Katie Troyer is one of the most beloved women in Pinecraft and the unofficial photographer of her community. She grew up in an Amish family in Ohio and has lived in various Amish communities in the U.S. and Canada, even briefly living in Honduras. Katie first came to Florida in 2002 and decided to stay for good in 2008. 

She has been a people watcher all her life. She dislikes the spotlight, but loves to listen. Her collection of photographs, which depict the everyday lives of the people in her community, reflect her affinity for observation. When the newspaper asked Katie if it could include some of her photos she was apprehensive because most of them had been taken under the radar. Luckily, the community was very eager to see if their candid photos had made it into the paper.

Katie has managed to capture everyday life in Pinecraft from her own perspective and the care she has for the community can be seen in her photos. For Katie, it is not about climbing to the top of the photography ladder, but the connection she makes with people on a one to one basis through her photos. 

Watch a Conversation with Katie Troyer

Generally, Amish people in Florida are only here for vacation which allows them to relax a bit. People from all different Amish communities come to Pinecraft, so this diversity of perspective further contributes to the more fluid social norms down here as opposed to up North. What happens in Pinecraft stays in Pinecraft! 

This group of people playing a tabletop game reminded Katie of the relaxed attitude of Pinecraft. 

The community has planned a surprise birthday party for a local man. He did not suspect a thing and was overjoyed by the surprise. Here the party goers pray before beginning the festivities. 

Just before this photo was taken an Amish woman got off her bus and was joyfully greeted by her best friend who is a Mennonite. Wasting no time, the woman grabbed her friend and they were off.

The arrival and departure of the buses is not only for those getting on and off, it is for the entire community. Groups of people will sit and visit to welcome their friends and family back to Florida, or to see them off before they return home. 

The whole family is getting ready to go on an excursion. If you have one arm and a foot on the bike, you are on the bike!

Two siblings and their friend all gather in the park to feed the squirrels in the evening. The local park is a popular meeting spot and brings the community together. 

Serious Discussion

Returning Home

Usually Katie likes to take her photos under the radar, but this is a rare instance in which her subjects are posing. 

This boy is the grandson of another one of Katie’s subjects. Katie had originally taken a photo of this little boy’s grandfather who did not appreciate his picture being taken. However, when Katie went to apologize she found the man bragging about his photo! In fact, he had such a change of heart that he asked Katie to take a picture of his grandson, the boy in this photo, to make sure that the next generation is remembered. 

Extended Family

Grandmother and Grandchild

This particular photograph really touched Katie. An Amish grandfather is pushing his non-Amish granddaughter on the swings. Up until fairly recently, Katie found that outward affection was uncommon in the Amish community. This sweet familial scene is rare and heartwarming.

The Conference Bike is a 7-seat bicycle with steering wheel located in the center. They are typically used as a team building tool for businesses and universities, however with the already frequent use of regular bicycles one can see how useful the vehicle would be for the Amish community as well.

This man has just gotten off of his bus from up North. He connects with his granddaughter as if the two had never been apart. 

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Three siblings help Katie with one of her favorite activities: feeding the squirrels. 

While everyone else is busy at a concert, two girls decide that while the prying eyes are away it is time to play! 

Two children share a snack before returning to their musical group at a local concert.

Most of the Amish community in Florida does not live here year-round. In this photograph a small group of people on their bicycles can be seen waiting for the bus which will drive them back to their homes up North.

A group of women enjoy some ice cream before getting on their long bus ride back up North.