What’s your business name and what do you do?
I’m Kaitlin Toto (yes, my last name really is Toto and I can’t even begin to tell you how many times people have sung “Africa” at me) and I’m a Portland-based photographer.
How did you learn your craft?
I’m almost entirely self-taught with the exception of one film photography class my senior year of high school. In middle school, I would purchase the three packs of disposable cameras and bring them with me everywhere. I was a frequent flier at the Walmart Photo Center, picking up prints damn near weekly. I got my first digital point-and-shoot when I was a sophomore in high school and my first DSLR, a Nikon D3200, because it was on sale at Target and I was a new (read: suuuuper broke) college graduate.
What do you enjoy most about what you do?
It’s the people for me, and their stories, that I love the most. There’s a certain level of vulnerability for folks when they step in front of a camera, you know? People are inviting me into their homes, their lives to document some of their sweetest, messiest, most intimate, most authentic, and sometimes even grief-filled moments. I deeply appreciate my client’s willingness to share all of that with me as I create photographs to tell their stories.
What do you enjoy least?
Doing my taxes. It's like, again? Really? Didn't I just do these?!
What’s one thing you wish people knew about your work?
I wish people really understood what this job and being in this industry requires. Having a camera is not enough, but many folks act like it is. “You’re just pressing a button.” I think I’m extra sensitive to sentiments such as this one because it brings me back to when I was an English teacher. People think because they’ve been a student or because they have a child who is in school that they know what it takes and what it’s like to be an educator. Simply owning a camera doesn’t equate to talent, experience, passion, and commitment. Also, if I read one more social media post of someone looking for an experienced photographer who "doesn't cost an arm and a leg," it will be too soon. I don't want your arms or your legs. I just want to be able to pay my bills and be able to afford to go to the dentist.
What’s one artist you look up to?
I really like William Eggleston - he takes ultra-ordinary objects and everyday people and turns them into such engaging subject matter. Eggleston is the perfect example of taking your camera along for the ride, which is something I wish I did more often.
What do you do when you’re not photographing people?
When I’m not working, and it’s wintertime, you’ll find me under my heated blanket watching The Sopranos or loitering at local coffee shops. If it’s warmer weather, I’m probably near the ocean or reading in my hammock. My boyfriend, Nate, and I have a French Mastiff named Reuben, so we spend a lot of time going on little adventures with him. I’m also trying to get back into writing more often.
Night owl or early bird?
I’m typing this at 12:40 am and drinking a coffee from earlier, so…night owl.
What's your favorite place in Maine?
How can I even pick a favorite spot in this state? Maine is such an earthly gem. If I have to though, I’d day Hermit Island in Phippsburg during the off-season - it’s just one of those places that makes me feel soothed and at ease.