Usually as Friday’s draw near…my followers, fans and clients know that FRIDAY means FABULOUS! It means that I interview FABULOUS photographers all over the world…of all different styles, locations and I pick their brains for tips and tricks to share with all of you.

Well as my launch of my new brand, site, 1st magazine, etc draws near….AS IN…NEXT TUESDAY….I thought today….on this Friday, I would share a little about me AND show off some of my BRAND NEW head shots taken for my new site/brand by the FAB Ashley Therese Photography.

I started this journey only 4 short years ago. I can hardly believe that myself. I grew up in MD with my mom and my sister, graduated with a Bach of Sci degree from the UNIVERSITY OF MARYLAND COLLEGE PARK, and was on track to be the next Elle Woods. Law student….mixed with year round college attendee….well, you can just about say I was the biggest nerd ever that rocked pink and sparkles nearly everyday!

I took a weekend off to take my little sister to the Jonas Brothers concert and meet up with some old college friends. I had no idea that weekend was going to change my life forever. This is the weekend I met and fell in love with my husband, Michael. Flash forward….within a year I relocated to NJ…home of my future hubby, got engaged, married AND on the first day of Law School….well…thats when we found out our first baby boy was on his merry way! WOWZERS! It was a whirlwind….but one I wouldn’t change for anything. For long story short, it was my sons birth that created and sustained my burning passion for photography…so in truth…they are both to thank. Had I stayed in MD, had I walked through those law school doors….I NEVER would be where I am today…in the BEST “job” in the world.

So although I could go on forever about the details of my beginning in this industry, the idea behind this post is to really let everyone who doesn’t know me ….get a chance to know the real me.

So here are 10 things to know about Kaitlin:

1. I could drink a gallon of milk everyday and eat mexican food for every meal

2. I am convinced I would perish from this Earth without Starbucks and Cadbury Robin Eggs and Kit Kats

3. I am most afraid of death and spiders, but I have been known to still hide under the covers of every Disney movie when the villian arrises (IM A HUGE BABY)

4. I wear my heart on my sleeve, I cry at every Hallmark commercial, Nicholas Sparks movie, and anytime I see a kind deed in action.

5. This probably should have been number one….but I am OBSESSED OVER MY TWO LITTLE BOYS (Nick 3, Ryan 2) and my biggest fan and supporter, my hubby Michael. My whole family…including my best friends…they are just my air!

6. I believe in pink, sparkles, lots of sequence and side notes….I LOOOOOVE WHITE christmas lights up year round. It makes every night a starry and sparkly one.

7. Michael Kors, Coach, Tory, Victoria, J crew, Lauren Conrad AND so many more make up my closet…but as far as shoes go….STRICTLY TOMS! (Every wedding I ever shoot is done in PINK sparkly Toms.

8. Pink champagne and cupcakes make me smile…but if I am baking…you know Im very stressed out, sad…or flip side….I am feeling very MARTHA that day!

9. I never leave the house without mascara on….in fact its the one piece of make up I would choose if I could only wear one everyday. I have a thing for long eye lashes….just ask my son Nick…Im so jealous over his long locks! : ) Also when driving…I am totally the girl whose mood and driving is affected and impacted by the song thats on. Usually when Im in a rush…the rock station “OCTANE” is on….other drivers, beware. But for road trips…country and 80s duh!

10. Truth…I really have like Kardashian black hair…I blame my husbands obsession over Carrie Underwood for my new blonde locks. Also…on the topic of truth…I still have and sleep with my childhood blanket and have been known to fall asleep on ANY horizontal surface supplied when Im tired. I can sleep through anything…my friends would have parties outside my dorm door and I would never have a clue.

So Kaitlin, we just heard the most random 10 facts ever from you…but what the heck does that have to do with photography…how can that help me?

Let me tell you….it wasn’t until this past year that I found out one of the secrets to success in this industry: It has LITTLE to do with having the best gear, the most training/photography education, or being in the best market….and it has a LOTTTT to do with WHO you are and WHAT your goal is within this industry. The minute I let MYSELF into my business….not just the facade of me…but the real me…..flaws and all….imperfections a plenty….quirkiness and more the more and more people trusted me. Related to me. And I think, loved me. You have to give people around you credit. You have to give them the benefit of the doubt that they can see right through FAKENESS. They can tell your real intentions. They can smell your fear. And they can sense an unease. So tip from me: BE YOU! Flaws and all. NEVER CHANGE to become some else to try and achieve their level of success. You have success and greatness within you….dont waste time on trying to be anyone other than yourself.

Put yourself out there. I remember at United….I resorted back to that line from “WE BOUGHT A ZOO” with Matt Damon…”all you need is 20 seconds of courage, of insane bravery.” I held my breath, walked over to Ashley from Ashley Therese Photography and said….”I KINDA LOVE YOU TAKE MY PICTURES.” I hoped and prayed it came out more poetic….but flaws and all….mixed with insane courage and bravery….she passed a long a friendly smile, rub of my arm and a tight little hug. I made a new friend that day…one I never would have if I never let my guard down. She took the most gorgeous pictures of me….the reallll me. Silly faces, awkward walk, quirkily playing with my glasses….and I could NEVER BE MORE THANKFUL!

I needed images that showed a side of my I suppressed for a long time…thinking…no one will like or “get” this side of me. I am the leather jacket wearing Taylor Swift meets Elle Woods, meets “feel the need for speed girl.” I have an edgy, fashionista, professional, serious side to me that I thought I had to leave behind in my “law school days.” The photographers I saw succeeding wore pretty dresses and flats, high waisted belts, bubble necklaces and more. I thought….ok I have a side of  me like that…Loose the leather jacket, the black, the edge and embrace the girl next door. I did that…but felt incomplete. So for these images…I wanted to include bother side. My love for pink and sparkles and girly and yet casual ways….but also, embrace that professional edge. A well rounded version of myself….Silly and Serious! Elegant, confident, sophisticated, classy. I hope these images and my new brand and site give you a “well rounded look” into me. (Excuse me hair…I was shooting on a beach all day prior to the shoot! lol)