Documentary School Photography with Katie Jett Walls

⚠️ This is a legacy episode that reflects an earlier season of my work, when I was creating for documentary family photographers. 

While some references and offerings are now legacy, the episode still offers practical insight into values-led creative work and documenting everyday environments.

...

In this episode, I talk with photographer Katie Jett Walls about how she stepped into a unique niche — documentary school photography — after a Montessori school unexpectedly asked her to try something different.

We explore the blend of presence, storytelling, and practicality that defines her work, and how she infused her values into a sustainable, soulful offering.

In this episode, we cover: 

• Katie’s path into photography 
• How one school opened the door to a new niche: documentary school photos
  • What surprised her about photographing in classrooms + how she managed it
  • How she kept track of students (hint: nicknames like “Tutu” and “Ninja Turtle”)
  • Her process for delivering images to families and getting feedback from parents
• Lessons from creating her ebook, Shooting and Selling Documentary School Portraits
• How she balances authenticity, motherhood, and creative rhythm
• Her take on putting you into your business, and not just following formulas
• A personal story behind one of her most meaningful photographs

Connect with Katie and find active legacy resource materials + links here: → dangerouslygoodstories.com/intentional-documentary-archive