Meet Katie Dahle | Colorado Wedding and Elopement Photographer

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

Hi Katie, do you have some perspective or insight you can share with us on the question of when someone should give up versus when they should keep going?
I’ve been running my photography business full time since May 2021 and I can’t tell you how many times I’ve questioned if I should keep going. I often wonder “am I good enough to make this work as my career?”

Each time I have to slow down and remind myself that this is what I’m meant to be doing. Truly, I believe the Lord has equipped me and called me to be a wedding photographer. When I was in college, I continually talked myself out of pursuing photography full time. I always had a reason why it wouldn’t work or why I would like being a full time business owner. When my senior year rolled around it was clear that those had all been excuses I came up with because I was scared. When it came time to search for jobs, my heart was 100% invested in running my business, even if my mind was trying to talk me out of it. God has called me into running this business full time so that I might bring glory to Him and help people see themselves the way God created them. This business is a vessel God has given me, so I won’t give up on it!

What should our readers know about your business?
Captured by Kt started as something I thought would always be a hobby. I never thought people would invest in me to capture the most important days of their life. When I look back at high school me, sitting in photography class, I feel emotional. I had no idea at the age of 23 I’d be photographing weddings full time. I’m so proud of how far I’ve come and the many hats I’ve learned to wear. I think the biggest obstacles to running my business was my mindset and all the things needed to run a business. Once I came to the realization this is what I’m meant to do, I got to work. I remember staying up til 2 or 3am during college, building my website. I was so dang excited about it, sleep wasn’t the priority. I’ve come to learn a lot about taxes, how to deal with disappointed clients and how to advertise. I’m a photographer, customer service representative, head of HR, editor, friend, copywriter, accountant, wedding planner, web designer and hype woman all wrapped in one. I’ve come to really love each hat I wear because it reminds me that I’ve built this business from the ground up. And I’m so proud of that!

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.
here’s some of the places I’d go!

Food to eat in Denver
-Benzina for pizza
-Little Man Ice Cream- salted oreo malt please
-Perdida for tacos and margs
-Snooze for breakfast
-Vibe Coffee and Wine for the best iced chai latte

Places to visit / things to do
-go camping in Rocky Mountain National park
-watch the sunset from Lost Gulch Lookout in Boulder
-Mural hop in RiNo
-walk around the Park Hill neighborhood

Shoutout is all about shouting out others who you feel deserve additional recognition and exposure. Who would you like to shoutout?
I’d love to dedicate this shoutout to Katy Greseth, my mentor and truly the only reason I’m in this business! Back in high school when I had know idea what I was doing, Katy let me assist her for a few weddings. I was overwhelmed by how joyful and fun this job can be…. I wanted to know more! Throughout the years I have second shot more weddings than I can count with her, she has answered my questions and has encouraged me. She let me (actually encouraged me to) use the photos from shooting with her to help start my business and gain a following. Katy is an incredible story teller that has modeled how to serve coupes well and how to have FUN! She is professional, but also knows how to let loose and get people excited. This is something I’ve tried to emulate in my business and I’m grateful to have had Katy as such a wonderful role model.

Website: capturedbyktphotography.com

Instagram: @capturedbyktphoto

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

Image Credits
all image credit to Captured by Kt