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

Hi Catie, can you walk us through the thought-process of starting your business?
I started my business in 2017. Photography was not something I planned for, it just happened. I worked as a graphic designer for a real estate company in Charleston. But what they really needed was help with their in-house photography and video, so I pivoted and took over that department. And that’s where I found my love for taking photos of people. Although I had always loved photography, I mostly took pictures of animals and landscapes before. This was my first experience taking photos of events, people, and businesses. When one of my coworkers asked me to photograph her wedding, I jumped at the opportunity! And it all continued from there.

Can you open up a bit about your work and career? We’re big fans and we’d love for our community to learn more about your work.
I want to think that how I treat people is one of the big reasons I’m where I am today. I believe in treating others how I would like to be treated (flashback to when we were kids and our parents said that to us). It seems like such a cliche thing to say, but it really is how I think daily. I am proud of myself for sticking it out and working so hard. There were two years of hustling hard, working, essentially two full-time jobs that not many people saw. Recently, I have pivoted from weddings to venture into brands and commercial work. Seeing my work in magazines, on TV, and used in advertisements for businesses has been amazing. I’m really excited to see where this new road takes me!

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.
There are so many fun things to do in Charleston! But you know we all have our favorites we tend to stick to. My dream week in Charleston, if I had no other responsibilities for the week, would look like this:
Staying all week at The Charleston Place. They’re dog-friendly, which means my dog, Toulouse, can come to stay, too. Not only that, but they decorate for the holidays, and their lobby is immaculate.

Every morning would consist of a long walk on Sullivan’s Island and a trip to the Marina Variety Store for the best brunch in Charleston! Bonus points if this is during the summer and you stumble on a turtle release on the beach!

A trip to the aquarium is a must, especially since they have an area where you can touch the stingrays now! As well as taking the water taxi across the Charleston harbor to visit the USS Yorktown and take a helicopter ride to see Charleston from above.
A visit to Cypress Gardens, Middleton Place, Shem Creek, Gibbes Museum, and the Angel Oak.
And a day spent on the water. I love going out on the boat and stopping at one of the islands. This is a great way to find shark teeth, too!

Dinners at Fleet Landing, Red’s Ice House, The Wreck, and Saltwater Cowboys. I’m a fan of a laid-back atmosphere that comes with a good view! Mama Kims is another hidden gem Downtown where we have to grab food. The perfect grab-and-go food to take to White Point Gardens or the beach to watch the sunset!
And we would finish the week with a ghost tour downtown! It is so much fun, and you learn a ton of history about Charleston.

Who else deserves some credit and recognition?
I feel grateful to so many people who have been a part of my wonderful journey so far. Starting and growing a business is not an easy task. I have been fortunate to receive unwavering support from my family, and I realize that not everyone is as lucky. I don’t think I could have come this far without their support. I’m also grateful to my clients and friends for trusting me from the very beginning. My coworker, Jessica, saw my potential and asked me to photograph her wedding. That was truly the start of Catherine Hurt Photography, and I can’t thank her enough. There are so many people who have supported me along the way, and although I cannot list everyone by name, they know who they are!

Website: https://catherinehurtphotography.com/

Instagram: @catherinehurtphoto

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/CatherineHurtPhotography

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