Finding My Voice Through Photography — The Story Behind Sisk Studio

Hello! I’m Katie — the creator of Sisk Studio.

I’m based in the suburbs of Chicago, and I’ve had some sort of camera in my hands for most of my life. Photography started as a simple way to remember things — the quiet moments, the fleeting ones, the ones that don’t look like much to other people but feel like something to me.

Over the years, I realized that capturing images isn’t just something I do.

It’s how I experience the world.

Photography Has Always Been Part of Me

I’ve always dreamed of building a photography career, but confidence didn’t come easily. I’d watch other photographers put themselves out there and think:

"I want that… but what if I’m not ready?"What if I’m not good enough yet?"

So photography stayed tucked into the category of a hobby, even though I knew it was more than that.

Everything Changed When I Picked Up a Drone

About three years ago, I bought my first drone — and immediately fell in love. There is something magical about seeing the world from above, where things look different and bigger and smaller at the same time.

Watching that drone rise into the air made me feel:

• brave,

• capable,

• and excited again.

It also changed the way I tell stories.

Visual Storytelling Became My Voice

I’ve never considered myself great with words. Writing can feel overwhelming, but a photo — or a video — gives me a way to communicate without needing the perfect sentence.

Through photography, I get to say:

• This is how that moment felt.

• This is what I want to remember.

• This is my view of the world.

That’s what Sisk Studio is about — capturing real emotion and real moments, whether it’s:

• a quiet morning coffee photo,

• a cocktail dripping with citrus and color,

• a restaurant full of movement and energy,

• or a sweeping, cinematic drone shot over the lake.

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Or explore more of my work here:👉 Portfolio: https://www.siskstudio.com/portfolio