Why I Never Chose the Path of Commercial Work

Someone asked me recently why I never tried to go the commercial route — working with big brands or doing corporate jobs.

Finding Inspiration in Real People

Someone asked me recently why I never tried to go the commercial route — working with big brands or doing corporate jobs.

I had to think about it for a minute. Because sure, the idea of being able to say I’ve worked for a company everyone recognizes sounds nice. But the truth is, I’ve found my creativity — and my purpose — in something completely different: ranch family photography. There’s something about photographing real families, small businesses, and the way people work together on the land that keeps me inspired in a way commercial work never could.

As a family photographer in Montana, what I love most about photography is the connection that comes with it — getting to know people, hearing their stories, and seeing how they work together to build a life. That’s what keeps me doing this.

Ranch Life, Family, and Small Business — Where It All Overlaps

I’ve always loved small businesses, especially when they overlap with ranch life. So often, that’s what rural family photography is really about — the blending of work, home, and family. I love helping people bring that side of themselves into their story, showing not just what they do, but who they are and what their life looks like behind it.

And it’s not always about business either. Sometimes people hire me simply because they want to capture their family as they are right now — the stage they’re in, the life they’ve built — before it changes. Because these days don’t last forever.

A Montana Snowstorm and a Reminder of Why I Do This Work

In September, I photographed a ranch family in the middle of a snowstorm here in Montana. The wind was sharp and cold, but everyone was out there together — three generations working side by side. The little kids were bundled up, cheeks red from the cold, still helping and laughing through it. It makes me so proud to see kids being part of their family’s livelihood — because I’ve lived that too. And I know the kind of pride that comes from having your whole family work toward a common goal.

That’s what family looks like to me. That’s what I want my work to reflect. That’s the heart of storytelling ranch family photography — honest, connected, and full of real life.

If you’ve been thinking about photographing your own family, your legacy, or sharing more of your small business story, I’d love to be a part of that.
I’m booking a few more sessions this winter and spring for families and ranches who want to capture what life really looks like right now — the work, the connection, and the moments that matter most.
You can reach out here or just reply to this email. I’d love to hear your story.

And if you’ve enjoyed this post and want to go a little deeper, I’ve got a few more coming.
Next, I’ll be sharing how I build that connection with my clients — the small, intentional things that help people feel comfortable and seen.
After that, I’ll be talking about why photography means so much to me — and how it’s become a way to both create and teach connection.

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The more I photograph, the more I realize it’s not just about the image — it’s about preserving a piece of someone’s story. Whether it’s a family on the ranch, a small business built from the ground up, or a moment that will never happen quite the same way again.

I also share a lot of this behind-the-scenes work inside my Private Instagram Group — where I talk more openly about photography, client experience, and the creative process.

If you’d like to be part of that community, you can join here

I also offer private coaching for photographers who want to create with more purpose and ease — to build stronger client relationships and feel more confident in the direction they’re heading.

You can learn more here

Hey, I’m Kate, a photographer and educator in rural Montana. I work with ranch families and small businesses who want to capture their story and everyday moments that show what their life looks like right now.

I also help photographers who want to grow their business in a way that feels personal and connected — keeping creativity alive instead of running it dry.

“Capturing Life in the Rural World”