I’m Cambree Catalano, a photographer, storyteller, and the founder of H-Town Pulse and CatalanoFlicks. My journey into photography wasn’t something I had planned—it was something I discovered when life forced me to pivot in an unexpected direction.
Growing up, sports were my world. I dedicated years to soccer, putting in the work and discipline to earn a spot on Mississippi Valley State University’s Division I team. Soccer had always been my passion, and I envisioned playing at the highest levels. But during my freshman year, everything changed. I suffered an ACL and meniscus injury that took me out of the game and forced me to rethink my future. Losing soccer felt like losing a part of my identity, and I struggled with what to do next.
During my recovery, I picked up my brother’s old Nikon Coolpix camera and started capturing moments from my team’s games. What started as a casual way to stay involved quickly turned into something more. I found myself drawn to the emotions, intensity, and stories unfolding on the field—stories that I could tell through my lens. Wanting to take my photography to the next level, I used a university refund check to purchase my first real camera, a Canon T7, and launched CatalanoFlicks.
Over the next three years, I threw myself into photography, shooting various sports teams and refining my craft. Photography became more than just a hobby; it became my way of reclaiming something I had lost. Instead of playing the game, I was now capturing the passion and energy that made sports so special. My camera gave me a new purpose, allowing me to stay connected to the world I loved.
My turning point came during my senior year when I had the opportunity to cover my first Houston Dynamo game. That experience changed everything for me. I realized that I wanted to do more than just take photos—I wanted to create something bigger, a platform that could highlight local sports, events, and rising talent while also giving opportunities to other aspiring photographers. That’s how H-Town Pulse was born.
Through H-Town Pulse, I’ve had the chance to cover high-profile events like Leagues Cup matches and pop-up markets, but the most rewarding part has been helping others break into the industry. I know how hard it can be to get that first opportunity, so I’ve made it a priority to provide media credentials and chances for photographers looking to gain experience. Seeing others succeed and grow through my platform has been one of the most fulfilling aspects of this journey.
Now, as I pursue my master’s degree, my focus is on expanding H-Town Pulse even further. I want to secure funding, build a larger team, and continue creating a space that not only amplifies voices in the community but also provides more opportunities for photographers like me. My journey has been one of resilience, reinvention, and passion, and I’m excited to see where it takes me next.