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

Hi Katie, what was your thought process behind starting your own business?
I was staring at the purchase order, probably the hundredth one that day, thinking my eyes were going to cross. I had just started a new job as a front desk receptionist for a pool company. I left my previous job of three years to be closer to my home and already I was feeling burnt out. I was only two weeks in, too. Yikes!

When I graduated from the University of North Georgia with an art marketing degree three years earlier, everyone expected I would start my own photography business. “I don’t like the stress of weddings,” I said. “I prefer to do more fine art instead of photographing families,” I countered. But behind these dismissive responses was actually fear. I knew that the photography market was already saturated. I knew that not only was it full of other artists, but really, really talented ones at that. And I was sure I would fail.

So, after coding the hundreds of purchase orders (while listening to the Hamilton soundtrack on repeat), I would drive home and tell my husband how much I disliked my job. He asked, not for the first time, “Why don’t you do photography?” It was in that moment that I couldn’t think of a truly good reason to NOT try.

I finally confronted the fear that I had about jumping into entrepreneurship and decided I wouldn’t let it control my path. God has been so good to me in blessing this business- the people I’ve met, the relationships that have formed, and my growth as an artist as well as my personal growth are things I hold so dear to my heart!

Alright, so let’s move onto what keeps you busy professionally?
Though I currently focus on wedding and lifestyle photography, I first found a passion for street photography. I’m inspired by artists like Henri Cartier-Bresson, Vivian Maier, Joel Meyerowitz, and so many more. With street photography, you get to be a fly on the wall a lot of the time. This, for the most part, contrasts shooting weddings, maternity sessions, engagements, etc. because there is so much client interaction. I think something that other creatives can relate to is the tendency towards introversion. A good challenge I’ve faced is learning how to come out of my shell in a way that’s true to who I am while also telling a story that’s true to who my clients are, even if that means just taking a step back, being a fly on the wall, and shooting the in-between moments.

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.
An ideal Saturday in ATL for me would include brunch at Cafe Intermezzo followed by a matinee at the Fox. In college, I was a founder of the Women’s Ultimate Frisbee Club at UNG (Aurea Ultimate, baby), so if I’m in Atlanta, I’m watching some professional Ultimate, whether that’s the Atlanta Soul or Atlanta Hustle. Then if you head north into the metro area, downtown Woodstock has several of my favorite places: Pie Bar, Reformation Brewery, Ipp’s Pastaria & Bar. I love spending time outdoors, so a couple of my favorite hikes in the area include Olde Rope Mill Park and the trails at Leita Thompson Memorial Park. My final shoutout has to be Bizarre Coffee in downtown Canton. They have amazing specialty drinks, delicious food, and some of the best service!

Shoutout is all about shouting out others who you feel deserve additional recognition and exposure. Who would you like to shoutout?
When I think about those who deserve a shoutout for encouraging, supporting, and guiding me to where I am now, the list is long! My husband has been my biggest support from the beginning, for sure. He has encouraged me every step of the way, helps me problem-solve, and is the best Instagram husband who takes photos of me when I need them 🙂 My parents are also at the top of the list. They have always encouraged me to use the talent the Lord has given me to serve others. My dad was an entrepreneur himself which is a big inspiration for me! Two fellow photographers and friends were instrumental in the very beginning of launching my business. Kat Eggleston (Eggleston + Co.) and Courtney Blair-Lind (Courtney Blair Photo) answered the zillion questions I had about behind the scenes stuff, technical photography things, and so much more. Finally, to every client, whether you’re a friend or a stranger, who has given me the opportunity to serve you through photography- thank you! Literally couldn’t do it without you! I believe we were made for community and I’m so grateful for mine.

Website: https://dekkerdreamsphotography.com/

Instagram: @dekkerdreamsphotography, https://www.instagram.com/dekkerdreamsphotography/?hl=en

Image Credits
Dekker Dreams Photography

Nominate Someone: ShoutoutAtlanta 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.