Meet Katherine Katsenis | Certified Baby Photographer

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

Hi Katherine, is there something you can share with us that those outside of the industry might not be aware of?
I’d say how much time and energy is involved besides the time with clients taking photos. The preparation, setting up of sets, sanitizing props, laundry, All of this goes on and not one photo has been edited yet. I would also note how physical photography is. Setting up and taking down lights, backdrops, stands; stooping, kneeling and bending over props to get those cute shots moms love. It definitely wreaks havoc on your back. Lastly, the fact that photographers have to keep in mind dozens of things all the time as the session unfolds. Did the client’s pose change? Where is the light now in relation to them? Was someone added? Are my setting adjusted for this? All those kinds of things.

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.

My art is all about connection, emotion, and storytelling. I specialize in pregnancy, newborn, and infant portraiture—those fleeting, sacred moments that pass too quickly. Through my lens, I aim to create heirloom-quality portraits that celebrate the beauty of motherhood and the delicate details of new life. Each session is carefully designed to feel timeless and soulful, with a strong emphasis on softness, texture, and mood. I don’t just take photos—I craft scenes that feel like a memory you can step into.

What sets me apart is the level of customized care I bring to every session. As a former teacher, I’m naturally patient, attentive, and deeply empathetic. My clients often tell me they feel instantly at ease, which is especially important when working with newborns. I also offer something unique: fine art composites and painterly digital portraits that blend photography and artistry in a way that’s deeply personal and emotional.

Getting to this point wasn’t easy. Like many creatives, I started with more passion than resources. I didn’t have a marketing budget, a team, or a studio full of models. I built this business slowly, piece by piece—learning to trust my vision even when the results weren’t instant. One of the biggest challenges has been visibility. In an oversaturated market, it’s easy to feel invisible. But I realized that connection beats algorithms every time. So I focused on serving people well, staying consistent, and letting word-of-mouth be my strongest marketing tool.

The biggest lesson I’ve learned is that your art matters more when it’s rooted in who you are. The more I leaned into my own style and story, the more my work resonated with others. I’ve learned to stop chasing trends and instead focus on the kind of legacy work I want to leave behind.

What I want the world to know about my brand is that it’s not just about pretty photos—it’s about preserving the quiet magic of motherhood and the miracle of new beginnings. I want my clients to feel seen, celebrated, and cared for from start to finish. If you’re looking for an experience that’s intentional, heartfelt, and tailored to your story, I’d love to be the artist that helps you remember this chapter forever.

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.
If my best friend were visiting Los Angeles for a week, I’d want them to experience the layered magic of this city—the quiet charm, the vibrant creativity, and the unexpected pockets of beauty you only find when you slow down and look closely. I’d plan a mix of cozy, soulful spots and iconic must-sees that showcase both the local and the legendary.

We’d kick things off with a sunrise walk at El Matador Beach in Malibu—coffee in hand, toes in the sand, watching the light change the cliffs. Then we’d head to Gjusta in Venice for brunch—nothing beats their smoked fish plate and fresh pastries. Afterward, we’d wander Abbott Kinney, popping into local boutiques and art galleries.

For culture, we’d spend a day at The Getty Villa or LACMA, followed by an afternoon picnic at the Hollywood Bowl (if we’re lucky enough to catch a concert there). One evening would be reserved for Griffith Observatory—yes, it’s touristy, but the view of the city at twilight is unforgettable.

I’d also make time for a slower day on the Eastside: a visit to the Huntington Library’s botanical gardens, then vintage shopping in Highland Park, followed by tacos and mezcal at Salazar. And no LA visit is complete without a night at Grand Central Market—grab pupusas or Thai sticky rice, sit with the locals, and soak up the buzz.

We’d definitely carve out a day for wellness and rest: yoga at a quiet local studio, maybe a sound bath in Topanga Canyon, and lunch at Cafe Gratitude. For dinner, I’d splurge on Bestia because some meals are worth the hype.

What makes this city special isn’t just the places—it’s the people. The local creatives, the small business owners, the families that bring their cultures and flavors to every corner. From the mural artists in the Arts District to the weekend farmers markets full of handmade goods and neighborhood pride—there’s always something inspiring happening here.

LA isn’t just a place to see—it’s a place to feel. That mix of sunshine, soul, grit, and creativity is what makes it unforgettable. I’d want my best friend to leave feeling the heartbeat of this city the way I do—full of possibility and layered with stories.

Shoutout is all about shouting out others who you feel deserve additional recognition and exposure. Who would you like to shoutout?
George DeLoache and Ana Brandt

Both of these portrait giants have helped me along the way.

Website: https://www.panosproductions.net/newborn

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/panosphotography

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

Yelp: https://www.yelp.com/biz/panos-productions-photography-glendale

Image Credits
All images by Katherine Katsenis