Conversations with Katie Compo

Today we’d like to introduce you to Katie Compo.

Hi Katie, so excited to have you on the platform. So before we get into questions about your work-life, maybe you can bring our readers up to speed on your story and how you got to where you are today?
My journey with photography really took off in college, where I studied New Media Studies — a program that blended photography, graphic design, videography, audio engineering and basically anything media related. While I learned a lot through school, I also spent countless hours self-teaching, experimenting, and learning from friends and peers in the industry. Photography quickly became a creative outlet that I couldn’t get enough of.

In 2013, I photographed my first wedding for a family friend. I charged almost nothing and was absolutely terrified, but it ended up being an incredible experience. From that day on, I knew wedding photography was what I wanted to do. I love being part of such pure, genuine happiness every weekend — and getting to dance to some dance floor jams is a real bonus! Even though the days can be long and the pressure to capture once-in-a-lifetime moments is high, it’s where I feel the most free and creative.

Since then, I’ve photographed over 300 weddings, mostly across Michigan, but also out of state and internationally — including destination weddings in some amazing places like Jamaica, Mexico, Honduras, and even on a Caribbean cruise.

My style has evolved into a bold, colorful, true-to-life look, with a particular love for photographing landscapes, beaches, lakes, and oceans. More than anything, I aim to freeze moments that capture real emotion and the unique essence of each couple.

Community has played a huge role in my growth — some of my closest friends are also my biggest inspirations. I feel lucky to be constantly learning from the talented people around me.

Today, I run my business with a strong focus on clear communication and helping my couples feel relaxed and confident. I believe that a wedding day should be joyful, not stressful — and my role is not only to take beautiful photos, but also to help create a smooth, memorable experience from start to finish.

We all face challenges, but looking back would you describe it as a relatively smooth road?
Like any creative career, it definitely hasn’t always been a smooth road — but every challenge has taught me something valuable. One of the biggest hurdles early on was learning to trust my own creative judgment and feel confident in my skills, which ultimately allowed me to create work that I’m deeply proud of and connect more genuinely with my couples. I also quickly realized that running a photography business involved much more than just taking and editing pictures — it meant learning marketing, client communication, time management, and all the other behind-the-scenes pieces that make a business work.

There have also been seasons where I felt creatively stuck or burnt out. One of the hardest but most important lessons has been understanding the need for boundaries — protecting my time and energy so I can continue to create from a place of joy rather than exhaustion. I’m still learning, but giving myself space to rest and recharge has been key to keeping my creativity and passion alive for the long run.

Appreciate you sharing that. What else should we know about what you do?
What sets us apart is our dedication to making the entire experience seamless and enjoyable for our couples. From the initial consultation to the final gallery delivery, we focus on clear communication, thoughtful planning, and creating a relaxed atmosphere on the wedding day. Couples often mention how comfortable and confident they feel working with us, knowing we’re there to help bring their vision to life.

We’re most proud of the relationships we build with our couples and the trust they place in us to document one of the most important days of their lives. Seeing their joy when they relive their wedding day through our photos is what makes our work so rewarding.

Whether it’s a lakeside ceremony or a grand ballroom celebration, we’re committed to capturing the essence of each couple’s unique love story.

Is there any advice you’d like to share with our readers who might just be starting out?
My biggest piece of advice for photographers just starting out is to not be afraid to try something new and creative. Trust your creative gut, even if it feels a bit unconventional at first. That’s how you develop a unique style and stand out from others.

Also, don’t forget the importance of being prepared. Always have backup equipment in case of emergencies — the last thing you want is to be caught without a backup plan during a shoot.

Finally, build a strong network of other photographers. It’s incredibly valuable to have a group of people to learn from, share experiences with, and rely on in case of emergencies. Photography can be a solo journey, but having a supportive community makes it so much more fulfilling.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://juneberrymedia.com/
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/juneberrymedia/
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/juneberrymediallc