Hi! I'm Katelyn
Here's The joy-fueled why—crafted from curiosity, courage, and a dash of chaos.
Let’s be real—running or creating a business takes guts, grace, and a touch of rebellion. Especially when you’re building it from your superpower, your passion, and a whole lot of heart.
If you’re a creative or entrepreneur, you know connection can be a little tricky. It’s also the magic ingredient. Your people need to feel your story—believe it, love it, and say, “Yes—this is my person.”
That’s where I come in.
Asking thoughtful (and sometimes delightfully unexpected) questions is one of my superpowers. I dig deep to find the gold, then turn it into images that tell your story—with connection, clarity, and maybe even a little goosebump moment.
I believe in good humans doing good things—the bold, kind-hearted ones who are Showing Up, making ripples (even the tiny-but-mighty kind), and helping build a world that’s more beautiful, thoughtful, and wildly kind.
If that sounds like you, I’m so glad you’re here. Let’s make something powerful—and unmistakably you.
Quote
thomas merton
💡 Helping People Is My Why (and Always Has Been)
For almost 20 years, I’ve worked in clinical research because I’ve always been driven to help people. Branding photography is another way I get to do that—by helping purpose-driven humans feel seen, understood, and empowered to share their story with the world.
I’ve always been a bit of a paradox—equal parts logic and heart. I’m a data-driven creative. In research, I translate the story between clean data points and messy human realities. In photography, I do something similar: capturing emotion, clarity, and truth in a way that aligns with your mission, connects with your audience, and that the back end data will support.
Both roles require deep listening, curiosity, and problem-solving that’s both intentional and human.
This is where I thrive.
“Photography, like research, is where the numbers meet the nuance.”
✨ I See Your Light (And I Want the World to See It, Too)
I love learning what lights people up. Watching someone’s eyes sparkle when they talk about their passion or purpose? That’s the moment I live for. That joy, that clarity—that’s what I aim to reflect back through my lens.
But here’s the truth:
The world doesn’t always reward kindness.
Sometimes it feels like the loudest, least thoughtful voices are the only ones getting heard.
“People want to vote with their dollars—they just need to know who to vote for.”
I believe in helping the good ones get loud enough to be found.
With strong, honest branding, we’ll make sure your work connects with your target clients.
🛠 This Is About Fearlessness
I’m still learning how to be fearless.
(Truth: I wear a necklace with that fearless on it daily to remind myself.)
Being seen—truly, vulnerably seen—helps.
And I want that for you.
If you’re out there building something beautiful, meaningful, joyful, or kind—I want to help you show up. I want to give you the tools to keep going, connect with your people, and grow without shrinking who you are.
“Fearlessness isn’t loud. It’s choosing to be seen when it’s easier to hide.”
Your work matters.
And I’m here to help you tell the story that proves it.
🐾 Behind the Name
Why “Speckled Dog Stories” Isn’t Just About a Dog (But Also Totally Is)
Yes—this business is named after my dog, Iso.
He’s a speckled Portuguese Water Dog/Poodle mix who will look into your eyes and you feel like he is looking into your soul, endless energy, insanely smart (when he wants to be), and an endearing habit of pouncing on his toys like a puppy. But this name is about more than love (though I adore him) or branding (though it’s memorable).
Speckled Dog is a story. And like all good stories, there have been plot twists.
I imagined a continual companion, going on hikes, adventures, and long runs together. But Iso came with anxiety and reactivity—and at one point, I didn’t know if I could give him the life he needed. I even considered rehoming him.
Thankfully I met my partner who took over Iso’s immediate training and energy needs.
With his support, patience, and kindness, I didn’t have to do it alone. Iso stayed. And I got back the joy and connection I thought I’d lost.
Iso is a reminder to me of what great stories are made of: not just the good parts or the hard parts, but the depth that comes when you hold both with love.
It also reminded me of something else: the right people will help you do things you didn’t know you could.
Now, Tim and I call ourselves Team Iso. He’s also a budding novelist and has promised to write in a speckled character into each of his books (and he can’t take it back now that I’ve put it out there to the world!.
Speckled Dog Stories is built on that belief.
Stories matter. That being seen—fully—is powerful.
And that joy, support, and courage are worth naming things after.
My Values
Kind
Nice follows the rules—kindness tosses it out and asks better questions. I try to lead with heart, even when it’s messy, and only work with people I know I can truly serve.
Joyful
Joy isn’t confetti and sunshine 24/7—it’s the kind of magic that can sit with sorrow and still wink. It grows through connection, gratitude, and choosing to seek light even in the mess.
Intentional
Being intentional doesn’t mean having a five-year plan—it means following curiosity and choosing with care (even if that choice is a nap). I get to know your story so everything we create feels like it came from your kind of magic.
Authentic / Vulnerable
I show up fully as my weird, wonderful self—and will make space for you to do the same. Vulnerability takes bravery, and I’ll always meet yours with mine.
