Life & Work with Kaitlyn Novak

Today we’d like to introduce you to Kaitlyn Novak. 

Hi Kaitlyn, so excited to have you with us today. What can you tell us about your story?
If you count a 7-year-old with a disposable camera, I started photography when I was just that young. By 11 I had my first digital camera and took photos of my mom’s backyard plants, nature, and eyes. I had a thing for macro shots so a lot of my work at that age was very detailed. I took photography in high school and learned how to shoot film and the more technical side of things like composition and settings. After I graduated, I kept taking photos and officially opened my own business and became a professional in 2019. 

I’m sure you wouldn’t say it’s been obstacle free, but so far would you say the journey has been a fairly smooth road?
The biggest challenge for me was kickstarting my business. I learned that over time and after building a solid portfolio that you will start to attract clients. I also struggled at first on finding my style. I think that’s something every photographer goes through. I wasn’t happy with my editing style 4 years ago and after experimenting and constantly looking for inspiration, I finally found my current style. 

Appreciate you sharing that. What else should we know about what you do?
I specialize in portraits and weddings. I took photos of people very early on in my photography journey but the thought of taking photos of two people was always very intimidating to me. I hadn’t had much experience posing couples. Over the last 4 years, I’ve really mastered posing couples in a candid and romantic way. Fashion photography has always been my real passion because I am able to fully express a feeling and think outside the box. Picking wardrobe, hair, and makeup is the best part for me because it allows me to be in my full creative element. 

What do you like and dislike about the city?
What I like best about Detroit is that beautiful nature and city locations are not far from each other. Belle isle is a beautiful spot to go to when trying to switch up senior photos or weddings photos after shooting downtown in the city. I do dislike the fact that the metro Detroit area is very flat. We don’t have beautiful mountains or oceans to play with, which is something I’ve always wanted to incorporate more of in my portfolio. 

Pricing:

• Weddings packages for 6 hours start at $1600
• Portrait and fashion shoot packages start at $350

Contact Info:

• Website: https://katienovakphoto.squarespace.com/
• Instagram: @katienov

Image Credits
Jillian Jackson