Congratulations to Katie Schmitt on becoming our newest Unraveled Expert Artist!

Katie is a lifestyle and documentary photographer located in rural WNY. Her home is a zoo inhabited by her husband, two wildling children, two cats, two dogs, and infinite houseplants. In addition to owning her photography business, Katie is a full-time special education teacher. She jokes that she makes it through her days on "coffee and willpower."

Katie's photography journey began in high school, where she dabbled in film alongside various other creative pursuits. It was after giving birth to her son, however, that photography took on an entirely new meaning. Through the lens of her camera, Katie is able to document all of the grand and minute details of her children's lives. She is especially drawn to connection and togetherness, moments that tell stories of family bonds.

When she doesn't have a camera in hand, you can usually find Katie with a good book, crafting, or on outdoor adventures with her family. Her guilty pleasures include coffee, Korean dramas, and webcomics, for which her husband teases her endlessly.

We love the way she documents her everyday life with such intentional compositions, dynamic light and true-to-life colors. She inspires us to see the good in the moments that are happening right in front of us. We look forward to watching Katie grow in the Unraveled Community.

For more information on becoming an Unraveled Expert Artist and to learn how to become a leader in the UA community, please go HERE.

For more inspiration from Katie:

Instagram | Website

Here is Katie, Unraveled…

What inspires your art?

My family was, and continues to be, my reason behind picking up a camera. My goal is to document the many intricacies of our life - leaving my children a legacy of visual memories to reflect on. As the daughter of a transplant recipient, I am all too aware of how fragile life can be. I am a huge fan of color, and am always looking for ways to incorporate color into my art and my home.

What do you shoot with? Camera body and favorite lens?

A former Canon shooter, I switched to Fuji a year ago and am never looking back! I'm blown away by Fuji's color science, and the portability of my tiny mirrorless camera body. Not to mention the vintage analog controls, which feel easy and effortless beneath my fingers. Gear I use on a regular basis include:
Fuji X-T3
Fuji X-T2
16-55mm f/2.8
23mm f/1.4

I also really enjoy Lensbaby lenses, and have both the Trio and Spark 2.

What other ways do you express your creativity?

I'm a serial crafter, and almost always have some form of DIY project going on. I really enjoy crocheting, as it satisfies my need to keep my hands busy. My other creative pursuits include sketching and watercolor painting, macrame, and home decor.

How do you de-stress at the end of the day?

I can't say no to a nice, long soak in the tub. Preferably with a good book.

What kind of music do you listen to while editing?

I don't often listen to music when I edit, but my music taste is varied. I love alternative and indie, electro, and even some 90s grunge. I'm not picky.

What is your favorite book?

I can't choose just one! Recent favs include Find Layla, A Girl From Nowhere, When We Believed in Mermaids, and Where the Forest Meets the Stars.

Name one movie that inspires you.

I prefer series over movies, and my favorite of 2020 was It's Okay to Not Be Okay. The series follows a children's book author and psychiatric hospital employee as they navigate childhood trauma, mental illness, and neurodiversity. It's the perfect blend of touching moments and macabre humor, grim fairy tales and light at the end of the tunnel. Did I mention the cinematography is amazing?

How do you handle self-doubt or creative slumps?

Not well. An enneagram type 3, I often struggle with perfectionism and the need for validation in my art. My self-talk isn't always the kindest. Luckily, I have an amazing support group of photographer friends. They are always there to listen to me, motivate me, and offer encouragement (or a good kick in the pants). Community is everything. I also find it's helpful to pick up my camera every single day. Keeping routine and consistency helps me break out of a rut faster than being idle.

What has been the most difficult part of your creative journey?

Imposter syndrome, for sure. There is a wealth of talent out there, and it is really easy to compare yourself to others. For a long time, I tried to swim with the crowd and create in a way that I thought was expected of me. Only recently have I really started to embrace my differences and unique talents as a creative.

What is your favorite pizza topping?

Pineapple!

What is your most favorite kind of light and why?

Of course I love golden, glowy light, but I am also drawn to pockets of light within my home. I love the lines and shadows that can be created, and the fact that I can create something airy OR moody depending on how I position my subject.

Who is one of your favorite photographers?

Sean Tucker. I love his street photography, and the bold, gritty way in which he showcases his subjects.

What is your favorite course or lesson at Unraveled?

I absolutely love Embracing the Mundane with Chloe Rosser. She has such a beautiful way of documenting everyday life, and her course hit home that it's OK (heck, it's awesome), to have a heart in family documentary photography. This course was a turning point for me.