Kate Thompson is a Virginia-based editorial and fine art photographer with over a decade of experience. She is a big-picture thinker with a curator’s eye for design who sees each wedding as a beautiful collaborative opportunity. Kate's portfolio features events and weddings not only across the US but also captures love stories set in stunning and dynamic destinations worldwide, including Italy, Mexico, India, Spain, and even Iceland. We're excited to connect with Kate to learn more about her work with couples, creative approach, and career achievements.
How did your journey into photography begin? What was the turning point for you?
My journey into photography began as a child - my dad is a lover of photography and had all the makings of a darkroom in our basement. We took a photography class together and I bought my first film camera in middle school. I started photographing weddings in 2011, and have never looked back.
You've been in the industry for over a decade now. What still keeps you so passionate about shooting weddings?
I view each wedding as special in its character and atmosphere - a celebration deserving of thoughtful attention to what makes it unique. Continually pushing myself to try new things and to experience my own work in different print formats keeps me inspired. I also think it’s really important to take in all different art forms for inspiration.
Tell us more about your approach to weddings. What is the first thing couples should know about working with you?
My approach to weddings is rooted in creating a relaxed environment where couples can feel genuinely themselves and present with friends and family, and folding myself into a wedding day almost as if I were an insider.
You describe yourself as a fine art wedding photographer. For those unfamiliar with the term, how would you describe it?
I think fine art can mean something different depending on who you talk to. To me it means that I take my art practice seriously, continually educate myself, and that I like to share my work in a variety of print formats (handmade prints and books).
There's so much going on behind the scenes. What does your creative process look like after the wedding day, before delivering the final photos to the couple?
I like to keep this part a little bit secret, but I have a deep appreciation for the printing process and feel strongly that the photography experience isn’t complete until a client has something beautiful to physically hold to experience their images in a non-digital format. For each wedding I create a handmade printed item to gift to the client that includes my artistic selection of images that best tell the wedding day story.
Looking back on the past year, what moment was particularly memorable/inspiring? And what are you excited about for 2024?
This year I learned how to edit, print and bind books by hand - that was exciting! Otherwise I’m very excited about all of my weddings this year - the creative spark that comes from a couple telling me they have full trust in me to photograph their wedding is something I’m so grateful for.
Do you have a dream project that you've always wanted to shoot?
I love photographing people in the spaces they nurture and inhabit - artists in their studios, couples getting married at a family home. Not one specific project, but that’s a theme I love to revisit.
What achievements in your career are you most proud of?
I’m really proud of starting my 14th year as a wedding photographer and for the growth and evolution that has come from being in the business this long. I’m also really proud of the balance I’ve struck between motherhood and my career.
How do you stay inspired and continually evolve as a wedding photographer?
By constantly pushing myself to try new things, printing and sitting with my work regularly, and continually feeding myself creatively by reading, looking at art throughout history, and visiting galleries / museums.
In your opinion, what makes for a truly unforgettable wedding photograph?
One that deepens your sense of connection to your own life, stirs up feelings and maybe questions, and makes you want to linger a little bit longer.
