AfterShoot & Kreate Photography - Kreate Naturelle AI Profile LAUNCH: An easy-to-use, versatile + timeless AI Editing Style
For those of you who don’t know me…
My name is katie Monroe and I am a luxury wedding photographer, brand photographer, and photography business coach in the SF Bay Area.
I'm beyond excited to share something special with you - my brand-new AI preset, exclusively available on Aftershoot! This isn't just any preset; it's the 'Kreate Naturelle AI Style' designed to bring out the best in your photos, offering that refined, editorial, luxury vibe we all love. Whether you're shooting weddings, families, or even branding sessions, this style will add that refined, luxury touch to every image.
My editing style features a blend of timeless elegance and contemporary elements. The Kreate Naturelle Preset holds a special place in my heart, as it has been my passion project since 2008! This preset has traveled with me throughout my entire career and has been fine-tuned to perfection.
My preset seamlessly adapts to both natural and artificial light, and with a simple click, it can be effortlessly converted to black and white in Lightroom, embracing versatility and the option to add grain. Before I knew about Imagen, we'd carefully edited well over 400 weddings with the Kreate Naturelle Preset. Consistency is incredibly important to me and I want our deliverables to exceed our client's expectations every, single time!
What's Aftershoot? It's an AI-powered tool that takes the heavy lifting out of editing and culling, so you can focus on what really matters - managing your biz, taking photos & living a lifestyle you love! And now, with Kreate Naturelle Preset, my Creator style is at your fingertips while staying true to your unique aesthetic.
My editing style is described as…
editorial, luxury + refined
🎉 Special Launch Offer:
Not on Aftershoot Yet? Start your free trial today, and get my profile for free!
Aftershoot Select, Essential, and Pro Users: Thinking about leveling up? Upgrade your plan, and my Creator Style is yours - no extra cost!
Aftershoot Max Users: Enjoy 30% off when you grab my Creator Style.
Plus, everyone gets their first 500 edits free when they download my Creator Style!
How to Get Started: Current Aftershoot Users: Head over to the Aftershoot Marketplace and grab my Creator Style with your exclusive discount.
New to Aftershoot? Start your free trial here, then dive into the marketplace to find my style waiting for you!
CLICK HERE TO START YOUR FREE TRIAL
I'm thrilled to see how you'll use this new style to elevate your work!!!
When I discovered the world of AI, I knew our preset would work well with the program, because I had so much consistent work to feed the platform. I began using Aftershoot and added weddings from all over the world featuring every lighting situation (indoor, outdoor, beach, mountains, bright sun, overcast, golden hour, dark spaces with flash, high ISO low light situations, artificially lit shoots, and the list goes on!!).
We added over 90,000 images to get started and have been fine-tuning the profile since then. The best part about Imagen is that the results are true to the preset and editing style I hold so dear and I feel like we are getting authentic, consistent results every, single time!
I have two brands, one in the wedding industry and one in the commercial sector (branding + lifestyle). My style has been crafted to be versatile for all photographers in all niches and works beautifully with all color profiles and cameras (ex canon, nikon, sony, etc). Please reach out if you have any questions.
You’re AMAZING and what you do,
Katie
LIVE Q+A WITH THE AFTERSHOOT TEAM
When and how did you know that you wanted to be a photographer?
My career began in the darkroom and in the art studio painting whatever inspired me that day. From there, I began interning at the National Geographic photography department and moved on to work for various photo production companies in the Bay Area. I was young, hungry, and deeply motivated to sustain a career in the arts. After working in various positions where I learned the arduous reality of running a successful photography business, I stopped freelancing and went all in on my dream of building something that affected peoples lives beyond the photographs themselves. That’s where Kreate Photography was born.
How did you get into Wedding photography?
I shot my first wedding in Guatemala in 2007 and never looked back! I shot alongside my Aunt Sue who had a lifelong career as a wedding photographer. From there, I graduated college and worked my way through Southern California, Santa Cruz, San Francisco, and Oakland building my business. I associate and second shot to build my portfolio while booking lower-end weddings of my own to build my brand and business. I finally cracked the code to make a name for myself in the industry when I realized I didn't have to do it all alone. My transformation was born when I invested in my education and created a blueprint of editing SOPs (with this preset!), systems, strategies, and workflows that could be repeated and improved over time. I invested in my growth, consultants, and editors so I could focus on the top 5% of the business that only could be done by me. Today, my business thrives off of a set of systems and workflows that have allowed me to scale, grow a wedding photography team, start a family, and move into the commercial photography sector all while maintaining a robust multi-six-figure wedding + lifestyle photography business.I have shot over 575 weddings and served over 800 couples and families. Needless to say, my photography career was born at a young age and has been sustained by passion and perseverance through all of its many phases!
How would you describe your unique photography style?
My work is described as natural, editorial, descriptive, fine-art photography. My entire approach is rooted in building trust, allowing my clients to feel comfortable and at ease throughout the entire process. Having connected with them prior, I weave in a combination of editorial, photojournalistic, and candid styles to my work. I’m a storyteller at heart and I aim to create visual narratives with my work.
What would you suggest to photographers looking to create their own unique style?
I am a huge advocate for creating containers for ideas and artistic evolution. What I recommend to my students in my group coaching program, Momentum Method, is to start with a visual mood board. Start a Pinterest, canva or google doc where you have a blank canvas. Pin photos you love for posing inspiration, start pinning images that feature editing styles that you love. Create a gallery of inspirational content you can aspire towards but truly make your own. This will guide you in what you are attracted to and with time, practice, and persistence you will begin to fine-tune what is yours and only yours! From there begin to test out various editing styles, presets, and creator profiles and refine, refine, refine! When fine-tuning your unique style as a photographer, I recommend using the 8-part checklist below to keep you on track. If you want to learn a bit more, you can download my Portfolio Checklist Guide HERE!
PORTFOLIO CHECKLIST GUIDE (for photogs in any niche):
KNOW YOUR TARGET AUDIENCE
PRESENTATION
CONSISTENCY IN STYLE
VARIETY WITH COHESION!
EMOTION & IMPACT
THOUGHTFUL CURATION
EDITING CONSISTENCY + TECHNICAL EXCELLENCE
SEO, TECH + CTA’s WITHIN YOUR PORTFOLIO SECTION
If you want to learn a bit more, you can download my Portfolio Checklist Guide HERE!
How do you prepare yourself before your photography session?
I am a creature of habit and SYSTEMS! I have a Photoshoot Preparation Checklist that my team and I review before every, single shoot. I share this prep-list with my photographer community and you are welcome to download it here!
How has AI (like Aftershoot) changed your post-processing workflow?
As someone who started out in 2008 when technology was about as basic as a flip phone, I've struggled to wrap my head around just how much AI has become part of our culture today.
I firmly believe that AI should be used as a tool, not a human replacement. We've got to maintain the integrity of the photography industry, right?
Since the beginning of AI, I've been on a mission to find ways to integrate AI into my business without sacrificing what makes us unique. Aftershoot has been a game-changer for me and my team.
Aftershoot has revolutionized our pre-outsourcing workflow (aka from getting home from a shoot to outsourcing to our editing team for post-production). It's like having a personal assistant who deals with the first phase of base culling, color coding, and adding our base preset (but so much better than that!). Talk about a productivity boost!
And the best part? Despite this AI magic, I've managed to keep my entire editing team employed and trained to use Aftershoot which has been incredible. We have 50X’d our pro-production workflow allowing us to take on more work without the dragging feeling of adding editing to our plate. We are out doing what we love: shooting and being with incredible clients all over the world!
What inspires you?
My family, and getting out of tech and into nature inspire me. My hilarious and devoted husband is my second backbone, my 3-year-old daughter Raya is curious, funny, and affectionate, and my 6-month-old son Levi is my chill, tiny boyfriend :)
They are my world and being a mother has brought soul-driven purpose to my life outside of my career. Cooking from our garden and hosting dinner parties is one of my favorite pastimes and inspires me to make memories with our community. I am a painter and am obsessed with all things art + interior design. Health, wellness, and adventure are top priorities for me and I experience those things through nature, yoga, travel, and quality time with my family.
Tell us one good thing and one not-so-good thing about Wedding photography
Wedding Photography, when in the flow and aligned with your life vision, is rewarding, emotional, and collaborative. Weddings require far more than skill, but an emotional attunement and finesse that can be exhausting and lead to burnout if you are not careful.
I see you’re also a Brand & Lifestyle photographer. Tell us a bit about that.
How do you manage between different types of photography?
Yes! Katie Monroe Photography is our commercial + branding branch. I have worked tirelessly on making sure our brands are separate, our ideal client is dialed and our messaging does not overlap so we can best serve our clients! My team and I have created in-depth workflows in Dubsado that guide our clients through an incredible, high-touch experience without requiring me to be on all of the time. I have a passion for marketing and branding. I love it and find all things branding to be incredibly exciting. I love this line of work as it allows me to use a less emotional part of my brain, and apply more strategy to our sessions. I also love the second revenue stream and not working on weekends ;)
What would you tell someone who is just starting off as a professional photographer?
Many photographers believe that the key to a successful and lucrative business model is just putting in more hours. This "hustle culture" mentality paints a picture that in order to succeed, you need to be shooting more (even if they’re not ideal clients), editing around the clock, and constantly engaging in client communication without rest. It can become a grueling cycle if you do not have the right systems in place.
Many photographers, especially when starting, are under the impression that to maximize profit, they must minimize external costs—leading to the belief that they should handle everything from accounting to social media marketing, to client relations on their own. The logic seems straightforward: why pay someone else when you can do it yourself? However, there's a hidden cost to this mindset: time, mental energy, and the risk of making mistakes in areas outside your expertise. Not to mention, the more tasks you take on, the more you perpetuate the burnout cycle and the less time you have to focus on what you truly love—which is photography!
In reality, leveraging tools, systems, and outsourcing in the right areas can totally streamline your business, enhance efficiency, and in the long run, lead to increased profitability and a better quality of life The number one reason that photography businesses fail or plateau is from lack of business strategy because it is often overlooked.
DOING EVERYTHING ALONE IS NOT THE WAY TO GO!
Start outsourcing from the get-go, and integrate it into your business model. Invest in your education and coaching early on. Have a CRM set up by year 2 at the latest!
Tell us more about your AI Editing Styles in Aftershoot.
How should people use it? All niches will thrive with this profile - you can apply it to everything and bump up the warmth or decrease it depending on the look you desire.
what should they expect? Ideal for photographers looking to attain a refined, editorial, and luxury style, this preset gives off a timeless yet modern feel. The naturelle preset gives a clean, bright, and modern color film look. The Naturelle Preset will transform any image to have balanced hues, warm undertones, and glowing skin.
What type of photos can go well with your AI editing style in Aftershoot? Our preset was created for both natural and artificial light, and can easily be converted to black and white in Lightroom making it versatile and timeless. The Kreate Naturelle Preset is ideal for wedding, family, and portrait photographers including those in the branding and commercial sector.
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More about my signature program Momentum Method: The Breakthrough Photography Business Blueprint
This comprehensive 6-phase program is designed to revolutionize your photography business, empowering you with the tools, strategies, and mindset necessary for sustained success. It's a holistic roadmap that addresses every facet of your entrepreneurial journey, from mastering time management and pricing your services profitably to honing your marketing skills and optimizing operational processes.
At the heart of this program lies a deep understanding of the challenges photographers face, coupled with a commitment to providing practical, actionable solutions. You'll learn to implement efficient systems and workflows that streamline your operations, freeing up valuable time to focus on your craft and personal life.
Pricing is often a stumbling block for many photographers, but this program equips you with the knowledge and confidence to value your work appropriately. You'll discover proven techniques to convert more leads into loyal clients, ensuring a consistent and profitable income stream.
Marketing is the lifeblood of any business, and this program empowers you with effective strategies to elevate your brand and stand out in a crowded market. From leveraging social media to crafting compelling content, you'll learn to captivate your ideal clients and build a loyal following.
But it's not just about the technical aspects of running a business. This program also addresses the emotional and psychological hurdles that can hinder your growth. Through confidence-building exercises and a supportive community, you'll cultivate the resilience and self-assurance needed to navigate the entrepreneurial landscape with ease.
Ultimately, the Breakthrough Photography Business Blueprint is a transformative journey that equips you with the skills, mindset, and resources to create a thriving, sustainable business that aligns with your values and lifestyle. It's a comprehensive solution that empowers you to reclaim your passion, achieve financial freedom, and craft the life you've always envisioned.
Is This Program Right for You?
If you are...
Overworked, underpaid and dreaming of finally making ends meet.
Passionate about photography but overwhelmed with the business side of things.
Consumed by endless tasks, wearing too many hats, from shooting to accounting.
Desiring a clear roadmap to take your photography business to the next level.
Feeling isolated, craving a supportive community that truly understands your challenges.
Struggling with financial instability despite pouring heart and soul into every project.
Feeling stuck and confused about what your next steps should be to streamline and grow.
Eager for more personal time, whether it's for travel, family, or self-care.
Searching for strategies to attract your dream clients and consistent bookings.
Desiring a shift from just being a photographer to a thriving photography business owner.
Hungry for proven systems and workflows that bring clarity, balance, and success.
Knowing you have something to offer but unsure how to set yourself apart in a saturated market.
This program is for you. It's designed to address these common pain points and provide a comprehensive roadmap to transform your photography business into a sustainable, profitable, and fulfilling venture.
Program Benefits and Transformations
Unlock a clear roadmap to streamline your processes, implement proven systems, and foster sustainable growth. By mastering efficient workflows and time management strategies, you'll reclaim your work-life balance and mitigate the risks of burnout. Elevate your personal brand with techniques that distinguish you in a crowded market, coupled with effective marketing skills to attract your ideal clients consistently.
Optimize your operations, pricing strategies, and revenue streams to ensure consistent profitability and financial stability. Cultivate client loyalty and nurture strong industry relationships, boosting your professional confidence and solidifying your position as an authority in your niche.
Tap into a supportive community committed to mutual growth, where you can exchange insights, collaborate, and continuously evolve. Craft the ideal work-life balance, freeing up time for personal pursuits, travel, or quality moments with loved ones. Embrace a holistic transformation that empowers you to thrive as a photography business owner while reigniting your passion for the craft.
I hope that each nugget in this post inspired you and got your mind thinking differently and your editing workflow dialed!
Just remember putting all of this into place takes time but is possible. If you are feeling stuck or in need of a roadmap to follow, I’ve got you covered.
THE VERY FIRST STEP IS TO TAKE BACK 20 HOURS A WEEK BY OUTSOURCING YOUR EDITING.
Momentum Method, my 6-Phase Photography Business Roadmap and Group Coaching Program will help take you to the next phase. By learning and implementing the essential systems and workflows it requires to achieve a sustainable business model, you will finally be able to reclaim balance in your life and have clarity on your path forward, all while building a robust multi-six-figure photography business.
Click below to watch my FREE 15-minute session packed with transformative information you can put in motion today. All of my trainings are designed for individuals who want to reclaim work-life balance and thrive both personally and professionally.
👇👇👇 See you inside👇👇👇
