hike, but the high-altitude views are absolutely breathtaking. Next, we’d venture to Rocky Mountain National Park, which has countless fantastic hiking trails.

From there, we’d head to Glenwood Springs for a relaxing soak in the natural hot springs before making our way to the Maroon Bells in Aspen. Aspen’s charm is unmatched, and after soaking it all in, we’d drive to Ouray, often called the “Switzerland of Colorado,” with a quick stop at Black Canyon of the Gunnison National Park along the way. Then, we’d continue to Crested Butte, renowned as the wildflower capital of Colorado, where fields of vibrant blooms will leave us in awe.

On our journey back to Denver, we’d swing by Great Sand Dunes National Park. The sight of sand dunes towering 750 feet high against a mountain backdrop is truly unique. Once back in Denver, we’d indulge in some delicious pizza or perhaps Korean food, which is one of my absolute favorites. And, throughout our adventure, we’d hunt down the best local bakeries and coffee shops, savoring all the local treats along the way.

Who else deserves some credit and recognition?
I have to give a huge shoutout to my husband, John, who has been my biggest cheerleader from day one. When I first shared my dream of starting a photography business and needed to invest in equipment, he was all in. And when I decided to spend thousands on mentorships to really up my game, he supported that too. His unwavering belief in me has been a huge part of my journey and success. I couldn’t have done it without his constant encouragement and support.

Website: https://www.catherinechamberlain.com

Instagram: chamberlain_catherine

Facebook: https://facebook.com/catchamberlainphotography

Nominate Someone: ShoutoutColorado is built on recommendations and shoutouts from the community; it’s how we uncover hidden gems, so if you or someone you know deserves recognition please let us know here.