Today we’d like to introduce you to Katie Checkosky.
Hi Katie, please kick things off for us with an introduction to yourself and your story.
I graduated in 2022 as a Division I collegiate student athlete with a degree in Finance and Computer Information Systems. After school, I moved back home to the DC area and began my career in tech consulting. Outside of work I had carried a camera with me for over a decade, but it was not until April 2025, when my cousin asked me to photograph his proposal hike, that something shifted. Plan A for the proposal changed that day, but that simple request pushed me to really learn my gear, invest in a better lens, and start a dedicated photography Instagram. My competitive mindset made it hard for me to treat it as a casual hobby. Once I decided to put my work out there, I knew I needed to show up fully, keep learning, and say yes to opportunities even when they felt uncomfortable.
I began by photographing friends and family, small corporate and fitness events, and couples/family sessions, squeezing shoots into evenings and weekends alongside my full time job. As my work grew, I realized I wanted my brand to reflect both the professionalism of what I was creating and the personal meaning behind it. I first showed up as Checko Photo, a nod to my longtime sports nickname, but after a lot of research and reflection in late 2025, I chose to rebrand to Katie Lane Creative. Lane honors my maiden middle name, and keeping the word photography out of the name gives me room to expand into other forms of creative work over time. Today I am especially drawn to movement and motherhood sessions and have been expanding into studio work. I feel most fulfilled when I can blend my former athletic experience with my admiration for honest, artful imagery, and I hope my story encourages others to build a life and creative practice that feels aligned with who they are.
Alright, so let’s dig a little deeper into the story – has it been an easy path overall and if not, what were the challenges you’ve had to overcome?
No, it has most definitely not been a smooth road, and I think that is where a lot of the growth has happened for me. Balancing a full time career in tech, while trying to build a creative business on evenings and weekends, in the thick of wedding planning, has been one of my biggest and most fulfilling challenges. There have been many late nights spent editing, early mornings preparing for shoots, and seasons where every weekend was booked, which can be exhausting when you are still pouring so much of yourself into your nine to five and your relationships outside of work. At times it has felt like my dream was very far away, and I have had to regularly check in with myself to make sure I am building something sustainable rather than just staying busy.
Another struggle has been managing my own expectations. Coming from an athletic background, I am wired to push, compete, and chase excellence, which can be both a strength and a challenge. In the beginning I wanted everything to happen quickly, but I have had to learn to be patient with my progress, give myself permission to grow at a pace that fits my life, and remember that small, consistent steps count. There is also the emotional side of putting your art out into the world, navigating comparison, and trusting that there is space for your work. Each of these challenges has ultimately reinforced my commitment to intentionally building my business and has reminded me that I do not have to do this alone thanks to my strong support system.
Appreciate you sharing that. What else should we know about what you do?
I am a photographer based in Washington DC, serving DC, Maryland, and Northern Virginia, with a focus on movement and motherhood sessions, studio portraits, branding for women led businesses, and events. My work is movement focused and emotional without feeling overly posed, and clients often tell me they feel comfortable, seen, and strong in front of the camera. At the center of my brand is photography created with intention and rooted in connection, and I care as much about how my clients feel during and after a session as I do about the final gallery.
What sets me apart is the way my background as an athlete meets a commitment to sustainable pace and genuine relationships. I am not chasing volume for the sake of it, but instead focusing on thoughtful sessions, long term connections, and being honest and vulnerable about my own seasons of growth so others feel safe showing up as their full selves.
Alright so before we go can you talk to us a bit about how people can work with you, collaborate with you or support you?
Right now I am pausing new bookings until the fall so I can focus on serving my current clients and navigating a full season of life intentionally. In the meantime, the best way to support my work is by staying connected on social media (@katielanecreative), engaging with and sharing the images that resonate with you, and keeping me in mind when you or someone you know is ready for intentional, movement focused or lifestyle centered photography later this year. When my books reopen, I will share updates and ways to inquire on Instagram first, and I am always grateful for the people who quietly cheer on this small, growing creative business.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://katielanecreative.mypixieset.com/
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/katielanecreative/
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=61570735610239
- Other: https://pin.it/3zU1241U9
