nine years experience as a family photographer


Next year will mark nine years working as a portrait photographer. My business has developed and changed so much along the way! I've learned many, many things about photography and business over the years, and I've tried my best to create a positive experience for everyone I work with. I want every client to not only be happy about their pictures, but to enjoy working with me as well.


I've implemented systems and ways of doing things that I hope create a great experience for everyone that books with me. I try to help everyone feel as comfortable and as excited as possible throughout the entire booking, shooting, and delivery process.


Below is a short list of three things that I prioritize in my business and the value that I deliver to my clients.

stress free photo sessions


I know what it is like to be on the other side of the camera, where my kids are not cooperating and I'm worried bout my hair and the baby just stepped in mud and now he's crying. Not to mention all the effort leading up to this crazy moment... coordinating outfits, curling hair, feeding kids, and putting a smile on to try and keep everyone happy.


Family pictures can be a lot!! And it mostly falls on the mom.


So, as your photographer I try to alleviate as much of this stress as possible. I'm involved in the clothing selection (styling) process as much as you'd like me to be, and I send all of my clients a helpful welcome packet with outfits suggestions for family pictures, location ideas, recommendations to get dad on board before the photo session, and other useful tips.


During the session you do not have to worry about your kids! This is probably the most important part of my job as a family photographer. I make the kids happy and we get the smiles! They always have fun during family pictures, it's not a chore. We play games, I tell silly jokes and sing songs, and create fun distractions that get the kids laughing and having fun.


As for the adults, I know how to pose people and how to help them feel comfortable in front of the camera. I tell you exactly what to do and let your review the photos on my camera until you are 100% happy with what we have. You will walk away from every session with photos you love.

mom plays with baby and lifts him in the air beneath orange trees in the spring
dad wrestles his boys playfully in an orange grove during family pictures
boy climbs orange tree in the sunlights during family pictures

timeless, consistent, high quality work


There is a lot of time and work that goes into creating beautiful imagery. From the equipment to the editing to the styling, it is so important to me that your pictures are the best they can be. I hand edit each image and retouch unwanted items and areas of the photo. My editing it bright, crisp, true to color, and authentic. I avoid artistic editing (dark and moody, light and airy, desaturated colors etc.) because it will only look dated in a few years when the trends shift.


On the technical side of things, I use the latest and the best equipment, and stay up to date on educating myself about changes in camera gear and technology. Your images will be sharp and clear, and look great on the web and in print.

a digital health coach leans on a kitchen counter in a phoenix home
a team of health and fitness coaches pose by a pool for branding photos
staged computer and other work tools displayed for marketing photos

a human experience


One of the things I love the most about being a photograph is meeting new people! I walk away from eery session with a new set of friends, both young and old. I'm passionate about family relationships, and love capturing the beautiful bonds family members have with one another.


During every session I enjoy chatting and getting to know people better. It's so fun to meet beautiful and amazing people and see the good that they're doin gin the world, either within their families or in their businesses. There are so many great things to photograph and interesting stories to tell through imagery, I love doing it, and it's rewarding to help other people reconnect to their loved ones and to things they value most in life.


When we work together, I try to create an experience where you feel valued, relaxed, and overall happy about the time we spend together and the photos you receive in the end.

parents tickle their children and play together at red mountain park in mesa arizona
a young family walks through the grass of red mountain park for family pictures
two kids laying in parents lap looking up at the trees at red mountain park in mesa arizona

reviews for katie shirk photography


I've had so many amazing clients over the years! These reviews mean so much to me and my work. If you'd like to learn more about working with me you can read my about page or contact me directly.


You can find more 5 star reviews on google HERE.


Thanks for being here! I hope we get to work together in the future.