This week on TWiP Family, I talk to Kate T. Parker about her project, Strong is the New Pretty. Kate tells us about photographing her girls as they are. She captures their, silly, adventurous, frustrated, happy, LOUD, athletic, fierce, funny selves.

Like many parents, Kate became interested in photography when she had kids. Before kids, Kate worked in advertising and knew what great photos looked like. She just need to learn how to create photos of her family that matched her good taste in photography. Kate started taking photos every day as part of a year long photo project (a 365 project) to learn more about photography. She submitted her work and was asked to be part of a local gallery show.

In this interview with Kate T. Parker, we talk about how her gallery show led her to the book she is currently working on, Strong is the New Pretty. She is currently traveling around the country making images of girls who are doing amazing things for the book.

Kate told a story about tweeting a photo of her girls reacting when they were given tickets to a big soccer game. She tagged the US Women’s soccer team and they contacted her right away. She ended up going to a game in Orlando with her girls. She and her girls met and Kate was interviewed by soccer great, Megan Rapinoe. (Watch her interview.)

Kate tells us, “I firmly believe you make your own luck. The only thing you can control is how hard you work.”

Kate’s Simple Tip for Parents

Look for secondary reactions. If you ask someone to act like you’re not there, the person might laugh when you ask them. Be ready for that reaction and capture it.

Connect with Kate:Website, Instagram, Facebook, Twitter

Connect with me: Website, Facebook, Instagram

On January 1, 2016, I’m starting a 365 Project and I want you to join me. You can join the Flickr group. 

You can always email me – [email protected] – with any guest suggestions or family photography questions.