…Dotted by Leslie*
When a neighborhood friend showed me images from a photo session featuring her cherubic toddler posed in a milk box, a wheel barrow and in the backyard by a laundry line draped with cloth diapers…I had to know: Who took these amazing photographs?
Turns out it was Dorchester resident, Katherine Jane, known for her organic and stylish wedding & portrait photography.
Her Lower Mills studio, decorated with antique store finds, framed photographs of weddings, newborns and families she’s captured over the years, and jars upon jars of penny candy, her space feels more like a cozy living room than an office. When she’s not behind the camera, she’s renovating and decorating her antique home in Dorchester alongside her firefighter husband.
We asked Katherine Jane to share her life and style with us…
Katherine Jane in her charming Lower Mills studio
How would you describe your personal style?
I always find this question hard to answer. Let’s use the words yard sale- bohemian chic. I like blending old and new and finding new uses for my flea market finds and items I’ve collected in my travels. I’m a light the candles every dinner type of girl. I don’t believe in saving the good china or new dress for special occasions…everyday and every detail can be pretty, beautiful and personalized. My style isn’t about being perfect. I have crooked Ikea frames on my wall just like the next girl but why use a plastic laundry basket when you can use a pretty wooden one?
Collection of found objects from Katherine's Dorchester home
Who is your inspiration?
My grandfather. He was a self-made man who never forgot where he came from…Dorchester He had impeccable taste, loved photography and opened the door for my grandmother every day of their 62 year-long marriage. He set two bars really high for me, Bar 1-picking a husband, Bar 2 - running a business.
What is your most treasured possession?
House on fire - I would grab my husband and dog. House not on fire – I would grab my Frye boot collection & passport.
An antique minnow basket turned chandelier in Katherine's dining room
What are some of your favorite spots in Dorchester?
Wow..where to start.
GREENHILLS BAKERY - I live in Adams Village and this hotspot is my love for breakfast on the go. Homemade scones with butter & jam..yum.
TAVOLO RESTAURANT - At the end of long day you can find me at Tavolo unwinding with the husband, glass of Malbec, whipped ricotta and a plate of Bolognese.
BEAUTY BAR - Love a place close by that offers a $20 blow out and some really cute costume jewelry.
JOE’S DRY CLEANERS - I need a good tailor/seamstress in my life. Hope is the best. She had made curtains for me, relined my alpaca coat and helped me with my DIY projects. She is currently fixing a killer vintage belt that belonged to my mother.
POPE JOHN PAUL II PARK - I go here everyday. Love the bike path along the Neponset River. It’s a gorgeous commute to my studio.
CEDAR GROVE GARDENS – Fresh flowers make life beautiful and this place supplies flowers for both my home & studio. They also have a heavenly candle selection. Amazing customer service.
THE HOMESTRETCH - Wow – this place is dangerous for me because it’s located next door to my studio. Such a unique selection of items from furniture to rugs, art, lighting… I’ve started wearing blinders when I walk to work.
The entryway in Katherine's home
Describe your idea of a perfect day.
My perfect day almost always involves the following…coffee in bed, husband & dog, antiquing, using a label maker, updating the to do list, a Charcuterie plate, saying hello to the ocean, taking pictures, a Prosecco cocktail, watching Hoarders and counting my lucky stars.
What’s on your mind right now?
Lots of exciting things happening at Katherine Jane Photography. I’m now offering custom framing to my clients. I’m in the process of putting together a portrait special exclusively for the moms & babies of Dot…stay tuned.
On the Home Front, our next project is painting our banister black, plotting out a garden for spring planting and squeezing in a trip to Costa Rica before wedding season.
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Tags: Children, Dorchester, Family, Katherine Jane Photography, Photography, Portraits, Wedding
I would hire KJ solely based on her description of the perfect day. Darling interview. Wish TN was not so far from Dot!
KJP did an amazing job capturing our eclectic Vermont wedding. She was flexible and fun to work with. We invited her back to photograph our firstborn baby. She’s an amazing talent and a super fun girl!
Katie also did an amazing job reacquainting me to the US after a 9 year absence! Couldn’t ask for a cooler sister. I can’t wait to have her take pictures of my daughter, who knows her as Katie-baasan, (Aunt Katie). Hey Kate, when you want to enter the Japanese market, I’m your man
Katherine photographed my family for our Christmas card this year and did an amazing job. She is a true professional and was fabulous to work with…and the photos were amazing! I will only use Katherine to capture the important moments in my life.
Great article! You and your label makers haha. I like how you plugged Hoarders oh and Grandpa.
I love working with KJP! My clients are always thrilled with her unique style and sense of independent charm. She’s a blast to work with and super fun!
Great article, great ‘perfect day’. And then I visited her website – wow! Now to convince my husband to get remarried so that we can have the killer photos we’ve always wanted…
This describes my friend/photographer perfectly! Katherine Jane is so fun, talented, dedicated, smart, and unique (in a great way!). There is no one else who I would ever hire or recommend to photograph my family, wedding (maybe someday!), or event! Great article!
Insightful coverage and evocative narrative!
check out KJR website, and as they say: do the math and work with the best.
Katherine photographed my wedding in 2007 and I STILL receive compliments on the pictures. She is a true professional and I have recommended her to several friends and co-workers.
I’ve known Katherine for a number of years and she is such a wonderful, fun and talented person! I love working with her. I’m able to relax and let her do her thing. She photographed my son a number of times and did all the photography for my website, http://www.tashamanes.com She just knows how to capture the perfect photo!
Katherine Jane enhances all my best memories. What a great article to see inside the inspirations of this truly unique artist. I highly recommend her for any occasion.
Great article! Always nice to learn more about local artists and merchants. Katherine is a uniquely talented photographer.
Katie I LOVE your style !! You have the energy and creativity to turn the ordinary into the extraordinary !! Your studio is as beautiful as you are !!
We love Katherine Jane’s style. She is also very professional, has tons of fresh ideas, and is so sweet. Her mascot “Ernie” is also one of our favorite pups! We love going by her studio and seeing his smiling face!
We’re thrilled that so many people love Katherine as much as we do! xoxo DottieHotties
You haven’t changed Katie, you still manage to turn every day life into an inspiring fairy tale. Your place and studio look amazing as do the amazing photos you took of the kids in Lima for the Choclo Project. The Social Awareness Award we just received is very much in part thanks to you. Thanks for all your support along the way, always doing what you can for your Peru. We may need to get to inspire some of our apparel the next time.
Oh yeah! she is my daughter … always very creative .. She was born with wings .. fly high and high .. many more successes. !!! I love you