As a college student, time is a scarce resource, leading many to give up hobbies. However, for sophomore TCU student Katie Hoang, this isn’t the case.

Seven years ago, Hoang received her first camera as a Christmas gift from her parents. It started as a simple pastime, but quickly evolved into a beloved hobby and, eventually, a profitable business.

Shortly after learning how to use the camera, Hoang began doing photo shoots for her friends. As she progressed with her camera skills, the transition from hobby to job came naturally to her.

Today, photo shoots in the DFW area can average as high as $1,000. Hoang emphasizes the drastic comparison between when she first started doing shoots to now.

“I used to charge $30 for shoots, which seems crazy to look back on,” she said.

Hoang doesn’t have a specific style. From family and couple portraits to birthday parties, weddings, galas and even charity events, she offers a versatile array of services to capture life’s special moments.

But one of her most popular sessions is senior photo shoots. For years, Hoang has been capturing the essence of high school seniors as they prepare to close out one chapter of their life and move on to the next.

Whether it’s freezing moments of laughter, capturing the sparkle in their eyes, or preserving the excitement of new beginnings, she knows just how to bring out the best in her subjects.

She explains that every client has their own unique story and her job is to “capture the celebration of a glorious end and beginning of a great journey.”

Since coming to TCU, however, Hoang has found herself drawn to a new clientele: college seniors. While it is a different ball game altogether, she prides herself in her ability to “…help seniors see themselves how the world sees them and to celebrate their accomplishments.”

For Hoang, photography is more than just a job, it’s a passion. And whether she’s capturing the innocence of youth or the anticipation of adulthood, her goal remains the same: “to bring the client’s story to life, by showcasing each individual’s extraordinary character through portraits.”