She strives to create a seamless and stress-free experience for her clients. She offers a more in-depth, personalized experience, working closely with clients and planners to understand their vision and preferences in order to flow well on the wedding day. When you hire seasoned professionals, we all work together to make your wedding the best day. We easily adjust when bumps happen. We don't stress, we adjust. 

Kate Michelle has over 10 years 
of wedding photography experience

I get it. I am too! Go take a look at my reviews and see how many more people are shy but how I helped them relax and how quickly we became friends just hanging out. I've been doing this long enough now that I have a system. And sometimes i go out of the box, because learning and being creative is growth. I'll pose ya'll and also get your best candid moments.

Camera Shy?

I am happy to travel for weddings!

Locations I love:
Big Sur - Joshua Tree - Hawaii - Mammoth - Dolomites - Central Valley - Sea Ranch, CA - 



I AM LOCATED OUT OF STATE, DO YOU TRAVEL?

I love to get these beauties to you guys ASAP! But I need to set long ranges for the season when I have multiple shoots to edit. 
Engagement session- 7-14 business days (two days if I'm not slammed!)
Weddings- 90 days (Usually no more than 30 days! Again, depends on how busy I am)
I spend hours looking through all of your images, choosing only the best ones and leaving out any blinking eyes, weird expressions, and anything else that I find unflattering, and narrow it down to only the best images of you. Then I spend even more time doing any necessary color correction and slight retouching to match the style of Kate Michelle Photography, and to give you outstanding works of art! 

I love to get these beauties to you guys ASAP! But I need to set long ranges for the season when I have multiple shoots to edit. 
Engagement session- 7-14 business days (two days if I'm not slammed!)

Weddings- 90 days (Usually no more than 30 days! Again, depends on how busy I am)
I spend hours looking through all of your images, choosing only the best ones and leaving out any blinking eyes, weird expressions, and anything else that I find unflattering, and narrow it down to only the best images of you. Then I spend even more time doing any necessary color correction and slight retouching to match the style of Kate Michelle Photography, and to give you outstanding works of art! 

How long till we get our photos 

My goal is to deliver a curated collection of photos that captures the story of your wedding day. How many photos largely depends on each wedding, the activities taking place and the guests.
I personally believe it’s a disservice to name a number – rather I prefer to go into your wedding day capturing it as it unfolds vs. attempting to force a final number. BUT on average, for 8 hours coverage, 500-800 images are delivered.
Engagement sessions are guaranteed 20. Usually way more are delivered because while editing i fall in love almost every expression you make and movement of your bodies.  

HOW MANY PHOTOS WILL WE RECEIVE?

All images are color-corrected and toned to match the style of Kate Michelle Photography, and I offer basic retouching like removing small blemishes, smoothing skin and lightening under-eye circles.
I do not use Photoshop as a crutch, but more of an enhancement to your images. I am sure to produce the highest quality possible directly through the camera before even getting the images to the computer

Will you edit my images

FAQ

The power of imagination makes us infinite

- John Muir

Weddings

Starting at $4,4900

Allow me the privilege of spending the day with you. I will take note of the jewelry your grandparents wear, contemplating the enduring bond that sustains two people through a lifetime together. I will observe the subtle nuances of your hands and body language, anticipating your next movement as you step into the perfect light. My heart will swell with joy as I watch the little ones, and I will capture the singular smile that only you can evoke in your partner. Grant me the opportunity to document your day, and I will craft a timeless narrative of the moments that define it.

I offer bespoke wedding packages of 8+ hours, thoughtfully tailored to your needs. Additionally, I provide a range of carefully curated add-ons to ensure that every detail, every event, and every person integral to your celebration is beautifully captured.

Elopements

Starting at $2,500

At times, you choose to let the wind guide you. At other moments, you find beauty in simplicity. And sometimes, you simply need to escape it all. Whatever your reason, I am here to embrace the intimacy of your journey. My elopement packages cater to small, intimate groups of 2 to 20.

For those who seek adventure, I offer adventure elopements. If you're drawn to explore a stunning location for more than just a few hours, we can craft an unforgettable experience together. Reach out with your vision, and together we will design the perfect few hours or day to celebrate your love.

Couples & Engagements 

Starting at $650

Unsure of what to do with your hands? No worries—I’ve got you covered during our portrait sessions. I’ll guide you through poses while capturing those authentic, candid moments when you’re at your most relaxed. If you're planning to propose to your partner, I’d be thrilled to help you plan this special moment!

Sessions typically last between 60 to 90 minutes and are available in Yosemite, Bass Lake, the foothills of the Sierras, and beyond. I encourage an outfit change to create a variety of looks and vibes for your session. You’ll receive a curated collection of no less than 30 fully edited, high-resolution images, delivered through a convenient online gallery for you to cherish and share.

Add ons

-The Day After addition gives us more time to explore the scenery around your wedding venue. The day before, after, or 2 days after your wedding, we can capture portraits at more grand spots and with the best light in Yosemite, or other stunning lands. 
This saves time on your wedding day for family, friends, and festivities. *Add-on only available to 8+ hour weddings 

- Welcome Party, Rehearsal / Rehearsal Dinner, Afterparty, Farewell Brunch
- High-quality prints and albums
- Additional hours
- Second shooter
- Rush delivery 

I'll be in touch as soon as I can!

THANK-YOU MY FRIEND!

The more free I am the more present I can be for you.

Philosophy

My Philosophy

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

Yosemite, CA

Where I'm from

Read more here

----> Yosemite, on a holiday?

-----> Temporary Peak Hours

----> What is the Day After? 

-----> Can we go into the backcountry?

----> A Guide to Eloping in Yosemite
  

 




If you can avoid it, I highly recommend not getting married in Yosemite on a holiday. The logistics can be quite challenging—finding lodging for all your family and friends can feel nearly impossible, and parking becomes a distant dream. Not to mention the traffic; sitting in two hours of congestion is hardly the ideal start to your special day.

I also advise steering clear of free entrance days and summer weekends whenever possible. I know you might be wondering, "But when?" Rest assured, I’ll help you navigate the options. However, if you still prefer to get married during a summer weekend, please understand that I cannot guarantee we will have the freedom to move around the park for photos. While I will do everything within my power to provide a variety of shots, some factors are simply out of my control.

The best alternative in these cases is to consider a Day-After Session. This allows us to capture the beauty of Yosemite with a bit more ease and freedom.

For engagement sessions on holidays, please note that a holiday fee applies. This fee varies depending on my assessment of how chaotic I anticipate the park to be, and frankly, how much of a challenge I foresee. I generally schedule morning sessions during peak season to avoid the crowds and ensure we have the best possible experience for both of us. Trust me, I’ve been through this enough to know how to provide you with a smooth, memorable experience.
Here is a short blog I wrote to help answer questions you may have
Ultimately, I believe that an adventure cannot be confined by time constraints. For those desiring a more "traditional" wedding experience, I highly recommend considering both The One & Only collection and the Day-After Session. In 2024, Yosemite saw approximately 4.12 million visitors, and that number continues to grow. This influx of visitors can impact our ability to move around the park for photos, especially if you wish to visit multiple locations, ultimately consuming valuable time on your wedding day.

The Day-After Session is my solution. It offers us the opportunity to explore the majestic mountains of Yosemite while capturing portraits in its most breathtaking spots, bathed in the best light. This allows us to save time on your wedding day, leaving more room for family, friends, and the festivities.

The Day-After session can be scheduled one or two days before or after your wedding, making it an excellent option for couples who wish to share a first look and enjoy some intimate, quiet time together before the big day.

It’s my pleasure to help you plan a day that aligns with your vision and desires. I strive to offer more than just photographs—it's an experience I curate with care, ensuring you feel supported throughout the entire journey. Feel free to reach out for more information!
I would be absolutely thrilled to embark on an adventure with you on your wedding day—or even after you've exchanged your vows—to create something truly magical and one-of-a-kind. Think beyond the iconic Taft and Glacier Points (though they remain on the table). I'm talking about the Cathedrals, mountain passes, May Lake, Benson Lake, and far beyond. Imagine a three-day journey—perhaps even seven—filled with pack mules, high Sierra camps, hiking boots, backpacks, headlamps, sweat, hats, sunscreen, tents, breathtaking sunrises and sunsets, and high-altitude lakes perfect for a refreshing dip. Picture moments of celebration under the stars and vows exchanged in places where vows have likely never been spoken. And all of it, beautifully documented.

If you live for adventure and are ready to leave the crowds behind, we can customize this experience to make the most of exploring together. Tell me your vision, and I’ll share mine to help make it truly epic. We would enlisting my long-eared companions to carry the weight, or even touring Yosemite’s backcountry on horseback —we can make it happen.

My ultimate dream is to photograph weddings deep within the heart of Yosemite, exploring the untouched 95% of the park alongside lovebirds. This vision is entirely possible, and if anything I’ve described resonates with you, don’t hesitate to reach out. Tug on my heartstrings by telling me what captured your imagination, and let’s turn this dream into a reality.
Coming soon!
This committee works closely with the Center Development Committee, center managers, and other servers to implement a master plan for landscaping and natural buffers, and to integrate long-range planning with current planting activities. Some of the responsibilities include: 
  • Maintaining and purchasing equipment used on grounds and garden when necessary.  
  • Overseeing maintenance of pathways, mowing, weeding, pruning and general grounds maintenance including planting, weeding, mulching, edging, cutting and pruning of ornamental plants, shrubs and trees.  
  • Maintaining communication with Maintenance Committee regarding overlap of purview especially around areas such as tent sites and walking paths, and equipment needs.  
  • Working with the treasurer to plan annual budget.  
  • Maintaining communication with the Trust to ensure that others are aware of landscaping plans, especially with regard to service periods and service days. 
  • Coordinating with the Teachers and Long-Term Servers to identify any water supply needs for landscape irrigation. 

Landscape & Garden Committee 

This group came together in acknowledgement of the lack of diversity sometimes observed in the Dhamma community, specifically in our region. Since Vipassana is a universal, non-sectarian practice, we want all beings to feel safe and included. This group is responsible for: 
  • Identify groups that may feel excluded or marginalized in our community 
  • Welcome and consider all ideas that contribute to including and welcoming those who may feel excluded or marginalized in our community.     
  • Work to create a safe space for anyone who is interested in the practice.  
  • Decide how to implement the ideas that the group agrees are beneficial to diversity, equity, and inclusion at Dhamma Pasava.
     
This group is ideal for someone willing to work on a team, listen and share ideas, and strive for betterment.

Inclusivity Working Group 

This committee is responsible for identifying new and useful technology tools while maintaining existing technology tools that help the center to function effectively. Examples of this include: 

  • Computers (tablets, laptops, printers) 
  • Networks (Internet access, wi-fi, servers) 
  • Phones and any other mobile devices.   
  • Coordination of technology used by other committees 
  • Effective implementation and roll out MS365 to improve team effectiveness 

Technology Committee 

This committee is responsible for organizing Children's and Teen's Courses (CTC) at Dhamma Pasava. It is a group that includes Children's Course Teachers (CCTs), active committee members, and non-member supporters who stay informed about the group’s activities. Some of the responsibilities of this committee include: 

  • Organizing courses 
  • Maintaining art supplies 
  • Shopping for course materials and supplies 
  • Outreach 
  • CTC Registration 
  • CTC server background checks 
  • Participating in organizational meetings 
  • Serving on courses 
  • Sharing feedback 

Children’s & Teen’s Course Committee

Info coming soon

Finance

Info coming soon

Center Development

Info coming soon

Registration

Yosemite Info

The power of imagination makes us infinite

- John Muir