Located in Central California, Kate services Yosemite, Central Coast, Central Valley and beyond
Kate
With a quiet elegance, Kate tells love stories through honest imagery.
Portrait captured by my Aunt, Teresa
Click the photos to learn about me!
About Kate
I've had a passion for photography since I was little, and it has since become an integral part of who I am.
Get to know me
Read more here
I've had a passion for photography since I was little, and it has since become an integral part of who I am.
Get to know me
Read more here
My why
Meditation
My Aunties are exceptional photographers, and since childhood, I have felt the warmth of their affection every time they posed me for a photo. I felt the light within me grow as they repeatedly said, “Wow, Katie. You are stunning.” They said it over and over again, and though I was shy, their kind words and thoughtful guidance kept me from hiding whenever their cameras were around. It was their inspiration that allowed me to embrace the moment. I want you to experience the same feeling I had when my Aunties photographed me—feeling radiant, cherished, and completely at ease. After years of photographing couples professionally, I’ve developed my own style—one that creates an experience, not just a photograph.
The details matter. There is a sense of peace we experience when immersed in nature, and that feeling is undeniable. I was fortunate to grow up in Yosemite, where I learned to understand and appreciate nature’s tranquility, as well as the awe-inspiring power that can come with its more "harsh" transformations. For me, the deeper connection to nature comes through careful observation—the little things, like a grain of sand, the stem of a leaf, the iridescent sheen on a raven's feathers, or the way each drop of water, as a collective, cascades down a mountain. I have a collection of photographs, taken from the age of five to now, documenting these moments of wonder. Thank goodness for digital images—otherwise, I wouldn’t have room in my house for anything else.
One might assume that my path would have led me to nature photography, but what fascinates me just as much is witnessing the relationship between humans and nature. I love observing people in a focused, meditative state as they interact with the natural world. When I was a professional sports photographer, witnessing an athlete enter the zone was truly extraordinary.I study their breath, their body language, and I try to read the thoughts in their eyes. Becoming a sports photographer taught me to observe the details in body language, anticipate the next movement, position myself perfectly, and capture those fleeting expressions in human emotion. Through this process, I’ve developed a deep passion for watching people.
I bring that passion into my wedding photography. It’s an honor to witness the connection between couples, to see the joy and peace they share, as well as the more tense moments that often reveal the depth of their bond.. Every time I meet clients for a session, I feel fulfilled, knowing I get to capture their happiness and inspiration. Add nature to the mix, and my heart leaps with joy. Through these small, beautiful details, my passion and drive are continuously fueled.
My Philosophy
Observe
Self-Observation: The more we know ourselves the better we can be for humanity. The technique of meditation I practice emphasizes observing the physical sensations of the body and the arising and passing of thoughts and emotions. This fosters mindfulness and awareness, enriching all areas of life and enhancing my ability to connect with others and the natural world.
Seeing Things as They Are: The goal is to observe reality without judgment or attachment, recognizing the impermanence of all things (anicca). In the context of wedding photography, it is essential to leave preconceived judgments behind and simply witness the beauty of the moment and the people before me.
Mind-Body Interconnection: Vipassana meditation acknowledges the profound connection between mind and body, where physical sensations continuously influence and shape the mind. Yoga (I used to teach, btw) is another practice that fosters awareness of this relationship. I strive to understand your emotions through your posture, movement, and subtle physical expressions, allowing me to sense when you may be feeling uneasy.
Free from Suffering: By cultivating insight into the true nature of reality, I aim to alleviate suffering and achieve a state of equanimity. The freer I am from internal distractions, the more present I can be for you, allowing me to fully embrace and capture the moments that matter most.
Where I'm from
Roots
I was raised in Yosemite Valley and worked in the park both after high school and again following college. Yosemite is not just a place I know—it is my home, and I have come to understand its every nuance. I am attuned to the shifting light of each season, familiar with the trees in bloom, and able to identify the grasses that are at their peak. I know which stretches of the river offer their best views across the seasons. Yosemite, with its ever-changing landscape, experiences four distinct seasons, each with its own transformative beauty. Over the years, I’ve learned to find serenity in the park, even as thousands of visitors move through it. To truly understand the essence of each season—its appearance, its feel—requires years of careful observation. This knowledge is incredibly beneficial to my couples as we navigate the wonders of Yosemite together.
I believe I can apply this deep understanding of nature to any environment. Inspiration, after all, is born from change—whether it’s a shift in perspective or a change in surroundings. I am always eager to explore new landscapes and, more so, to capture them through photography with couples in love
This lifelong practice of observation has been a true blessing in my life.
Get to know me
Kate
My passion for photography has been a part of me since childhood, evolving into an essential aspect of who I am today. Over the years, I’ve amassed an extensive collection of both prints and digital images, each one capturing emotions such as love, joy, awe, pain, and everything in between. Photography is more than just a profession—it’s my way of preserving moments that will be cherished for a lifetime. I’ve had clients reach out years later, requesting images of loved ones who have passed, and I’ve discovered photos of friends no longer with us, which I’ve been able to share with their families. I’ve documented moments for pregnant wedding guests who didn’t have the opportunity to do maternity photos. In every image I take, I hold a collection of treasured memories—mine, my loved ones’, my clients’, and their families’. That, to me, is the heart of what I do.
As I journey through life with my family, my partner, and on my own, I strive to continually grow. Meditation plays a central role in my life, helping me remain present, cultivate empathy, and share love. I genuinely enjoy connecting with those around me, and I find inspiration in both people and nature. A creative process question: How can I capture and express who they are, who I am, and how they—or the world around us—make me feel? Photography, for me, is a powerful form of expression.
At this stage in my life, I’ve developed an interest in home renovations and DIY projects. I’ve always enjoyed working with my hands and learning how to build and create what I envision. Road trips, camping, and hiking are passions I hold dear. I also find strength, growth, and inspiration in my yoga practice with my teacher, Carrol—a fierce woman in her 70s who pushes me to my limits, and with whom I can discuss life’s deeper experiences. I also have an appreciation for the occasional indulgence, such as a dirty chai.
My why
Meditation
My Aunties are exceptional photographers, and since childhood, I have felt the warmth of their affection every time they posed me for a photo. I felt the light within me grow as they repeatedly said, “Wow, Katie. You are stunning.” They said it over and over again, and though I was shy, their kind words and thoughtful guidance kept me from hiding whenever their cameras were around. It was their inspiration that allowed me to embrace the moment. I want you to experience the same feeling I had when my Aunties photographed me—feeling radiant, cherished, and completely at ease. After years of photographing couples professionally, I’ve developed my own style—one that creates an experience, not just a photograph.
The details matter. There is a sense of peace we experience when immersed in nature, and that feeling is undeniable. I was fortunate to grow up in Yosemite, where I learned to understand and appreciate nature’s tranquility, as well as the awe-inspiring power that can come with its more "harsh" transformations. For me, the deeper connection to nature comes through careful observation—the little things, like a grain of sand, the stem of a leaf, the iridescent sheen on a raven's feathers, or the way each drop of water, as a collective, cascades down a mountain. I have a collection of photographs, taken from the age of five to now, documenting these moments of wonder. Thank goodness for digital images—otherwise, I wouldn’t have room in my house for anything else.
One might assume that my path would have led me to nature photography, but what fascinates me just as much is witnessing the relationship between humans and nature. I love observing people in a focused, meditative state as they interact with the natural world. When I was a professional sports photographer, witnessing an athlete enter the zone was truly extraordinary.I study their breath, their body language, and I try to read the thoughts in their eyes. Becoming a sports photographer taught me to observe the details in body language, anticipate the next movement, position myself perfectly, and capture those fleeting expressions in human emotion. Through this process, I’ve developed a deep passion for watching people.
I bring that passion into my wedding photography. It’s an honor to witness the connection between couples, to see the joy and peace they share, as well as the more tense moments that often reveal the depth of their bond.. Every time I meet clients for a session, I feel fulfilled, knowing I get to capture their happiness and inspiration. Add nature to the mix, and my heart leaps with joy. Through these small, beautiful details, my passion and drive are continuously fueled.
My Philosophy
Observe
Self-Observation: The more we know ourselves the better we can be for humanity. The technique of meditation I practice emphasizes observing the physical sensations of the body and the arising and passing of thoughts and emotions. This fosters mindfulness and awareness, enriching all areas of life and enhancing my ability to connect with others and the natural world.
Seeing Things as They Are: The goal is to observe reality without judgment or attachment, recognizing the impermanence of all things (anicca). In the context of wedding photography, it is essential to leave preconceived judgments behind and simply witness the beauty of the moment and the people before me.
Mind-Body Interconnection: Vipassana meditation acknowledges the profound connection between mind and body, where physical sensations continuously influence and shape the mind. Yoga (I used to teach, btw) is another practice that fosters awareness of this relationship. I strive to understand your emotions through your posture, movement, and subtle physical expressions, allowing me to sense when you may be feeling uneasy.
Free from Suffering: By cultivating insight into the true nature of reality, I aim to alleviate suffering and achieve a state of equanimity. The freer I am from internal distractions, the more present I can be for you, allowing me to fully embrace and capture the moments that matter most.
Where I'm from
Roots
I was raised in Yosemite Valley and worked in the park both after high school and again following college. Yosemite is not just a place I know—it is my home, and I have come to understand its every nuance. I am attuned to the shifting light of each season, familiar with the trees in bloom, and able to identify the grasses that are at their peak. I know which stretches of the river offer their best views across the seasons. Yosemite, with its ever-changing landscape, experiences four distinct seasons, each with its own transformative beauty. Over the years, I’ve learned to find serenity in the park, even as thousands of visitors move through it. To truly understand the essence of each season—its appearance, its feel—requires years of careful observation. This knowledge is incredibly beneficial to my couples as we navigate the wonders of Yosemite together.
I believe I can apply this deep understanding of nature to any environment. Inspiration, after all, is born from change—whether it’s a shift in perspective or a change in surroundings. I am always eager to explore new landscapes and, more so, to capture them through photography with couples in love
This lifelong practice of observation has been a true blessing in my life.
Get to know me
Kate
My passion for photography has been a part of me since childhood, evolving into an essential aspect of who I am today. Over the years, I’ve amassed an extensive collection of both prints and digital images, each one capturing emotions such as love, joy, awe, pain, and everything in between. Photography is more than just a profession—it’s my way of preserving moments that will be cherished for a lifetime. I’ve had clients reach out years later, requesting images of loved ones who have passed, and I’ve discovered photos of friends no longer with us, which I’ve been able to share with their families. I’ve documented moments for pregnant wedding guests who didn’t have the opportunity to do maternity photos. In every image I take, I hold a collection of treasured memories—mine, my loved ones’, my clients’, and their families’. That, to me, is the heart of what I do.
As I journey through life with my family, my partner, and on my own, I strive to continually grow. Meditation plays a central role in my life, helping me remain present, cultivate empathy, and share love. I genuinely enjoy connecting with those around me, and I find inspiration in both people and nature. A creative process question: How can I capture and express who they are, who I am, and how they—or the world around us—make me feel? Photography, for me, is a powerful form of expression.
At this stage in my life, I’ve developed an interest in home renovations and DIY projects. I’ve always enjoyed working with my hands and learning how to build and create what I envision. Road trips, camping, and hiking are passions I hold dear. I also find strength, growth, and inspiration in my yoga practice with my teacher, Carrol—a fierce woman in her 70s who pushes me to my limits, and with whom I can discuss life’s deeper experiences. I also have an appreciation for the occasional indulgence, such as a dirty chai.
Move slow in Nature. Just sit in one place. So much to see and feel.
Splurge on a 5 star dinner once in a while.
You don't have to be a workaholic
to be successful. Really.
Taking a drive down a mountain dirt road is a great way to procrastinate
I took a midnight horseback ride under the tallest mountains you’ve ever seen. Riding from moonlight into darkness under the forest canopy.
I believe in f***ing up – When we make mistakes its the best opportunity for GROWTH and to see things with fresh eyes. With the exception of my typos, that just won't change.
Its okay if you call me “goofy” – so long as it makes you smile.
I hope you have plenty of laughter at work. And that it is encouraged.
Following a trail isn’t really an adventure, getting lost off trail is the adventure. Yes, i've been lost a couple times
You can never have too many hobbies, be it trail riding, snowboarding, buying house plants, beading hat bands on a loom, substituting K-5th graders or finding treasures in the woods.
Adventure looks different at each stage of life. lean into it! My relationship is my current adventure, so much to learn and see!
Little bits:
Testimonials
- Robert
....When she wanted to be seen she truly felt like a guest at the wedding, fitting in and getting along with everyone (we got a lot of great comments on how much people loved her), and when she wanted to disappear she did and captured incredible candids where we were left saying “wow! How did she get that?” Which, speaking of pictures: incredible turnaround! Now we’ve been to a lot of weddings to know this triangle of talent, personality, and work ethic seems to be a pick 2 (sometimes even 1) but with Kate, you get all 3 in spades as well as so much more....
Read the whole review by Robert from 11/21/2023 here
- Taylor
We couldn’t be happier with Kate as our wedding photographer! She did an absolutely amazing job capturing our special day in Yosemite. From the heartfelt moments during the ceremony to the pure joy on the dance floor, every photo was stunning. Kate has a real talent for candid shots, perfectly capturing the love and emotions of the day without us even noticing the camera was there.
Not only did she document our wedding beautifully, but she also joined us for an incredible adventure shoot the next day. The photos from that session are breathtaking and truly reflect our love and the awe-inspiring beauty of Yosemite. Kate was so easy to get along with and made us feel completely comfortable in front of the camera. Her professionalism, creativity, and genuine passion for her craft made the experience unforgettable. We’ll cherish these photos forever. Highly recommend!
- Shelby
We hired Kate twice, once for our engagement photos and again for our wedding. She is punctual, responsive, and well-prepared. The style of Kate's photos are not of the typical photographer, and felt more personal than posed. If you feel you're the type of person that isn't photogenic, or you feel awkward taking photos, Kate excels at making people feel comfortable and capturing naturally beautiful moments--there wasn't any sense of pressure to get the 'right' photo. Kate returned the finished photos in a timely manner through an online portal, which you can use to favorite, download, and share very easily. We would absolutely recommend anyone to hire Kate for their photography needs. (For those that are wondering, Kate is LGBTQ+ friendly.)
- Vanessa
...Our first meeting was for our engagement shoot. My fiancé and I were both so nervous about being in front of the camera (we both a little awkward and we had never had professional shots taken before). Within the first minute of meeting Kate, all our anxiety dissipated and we ended up having the most fun and amazing morning shooting in the freezing cold overlooking half dome. Kate was an unmatched guide throughout the whole wedding planning process, recommending amazing vendors (many of which we ended up going with) and helping set up a minute by minute timeline. She’s the whole package!! She was such a calm and supportive presence on the actual wedding day. Her vision is simple, clean, and touching. She captured intimate moments with family members and guests....
- Christine
Kate hit it out of the park and over the moon once again! My husband and I can not thank her enough for the amazing work she put into capturing our wedding day and day after in photographs.
The online gallery is amazing and easy to share with family and friends.
Kate was the warmth and light that guided us during this adventure to capture not only our love as a couple but our love for Yosemite. As the great John Muir once said, “The sun shines not on us but in us.” Kate was able to show this in her work.
We were beyond Blessed to have had Kate document our new beginning and you will be too.
- Tyler
Listen, not to be disrespectful to any other photographer, but don’t waste your time shopping around. Kate is an incredible person to work with. From the beginning she wants to understand who you are as a couple and whether or not she thinks she would be a good fit for you. And that alone speaks to her character as a person. But you’re here to know if she’s worth booking as a photographer. And the answer, is undoubtedly yes. Even with the preview comprising of roughly 12 photos she sent a few days later, we said “if this is all that we get, it’s worth what we paid”. And then she proceeded to send us hundreds more a couple weeks later. She knows how to direct you while also making herself feel invisible in the intimate moments of your wedding day. Going through the photos, my wife and I said, multiple times “where even was she for this shot? I didn’t see her”....
Over 150 reviews on
Google, WeddingWire and Yelp
Reviews:
What They're Saying:
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Want the inside scoop?
Here are a couple of reviews, followed by my thoughts and feelings.
"Oh my goodness!! These really are works of art! We ended up hearting almost all of them.
We love how you captured the elements as well as us…. the flowers, the granite. And we love how you caught us in such natural moments. 🥰
These are really stunning. We are blown away!
Also we’re surprised with how quickly you turned all of these around. Thank you.
I also want you to know… we walked away from the day feeling like we had the most fun time in Tuolumne with each other and with you guys. We didn’t have the feeling of being photographed. We just felt like we had a ton of fun and our bellies hurt from laughing. And I think the memory of that is equally precious as the photos, and a testament to how talented you really are!!"
- Naomi
...Upon reading their inquiry, where they shared that their first date had been spent climbing in the Tuolumne area, I felt an immediate sense of excitement and inspiration. Tuolumne Meadows and the high country hold a special place in my heart, having worked and explored there on horseback.
There is a unique culture embedded in everything we do, and the climbing community resonates deeply with me. These are people who walk barefoot, embrace the dirt beneath their feet, savor the outdoors, and revel in the passage of nature and time. They are individuals who constantly challenge themselves, always striving to reach the zenith of their potential.
Naomi and Chris envisioned an intimate elopement at Tenaya Lake, followed by a leisurely exploration of the park. To me, this sounded like the perfect day. It wasn’t long before we were all barefoot, fully immersed in the experience….
Continue reading here
Naomi + Chris
Tenaya Lake Elopement
Along with a blog post
day. The photos were amazing and breathtaking; something ourselves and our friends and families will cherish to remember the celebration. But for us the photos will remind us of much more than just the wedding, they will remind us posing in the cold, learning about Yosemite from a local, but most of all, learning about the person behind the camera, their journey, their perspective. Thank you Kate for making the entire experience unforgettable. We are grateful that through this experience of hiring a photographer to take our wedding photos, we were able to meet a brilliant Yosemite girl who we could call a friend.
- Jeff
Weddings have so many moving pieces, it's hard to really enjoy the moment and take it all in. Photos are one way to help cement the beautiful moments and create reminders for lasting memories. It was actually our honor to work with someone like Kate, a local to the Yosemite area, her dedication towards her craft left a lasting impression on us. Kate went above and beyond to capture majestic moments throughout our wedding day, and also creating a tailored plan to successfully shoot our engagement and set wedding photos. You can never really expect or assume anything when shooting in nature. Thats where having a local who is flexible and skilled really makes a difference. Yosemite having been such a major part of her youth, Kate is prepared to handle whatever Yosemite and the weather brings that
Jeff and Jocelyn have been with me from the very beginning. In 2020, they entrusted me with their engagement session in Yosemite National Park, a day that began at Glacier Point at sunrise. I often tell my clients that Glacier Point is meant for sunrise, while Taft Point is the perfect spot for sunset. Jocelyn, though reserved and perhaps a bit nervous—understandably so—was a joy to photograph. And Jeff, ever the supportive, attentive, and loving partner, spoke volumes with just a glance. It’s moments like these that I cherish most—the quiet yet profound connections between couples, and the way they support one another throughout the session.
One of the things I most enjoy is when my clients share their ideas with me. While I typically don’t pose couples in close, seated positions, Jocelyn suggested it, and together we made it work—and the result was stunning! After spending time at Glacier Point, we made our way down Highway 41 towards Yosemite Valley. It was October, and the colors were absolutely radiant. There’s a stretch of road that I often gaze at, knowing there's a perfect shot waiting to be captured. On this particular day, I decided to pull over and seize the moment.
Continue reading here
