Kate Michelle Photography Reviews
Reviews
We're all about trust. Our community relies on honest reviews to help you make those big decisions with ease.
-
![Jazlyn]()
Jazlyn Sent on 04/28/2026I wouldn't want anyone else to take my wedding photos!
I had such an amazing experience with Kate! She was able to squeeze in Yosemite Falls, El Capitan, Tunnel view, Bridalveil Falls, the ceremony, family pictures, AND some beautiful stops along the road that wasn't even planned all in 3 hours. Not to mention the photos were breathtaking and there wasn't a single photo that I didn't want to print out and hang up immediately!! She was super easy to contact (I'm from WV so that was essential) and made the day so fun! She even went above and beyond and messaged my new husband and I the trails she recommended and even mapped it out for us the day after the wedding. She's an amazing person and somehow an even better photographer!! -
-
![Brittany]()
Brittany Sent on 11/30/2025Best Engagement / Wedding Photographer in Yosemite
Our photoshoot with Kate was everything we hoped for and more. We wanted photos that captured both our love for each other and our love for Yosemite’s beauty, and Kate absolutely delivered. She made us feel comfortable in front of the camera (which is rare since we’re usually behind it).
From day one, Kate was great with communication and offered helpful venue and location suggestions as we were originally planning to have our wedding in Yosemite. Even though we eventually decided to get married outside the park, we still wanted photos in Yosemite, so we booked her for our engagement shoot. From her portfolio alone, we knew she had an incredible eye, strong attention to detail, and a love for the park.
We visited in the fall right before the first snowfall and were lucky to have a morning clear of rain. We appreciated Kate’s flexibility with finding the right location spots with the weather and light we were given on this morning. We all knew the weather could go in any direction so we were all prepared for anything and ready to make the most of it.
Kate’s communication, recommendations, professionalism, and editing style were everything we hoped for, and our full gallery was breathtaking. Our friends and family keep calling the photos stunning, magical, unreal, and the best they’ve ever seen.
If you are considering Kate for wedding or engagement photos, hire her now. You won’t regret it!
Thank you Kate! -Brittany -
-
![Courtney]()
Courtney Sent on 11/17/2025More than a photographer, an EXPERIENCE
It's hard not to say something along the lines of "there's no words to describe how happy we are with Kate", and it seems like that's a common theme in her reviews - which should tell you something GREAT!
Our Experience:
To start, let's just say that even if Kate did not produce a single photo, we would have been thrilled with the day's experience, and just hanging out with her on our big day!
We decided to book Kate for an adventure elopement, shooting from sunrise in Cook's meadow, until we watched the sun dip below the horizon at Sentinel dome. Despite how surreal eloping in Yosemite's grandeur was, Kate was there to position us, get us in the right spots and lighting, all in a way that felt completely natural. Kate didn't just take stereotypical wedding portraits, she captured every moment, silly, intimate, and spectacular, blending photography with storytelling. There are moments we didn't even realize she was there to capture - slinging her cameras at the ready (literally like John Wayne drawing his 6-shooters from the hip LOL)! For a couple with very few photos besides selfies, she made us look like pros, and most importantly, made it organic and fun.
The Facts:
Its easy for anyone to take a good photo in Yosemite. We saw several other wedding shoots during the day - trying to cram through tourists, and take the same photos as hundreds of other couples before them have. If that sounds good, DON'T book Kate.
Kate provided a deep connection to Yosemite that only someone who literally grew up in the park could ever claim. Despite the full day shoot, she kept us on a plan to maximize every location, without feeling rushed.
We booked Kate almost a year out. From the start, her communication was top level, helping us make decisions, plan, and remain calm! Every photo in our album is unique, not just a bunch of mediocre edits. We requested a few photos so we could print them for our family party a month later, and Kate found time to deliver our entire album!
Kate didn't just take photos, she captured memories and moments that we'll be able to revlive when we look back at our magical day.
When we are old and grey and our memories fade, we'll have these memories preserved because of Kate, and we're beyond grateful for that!
There really are "no words to describe how happy we are with Kate", but if you are considering a Yosemite adventure, our two words are most indefinitely - " BOOK HER!" -
-
![Marissa]()
Marissa Sent on 10/22/2025October Couples Session
Kate is such an amazing photographer and person. We booked a couples session in Yosemite with her in October and I absolutely love how the photos turned out. She was very accommodating, relaxed and friendly and definitely brought my husband out of his shell too. We brought our dog along and thankfully she was able to fit him in along with us and when we got to tunnel view she offered to do a family portrait with my parents included which was really sweet. My mom absolutely loved that and loves how the photo of us came out too, and now she wants her copy haha. If we had gotten married in Yosemite or the surrounding area there’s no doubt in my mind we would have chosen Kate as our wedding photographer, her work speaks for itself. It was especially helpful with her telling us how to pose, how to fix something, move a hand etc and it was all done so professionally. For those that don’t get photos taken often she really makes you feel like a natural and doesn’t make anything look like awkward family posing. Also, she was able to get our photos to us within the same day we took them which was absolutely amazing!! I totally wasn’t expecting that but it was so great being able to immediately see her work and how beautiful the photos came out. Soooo excited to use our photos for holiday cards and to hang up around our home, we absolutely love them Kate! Thank you for making this Yosemite trip memorable, we’ll definitely be back in the future for more family photos!! -
-
![Christopher]()
Christopher Sent on 10/18/2025Kate's services are the best!!
I hired Kate for my fiance and I's engagement photoshoot during early June of 2025. Kate and I had an in-depth conversation of what I was looking for and she made it very easy by guiding me through the entire process. I gave her an idea of what I was looking for and she gave me reccomendations on time, place, and execution of the proposal. Leading up to the shoot I was confident in the entire process since we had a full plan of how it was going to go and even a backup just in case! I would say that it actually helped with the nerves tremendously as her planning allowed me to be present in the moment.
During the shoot, Kate was very kind, professional, and empowering towards my fiance and I's shyness towards photos. She guided us through poses, photo ideas, and none of it felt forced. We simply were just being ourselves.
One of the main reasons I was attracted towards Kate's services was her overall theme and she delivered exactly that. We were provided a sneak peek as she worked through editing our photos and the end package was beautifully edited. One thing that really stood out was her attention to detail and creativity with the beautiful scenary of Yosemite. I could not recommend Kate for your next photoshoot services. Especially if you like her editing style. Thank you again Kate for these photos. We will cherish and reminisce on these forever. -
-
Kim Sent on 10/18/2025
Great experience
Kate was amazing! She met us at one location and took us to 2 more spots for photos. Her knowledge of the best spots to take photos in Yosemite Valley was fantastic! She did an amazing job of working with us and helping us get the best photos! -
-
![Elizabeth]()
Elizabeth Sent on 08/03/2025Wonderful experience!
Kate was very professional, dependable and great to work with! Our photo shoot was as super fun & we all had a great time! We immediately felt comfortable with Kate & she had excellent posing tops for us throughout the shoot. We definitely recommend her! -
-
![Chantel]()
Chantel Sent on 07/31/2025Wedding Photos and Adventure Shoot Review
Kate is an incredible photographer and so wonderful to work with! We had so much fun on our sunrise adventure shoot in Yosemite and were so grateful for all of Kate’s inside knowledge of the park. She took us to the perfect spot to privately read our vows, and I can’t get over how gorgeous all the photos came out. My husband and I had never had professional photos done before, and Kate truly put us at ease and kept everything lighthearted and fun. She also did an incredible job capturing all the sweetest moments and details at our ceremony the following day and we will cherish these photos forever. We cannot recommend Kate enough! -
![Taylor]()
Taylor Sent on 01/15/2025So amazing !
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! -
![Vanessa]()
Vanessa Sent on 01/12/2025The best in the biz!
I cannot say enough good things about the amazing experience of working with Kate! My fiancé were engaged in October of 2020 and spent 3 long years dragging our butts in the planning process. The only thing we knew is that we wanted to get married in the sierras near Yosemite, a very special place to the both of us throughout our relationship. The first thing I wanted to lock down was a photographer to capture the beauty of this special place. I spent months researching area specific photographers and Kate’s name kept coming up. Diving into her portfolio I fell in love with her candid style and intimacy that came through in her shots. I knew we had to work with her. As luck would have it, a spot became available and she accepted our date!!
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. I can’t say enough good things about working with Kate! We love her and plan to hit her up for the next big milestone we want captured :) not to mention her insanely fast turn around with the shots!!!
We love you Kate! Thank you for everything. You really are THE BEST! Xox :) -
-
Sydney Sent on 12/24/2024
Look no further for a Photographer!
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.)
-
-
![GodzGhozt]()
Godzghozt Sent on 11/11/20242024 Proposal
Kate was so awesome to deal with. Helped us pose and stand in the right places for the best shots. Super easy to work with and made our day so much more special. Thanks so much for everything Kate! -
-
![Athena]()
Athena Sent on 10/10/2024Just book her, you will NOT regret
We had the BEST experience with Kate! She is extremely personable, funny and calming. Her photography skills and editing style was just the cherry on top. Straight out of a magazine!! I would recommend her for your wedding needs, you will not regret it!! (Full review in google, limited text here)
-
-
![Alex]()
Alex Sent on 08/09/2024Phenomenal Photos and a Super Fun Shoot
Kate was responsive, friendly, and just plain fun to work with. She captured our big day perfectly, being able to slot into our plans and capture some great candid shots, as well as posing the unruly group to get important family shots.
We had a couple hours of getting shots around the valley with Kate before the ceremony, and I think that honestly that was my favourite part of the day. We got to spend two hours having fun in beautiful locations, and Kate was fantastic at drawing out poses and making us feel natural. Highly recommended! -
![Robert]()
Robert Sent on 11/21/2023Above and beyond all expectations and can't imagine our day without her
What do you want out of your wedding photographer? Good photos. And if that was all we were reviewing Kate on she’d get 6 out of 5 stars every time. She has an incredible eye. As an amateur photographer, I know enough that it’s easy to make Yosemite look good but it takes real artistry to capture it uniquely, showing the size and expanse and conveying such incredible emotion, and there’s only a small few who can do that and even fewer who can do that effortlessly. Kate is that upper echelon with the eye, talent, and experience.
Why we are so inclined to recommend Kate above anyone else though is the immeasurable. Once you get great photographers, the air is thin but weighing who to go with should be more than just stylistic preference. Kate was incredible with follow-up and communication and made us feel confident with the choice from day one. We knew we could trust her advice and expertise. And when the day came, she made us feel comfortable. She was warm, empathetic, encouraging, and most of all kind. She built trust quickly so we could be ourselves and let our love shine through her photography. And I’m so grateful we followed her advice and it was just us the day before the event in the park. So that the next day there was no time lost.
Now I think her unique talents shine most in the first look then moving into bridal party photos. We had the incredibly intimate moment of seeing each other for the first time and Kate knew how to comfort our nerves on the way in, disappear when the look began, and when we were done reappear to bring in the bridal party and fit in so neatly. She did this throughout the night. 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.
If this was TLDR let me summarize: if you want great photos, no stress, and someone you can rely on and enjoy the process with, go with Kate. -
-
![Savannah]()
Savannah Sent on 11/15/2023Best Yosemite Wedding Photographer
Working with Kate was an absolute joy from start to finish. She is very well organized and was always very professional and timely in all of her communication with us. We decided to do an extra day of photos with Kate around Yosemite National Park to get different locations, and it was a fabulous experience. Her expertise as a local was immeasurable; she knew where all the best spots were for the lighting at that time of day/year. She also gave us options for what kinds of shots we really wanted and how we could make them all happen. Kate also made us feel really comfortable the whole time, like she was an old friend we’ve known for a long time. She was great about giving us clear direction, if we needed it, and expressing her excitement when something was turning out well which made us feel excited too. On the day of our wedding at Glacier Point, Kate took charge and made sure there were no tourists in our shots during the ceremony, she directed our guests well and made sure we got every family formal shot we wanted, and she did a great job watching what was going on at the reception and took some amazing candid shots. She did an excellent job quietly taking detailed shots while we were busy doing something else. While we were getting hair and make-up done, she was taking detailed dress and ring shots. While we were eating, she was taking detailed vows and ring shots. Her attention to detail was fabulous and she really was paying close attention to how she could best capture every moment of the day. We couldn’t be happier with how the photos have turned out. We LOVE them! They are absolutely breathtaking and many of our friends and family have complimented the photos saying, “They look like they are from a magazine!” We can't over emphasize how happy we are that we chose Kate to document our wedding, and I cannot recommend her more highly! -
![Halo]()
Halo Sent on 10/24/2023Just Who We Were Looking For!
Our July wedding was supposed to take place in Yosemite. However, the roads into the eastern side of Yosemite were still closed due to the record-breaking snow last winter, but we couldn't change our lodgings as it was too close to the date. We were holding out for hope. Fortunately, Kate was familiar with the Eastern Sierras and was able to show us some neat spots for photos. She provided us with coordinates on the possible spots she was thinking of and made the stressful experience SO much easier for us. Because we had recently gotten a puppy who had severe separation anxiety, we needed to have a friend watch our pup during the shoots. Kate was very accommodating and understanding in having our friend and pup join us. Additionally, my spouse and I usually hate taking photos, so we've never been photographed professionally, but she made the experience fun. You wouldn't have been able to discern any awkwardness from our photos! What's more is that she allowed us to have a very special, memorable experience gazing into each other's' eyes during the sunrise. It felt magical! We're incredibly grateful to have hired Kate because she made our wedding and photoshoot run smoothly. We had to change the location of the wedding and find a venue that day, but her suggestions gave us ideas on what we could do. Our only regret was that we couldn't have her during our ceremony because we had to make some changes to accommodate other family members and were concerned about having to pay for a different venue (although she did offer to extend her time). Her work is utterly stunning, and she is absolutely pleasant to work with! -
![Lindsey]()
Lindsey Sent on 10/19/2023Obsessed with our engagement photos in Yosemite!
Kate is amazing!! We are so grateful that she squeezed us into her busy schedule last minute for engagement photos. She has great communication by email and text. Kate made our time together so special, and she captured the most beautiful photos. We went to four different locations within the same area and the backdrop of Yosemite Valley is unreal. She got our engagement photos back to us in less than 2 weeks and the gallery is gorgeous. Book the photo shoot with Kate, you won't regret it!! -
-
![Tyler]()
Tyler Sent on 10/07/2023Just Book Her
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”.
We booked Kate because, as a photographer, I wanted someone who could capture my wedding day with the attention to detail that I would want to capture myself. The care and attention that she put in to the time we spent with her made a world of difference. You can trust her to know exactly where to be and when, and her eye is unmatched.
tldr - just book her. She’s worth it. (Also book the second day. The best decision we could’ve made) -
-
![Stephanie]()
Stephanie Sent on 10/05/2023Perfect energy and incredible photos
Kate was ABSOLUTELY INCREDIBLE. She was truly everything we wanted in a photographer. We got married in Mammoth and she traveled ahead of time to scout out locations. She was so prepared and everything from formals to photo dashes went so smoothly. We wanted a photographer with a love for the mountains like us and it shows in her photos. We are so happy with all of our photos. She got so many shots of our guests having the time of their lives and we get to relive our favorite day over and over now (even moments that we didn’t get to see day of!). Her energy is so calming and we would book her again in a heartbeat! Thank you Kate!!! -
-
![Erin]()
Erin Sent on 08/08/2023Wedding Photos that will leave you beaming
Kate photographed our June 2023 Evergreen Lodge Yosemite Wedding, as well as a sunrise photo session the day before our wedding in Yosemite National Park.
We could not have had a better experience with Kate, and are so grateful not only for the gorgeous photos she took, but for adding to the overall experience of our wedding in such a positive way.
We have the best memories of waking up super early and meeting in park for sunrise photos and being guided to all the cool spots. Glacier Point wasn't open yet, but we traveled from Tunnel View through the Valley and took advantage of the morning light and epic waterfalls. Kate took us to many secret spots and hidden gems, as she has tons of experience in the park and knows where to navigate. She made us feel so comfortable, especially my partner who had never done a photoshoot before.
On our wedding day, we went to the most beautiful wildflower-filled meadow which Kate spotted on her way in for our first look. I will never forget how it felt to be in that moment with my partner in the sunshine surrounded by the cutest unique flowers and all the bug friends we made :)
Kate also got all the moments we could have wanted captured, from our getting ready time, to the ceremony and reception - our friends, our family, the reception setup and flowers, everything was so artistically captured. She really was able to amazingly blend in the background and pop up at just the right moments.
Kate is an absolute pro at observing, navigating different personalities and energies, finding solutions and adjusting as needed, getting photos done in a timely matter, photo editing, and adding calming and peaceful vibes to your wedding day. We felt totally at ease whenever we had to pose for photos either by ourselves or with our family, and she just made it a great experience overall.
We absolutely fell in love with our wedding photos which we got in a very timely manner and are so stoked to have the memories and works of art to look at for the rest of our lives to come. If you're looking for someone smart, reliable, talented, and kind, look no further than Kate Michelle Photography - We highly recommend her! -
![Ashley]()
Ashley Sent on 04/22/2023Kate is amazing- look no further! Book with kate! It’s worth every single penny!
If you’re considering doing a family photo session in Yosemite then look no further than Kate! She captured AMAZING images of my family and I. She is extremely talented. She will make you feel comfortable and capture you and your family as you naturally are together. -
![Chris]()
Chris Sent on 12/31/2022Elopement in Tuolumne
We had such a precious day with Kate, saying our vows and running barefoot around the granite domes and alpine beaches of Tuolumne. Kate made the day a whole lot of fun, we almost forgot we were being photographed! We walked away feeling like we'd had a full, beautiful day in the high country with a great friend. And the photos... stunning!!! Kate did an amazing job of capturing the moments between us and the nature around us. People have said they are the best wedding photos they've ever seen (can I agree?!) Her work is gorgeous, professional, and worth every penny. I would not hesitate to choose Kate for your special day. -
-
![Erin]()
Erin Sent on 10/25/2022Perfect Yosemite Photographer
I have been following Kate for over a year admiring her beautiful work in Yosemite before I even knew I was getting married there. As soon as we booked our venue I emailed Kate that same day and booked her for our wedding and photo shoot in the park the day after and I suggest that she's your first contact too! She will capture your day perfectly, is such a joy to be around, and is an expert when it comes to photo locations in Yosemite. She's perfect. And her work is flawless, if you're lucky enough to snag her for yourself. -
-
![Jennysanford]()
Jenny Sent on 10/20/2022The best Yosemite photographer
Kate is amazing. She planned out our entire day in Yosemite and drove us around to all of our locations. She is incredibly knowledgeable about the park and we learned so much during our day! Communication leading up to our elopement date was great and she was always available if I had a question or concern. We never felt awkward and her presence is very calming. Our pictures are STUNNING and we will cherish them and the memories from our elopement day forever. (She had the edited and delivered in 5 days!!) -
Brittany Sent on 08/09/2022
Perfect Wedding Day/Wedding photos EVEN IN THE RAIN!
100 out of 10 stars for Kate. I cannot say enough positives about the entire experience. Amazing communication leading up to our wedding. She planned our entire morning, had amazing suggestions for spots to go to in Yosemite. We didn’t have to think for a second the entire day of what to do, she had it all planned! She even picked me up at my hotel so she could drive me into Yosemite, so my soon to be husband didn’t see me prior to our first look! We could not have asked for more stunning photos, and speaking of photos, she had them edited and back to us FOUR days after our wedding! Absolutely unheard of! I cannot recommend her enough. If you need a photographer around the Yosemite area, do not look any further. You won’t regret it for a second! -
-
Flora Sent on 02/08/2022
Kate is phenomenal! Hire local, you’ll be grateful you did!
If you want someone who will make your Yosemite wedding photo dreams come true, look no more! Kate knows the park like no one else we've ever met. We'd been to Yosemite several times ourselves, and wanted a photographer who actually knew the ins and outs of the park - someone who could take us to areas that we'd probably never find ourselves. Kate did just that - she knew where to go based on water flow, lighting, everything. Some of the other photographers we'd met gave us the standard photo locations; stuff you can research on your own, but no, not Kate. She shared some spots we'd never heard of, and we can't wait to go back to explore her recommendations another time. She even found a picnic spot that we basically had all to ourselves - seems impossible in a place like Yosemite.
Working with Kate never felt stressful. She has such a calm and positive demeanor, and she made posing feel so easy (we'd never taken professional photos and they turned out AMAZING). We felt like we were just hanging out all day, exploring the park!
Kate was always available if we had any questions, and was very informative with options for our elopement. She never pressured us one way or another - she just gave us the options and the space to think about what we truly wanted out of our day.
Trust us, Kate is the REAL DEAL - she blew our expectations out of the water. We knew she was good based on the photos we'd seen before, but she absolutely killed it with our photos. She was so quick, it was crazy to think she was able to capture these special moments so quickly - it didn't feel like she even took the photos! A friend commented that our photos look like a mix between Vogue and National Geographic ha!
Do yourself a favor and connect with Kate. You won't be disappointed!! -
-
![Chelsea]()
Chelsea Sent on 02/06/2022Everything we wanted and more
Before booking Kate, Jon and I were a little worried how our wedding day in Yosemite would go - we had never been there before! We found Kate and immediately felt as ease. She provided suggestions for places to take photos and helped us build a detailed timeline so we would get the most our of our time with her. Kate was very calm and level headed as she helped guide us through our wedding day (much appreciated since I was so nervous!) Additionally, Kate not only directed my husband and I, but our 10 family members that came with us to the park! She literally wrangled 12 people all over Yosemite Valley without any issues. And can we talk about the pictures?! They are the most breathtaking and beautiful pictures I have ever seen. We have gotten so many compliments on our pictures from friends and family. If you are considering an elopement/adventure wedding. I would 1000% use Kate! -
-
Jordan Sent on 09/21/2021
Phenomenal
Kate was great! I had her photograph my wedding and she was very helpful with setting up a timeline for photos and good at taking all the photos that were important to us in a short amount of time! She got all the finished photos to me in a timely manner and her gallery was very user-friendly. Most of all, the photos were so gorgeous and creative! She captured such beautiful moments. -
-
Alexis Sent on 07/04/2021
Perfect Day in Yosemite
Admittedly, we were a bit overwhelmed when looking for someone to photograph our Yosemite elopement; however, when we stumbled across Kate’s website, it was as if the stars aligned. Kate is extremely talented at what she does, she truly has an artist’s eye. What sets Kate apart from the rest is her ability to not only capture the grandeur of Yosemite but to capture intimate, candid moments in such a poetic way. Kate also grew up in Yosemite, which I think allows her to see beauty beyond the towering granite domes that captivate so many, preventing them from appreciating all the magic that lies within the park. Kate also knows the park like the back of her hand, and it was really nice to sit back and relax while she showed us the way (and effortlessly navigated some pretty crowded parking situations with her employee parking pass). Yes, Kate takes breathtaking photos, which was important to us, but she’s also incredibly kind and easy going. Kate helped us feel comfortable in front of the camera and at times, we didn’t even know we were being photographed. When we got our photos back, we were surprised to see a handful that we had no idea she had taken! Those are some of my favorite. Well, they’re truly all my favorite. You can tell that Kate carefully selects each photo to tell a perfect story, allowing us to relive our wedding day again and again. We are honored to have worked with Kate and highly recommend her to photograph your special day! -
-
![Joseph]()
Joseph Sent on 05/10/2021Incredibly talented with the local knowledge you NEED!!
When I first began planning how I was going to propose to my [then] girlfriend, I knew two things. That I wanted to do it on Glacier Point Road in Yosemite and that I wanted to make sure there was someone there to photograph this special time. So I started scrolling and very quickly found myself looking through all of Kate's incredible work. Unfortunately, due to the time of year, Glacier Point Road had not opened for the season yet. Kate suggested a few alternate locations that would offer a similar aesthetic. Then, the day before, Glacier Point Road opened unexpectedly early. Before I knew it, Kate messaged me with the good news, informing me of the new plans and timing for the best lighting. There are plenty of great photographers out there that can capture a proposal, but there are none with the local knowledge and intimate connection with Yosemite that can truly capture the entire moment. Kate's ability to photograph the abundant Yosemite scenery while still catching all the emotions is truly unique. I could not be happier with the entire experience. Every time we look at these pictures, it takes us right back to the best day of our lives thus far. For that, we are truly grateful. -
-
Samantha Sent on 05/08/2021
Kate is Amazing!!
My fiancé and I can’t say enough good things about our experience working with Kate. My first impression after initially inquiring about engagement pictures was that she was incredibly responsive and easy to communicate with. Kate knows Yosemite like the back of her hand, and planned everything out perfectly, which made our day completely stress free as we shot in five different locations. We were instantly comfortable with her, like she was an old friend. My fiancé and I had never had professional photos taken before, and we’re both a bit goofy, but Kate managed to help us figure out exactly what to do and made the experience easy and fun. We received a few preview pictures the same days as our shoot and knew we made the right choice when we reached out to Kate. We got the remaining pictures back within a matter of days and were instantly obsessed! We couldn’t believe how well Kate managed to capture the moments between us, and were impressed that none of the pictures looked staged. We loved all of the pictures so much - from the action shots of us climbing on rocks and trees, to the endearing moments between us, to the candids she managed to catch (seriously though, ended went to buy our “favorite” photos then ending up loving them all, so we decided to buy an album since we couldn’t make up our minds!). We are so thankful for Kate - she created a magical experience for us that we’ll always be able to look back on. We can’t recommend her enough!! -
-
![Hailey]()
Hailey Sent on 02/26/2021The best photographer and sweetest person!
Kate is such a remarkably talented photographer! She knows so much about Yosemite, she helped us plan our elopement and took us to some spots we would never have known about. She was such a calming presence on our wedding day. It's been four months and I still look at our photos almost daily because they're just so beautiful. If you've seen Kate's pictures, you know they're worth a thousand words and she is 110% worth the investment! Can't recommend her enough! -
-
![Lindsay]()
Lindsay Sent on 10/18/2020Better than we could have imagined
My now husband and I decided to take a trip and elope in Yosemite National Park where my best friend performed the ceremony. My friend, who has been in the park for 15 years now, hired Kate for us as our wedding gift. She would know who the best or the best would be, so we let her take pick. I could not have asked for a better surprise than when we got our photos back in record time and they were perfect! We were so nervous for this part of our day, but Kate truly made us both feel so comfortable and confident. She captured all of the candid moments without us even noticing. This day was so special, but we will always remember it exactly as we should, due to the quality and professional work of our photographer Kate! -
-
Jocelyn Sent on 10/13/2020
Kate is amazing!!! :)
I'm not great with words, but I wanted to write this review about Kate because I'm so glad we were able to work together! So far, we only did an engagement photo session and the photos came out amazing! But not only is her work amazing, her personality is too! She's super chill, friendly, down to earth and really helped me and my boyfriend's awkward modeling hahaha. Kate made it super fun and easy! No awkward feeling at all.
We can't wait to have her photograph our wedding photos too!
Please don't hesitate to reach out to Kate if you're looking for amazing talent and personality :) -
-
![Jennifer]()
Jennifer Sent on 10/05/2020It was a magical fairytale...
Warning, this is going to be a long review so you better pop a squat. 😂
Back in 2018 I found Kates Instagram (at that time she went by Over The Moon Photography). Her pictures were elegant, soft and light. They portrayed the happiness of her clients wedding day with such a beautiful perspective.
In 2019 I became engaged so I reached out to her to inquire about wedding services. Her prices were more than fair so I made my deposit for our October 3rd 2020 wedding date. I had an almost two year engagement so I had a lot of time to plan, change my mind and plan some more. I reached out to Kate monthly and sometimes weekly with all of my questions and anxieties as I was planning a destination wedding. She always made herself available and went above and beyond what a normal photographer would.
Over time, I turned to her about life questions and looked to her as an inspiration and a mentor. She has an IG account called “Sierra Grown”, and I always look forward to the wisdom in her posts. Last year she rebranded herself as “Kate Michelle Photography” and has a great bio and blog on her website. She puts so much time into her work and has a passion for what she does. Everyone should check it out. She is a native of Yosemite which gives her a huge advantage on knowing the best spots and how to make the beauty of the forest, work for her. I’ve also seen her work for out of state weddings and it is exceptional as she has great vision with a creative eye.
As my engagement journey progressed the world was suddenly caught off guard by Covid. I was so overwhelmed with wedding planning and having so much money on the line with wedding vendors. Kate put all my anxieties to rest and helped me survive 6 months of the “unknown”. If you can’t already tell, I am an over thinker and very anxious. Kates communication skills are loving and uplifting and she’s always willing to help. The pandemic shook out most of our guests and we were down to 12. The original number was 44. We got to our month countdown and then the California fires started. This has been the most trying year of all time. Kate talked me through it and was confident that everything would be ok.
A week before our trip, all but 2 guests canceled (including the friend who was supposed to marry us.) Kate asked her dear friend to marry us and he quickly committed. I swear Kate is magical... She even said she had a backup plan and we could travel away from the park if the fire hadn’t subsided.
Our special day finally arrived and went better than I could have ever imagined. It was small and intimate and lovely. Her friend married us and was a great addition to how perfect the day truly was. I was so comfortable with Kate as we had built a good relationship in the almost 2 years we were in touch. I’m actually happier that our group size was so small. Kate took us to some really amazing spots to capture our love and she made it so easy. We even got to christen a never before photographed place and she called it “The Russell spot”. And holy moly was that the most gorgeous picture of all time. All of our friends and family said it looks like it’s out of a magazine.
Kate carried all of our things and paid attention to the littlest details like my necklace being in the right position. She incorporated all of the visions I had. She collaborated with us on some ideas we had like having our first dance on the beach with a Bluetooth speaker. At one point her and I looked over to a beautiful fern meadow and we saw had the same idea at the same time and just nodded at each other. My Fiance and I made our way over to the most dreamy spot. Needless to say, that shot didn’t disappoint.
The last place we ended up was the river as I wanted some shots in the water, and she was more than excited to make it happen for us. I didn’t plan for that so I was soaked in a 20 pound dress after we got the shots. She offered me a spare outfit from her car. She is thoughtful and caring and puts her clients needs above her own. We have a reception back home to celebrate with our family on Saturday. I told Kate that and she got me some pictures over night in less than 12 hours so I’d have something to display at the party. I can’t even imagine how amazing the rest of the pictures are going to be!
Long story short, I didn’t just find a wedding photographer, I made a friend for life. If you are considering having your wedding in Yosemite, you’ll be in the best hands with Kate. Follow her work on Instagram and you will quickly see that she is not someone to overlook. My wedding day was the most magical day and she was a huge part in making it happen. I would hire her a hundred times again.... 💕
Jennifer Russell -
-
Kali Sent on 10/02/2020
Amazing Engagement Shoot in Yosemite
Kate is no less than absolutely amazing. We didn't really think much about taking engagement photos (tip of life: always take engagement photos, it's totally worth it), but took the opportunity to spend the afternoon with Kate in Yosemite and it was just perfect. Neither of us had ever had professional photos of us taken but Kate made us both feel so comfortable and like total rockstars.
She is so relaxed but tuned in to every little detail, making the day about you and your love in a beautiful setting. She is so easy-going and also makes you laugh, a lot, making for the most amazing, "in-the-moment" and candid shots. She has obviously honed her craft and it's so very obvious she loves what she does. She pushed us in the right directions but wasn't overbearing with directions on how to stand or what to do, resulting in natural and care-free looking photos. Her eye for light and place is stunning and we were so very impressed when we clicked through our album. She's also a total Yosemite local and knows all the ins and outs and the coolest places to go for the best shots.
Kate is professional, she is easy-going, she is skilled in her craft and I would tell anyone I know to have her take their photos because it was the absolute best experience. A day (or more!) with her makes you feel like you are the most beautiful and perfect couple in all the world and gives you stunning photos to treasure forever. -
-
Hubert Sent on 10/02/2020
Kate Michelle Photography - engagement session.
What a fantastic shoot with Kate at Yosemite on September 28th! This was our 3rd attempt as we had to reschedule twice due to the Creek Fire. Kate was very flexible and responsive to last-minute change of plans.
Kate's photography has a unique, romantic and dream-like style. Her photos are perfectly exposed and sharp, the composition is fantastic and she had the ability to capture those
natural, intimate moments between her subjects.
Kate is very focused and knows how to direct the shoot. At the same time, she's open
to improvisation and new ideas. She knows Yosemite inside out. She knows where and when to
shoot to get the best light and atmosphere. Can't wait to have Kate documenting our wedding day in late October! Hubert& Ashley
-
-
![Baouyen]()
Baouyen Sent on 10/01/2020Much needed mini-adventure!
Communication: We had contacted Kate way back in mid 2019 to plan for an early June 2020 adventure elopement session in Yosemite. Throughout the year, she contacted us about the itinerary. Needless to say, June 2020 did not happen due to covid-19, and in the midst of my own personal crisis, I dropped the ball on the communication, but picked it back up, and Kate was so flexible getting us a new date at the end of August and we all pitched in getting the wilderness permit and was lucky to land one for May Lake. Close to the date, we chatted via phone, text, and email and she made sure we were set to go.
Itinerary: Our plan was to meet at the May Lake trailhead in the early afternoon, bring our packs and set up camp at May Lake and hang out for a while until late afternoon, then we would head up to Mt Hoffmann for sunset photos. We then would take sunrise photos at the ridge at May Lake, and if we were up for it, take more photos elsewhere within Yosemite. Since we are from the Bay Area, SIP went on from March and was still in effect in August, and we hadn't done much to exercise, and was definitely out of shape by August. On top of that, coming from sea level, the elevation at the top of Mt Hoffmann took our breaths away, literally. Luckily, Kate "liked" breaks, though I think she only took them out of pity for us.
Kate: Kate is GREAT! AWESOME! Insanely good at what she does! If you are looking for a photographer in Yosemite, please do yourself a favor and hire her. She knows Yosemite inside and out, she is personable, a yogi, a nature lover (she picks up the tiniest bits of trash that I don't even see to pack them out). She'll get you the photos you dreamed of and more. She'll bring the fun side out of you, and make taking photos with your significant other much less awkward. I actually had fun taking photos, and I'm usually the one behind the camera, not the other way around because I am camera-shy.
Photos: Right after we said our goodbyes the next day, I wasn't planning on hearing back from Kate until at least a month later. WRONG! She sent some sample photos a few hours later, and I was wowed by how amazing they turned out, despite me not being wedding photo-ready at all. About a month later, we received our photo album and I'm still giddy at how amazing they are and still reminiscing about our fun little adventure in Yosemite. Everyone I showed the photos to were wowed by the epic views and how gorgeous everything turned out, and how well she captured our happiness and love. I love love love them, she even got a little dancing out of us, and we do not dance. At all.
Thank you Kate for capturing the special memories of those two days and making 2020 a little bit brighter for us! :) -
-
Meredith Sent on 09/06/2020
Absolutely AMAZING! Incredibly talented, kind & thoughtful!
Kate is absolutely amazing & so incredibly talented!!! She perfectly captured our elopement in the most epic, but also personal way. Through her photos she shows our personalities, joy and love. Not only is she super talented and we’re completely in love with our photos (our friends and family said they were some of the best wedding photos that they’ve ever seen!), but she is so thoughtful, kind and knowledgeable. We eloped without friends or family attending, and I felt so happy and lucky to have Kate by our side. She’s a great communicator and so helpful in the wedding planning process. She just knows Yosemite like the back of her hand and we 100% trusted her location recommendations and planning of the morning. We can’t wait to have her at our bigger celebration in Yosemite in 2021. She truly is the best, and we feel lucky and honored that she captured our big day, and that I formed an amazing new friendship in the process! I 1000% would recommend Kate...she's simply the best in every possible way!! -
-
![Angela]()
Angela Sent on 07/14/2020The best, most beautiful and breathtaking. Book kate!
I knew the second I clicked on Kate's Instagram page, her work and style was one of a kind and exactly what I was looking for. From the jaw-dropping landscape shots to the absolutely gorgeous, soft intimate shots, her work literally made me gasp out loud. Love at first sight! Kate came to us as a recommendation after we were forced to reschedule our big wedding, originally planned at the Ahwahnee in May 2020, to the following May 2021 due to Covid. In the meantime, we decided to elope at Glacier Point on June 27th with a sunrise shoot then ceremony. In all transparency, I was more nervous about the photo shoot than the actual ceremony/getting married part as I am not one for photo shoots or taking pictures of myself. But Kate instantly made me feel at ease that morning. She is so calming and just a really cool, down to earth person. I felt an instant friendship/connection and like I had known her forever. She also has a true passion for the park, photography, and celebrating love that just exudes when you meet her. I felt so confident being in her hands.
Her style is also incomparable to others and so unique. I originally thought I would prefer the more dramatic, jaw-dropping, landscape shots because, well, that landscape is probably the heart of ALL of our love affairs with the park and my main motivator for eloping on Glacier Point, ESPECIALLY with a sunrise shoot/ceremony. I don’t get up at 2:30am for hair and makeup for just anyone… but when I do… it’s for Yosemite. To my very pleasant surprise, her more intimate, candid, soft, tender shots were equally as beautiful and breathtaking. This really speaks volumes to her talent as a photographer and artist. To have such depth and scope and diversity and be able to capture ALL of the moments of that morning is incredible because it would be so easy just to lean on the beautiful backdrop. Needless to say, I had such a hard time choosing my favorites to print… that I ended up just printing them all 😊 Also side note, I would definitely recommend getting your prints from her. The quality is SO much better than say a CVS or Walgreens. We purchased some canvases too and they are STUNNING on our walls. True works of art.
We are SO thankful Kate was a part of our special day and that the Covid craziness ended up leading us to something so beautiful. We are already planning other excuses to have Kate capture our moments: maternity, anniversary, just because lol. Beautiful, breathtaking, stunning, jaw-dropping, emotional, intimate, candid, tender, talented, patient, kind… that is Kate. We are forever grateful for her!
P.S. I also think it’s really cool reading other couples’ reviews and similar experiences. That proves her consistency and dedication to her work and clients. You are guaranteed to have a great experience and pictures! -
-
![Jennifer]()
Jennifer Sent on 06/17/2020No words can descirbe how AMAZING Kate is!!!
I don't even know where to begin, and I know this may get long winded, but Kate truly is an Amazing soul and photographer! We booked our engagement shoot for June 12, 2020 right before COVID-19 hit. These last 2 months Kate would email us almost weekly to keep us well informed and up to date with what was going on in the Yosemite area (we were coming up from Huntington Beach). I was so impressed with her communication and quick responses to us. Fast forward to the day of our engagement shoot. We geared up to go on a little hike for the shoot only to find ourselves in a down pour of rain, thunder, lightening and then a crazy hail storm (weather man called for only a 25% chance of rain, go figure lol). We were freezing, but Kates kindness really came through when she offered me her gloves and jacket to keep warm and somewhat dry. We persevered through the shoot and lasted about 40 minutes, Kate would have kept shooting if we wanted, that's how determined she is. In those 40 minutes she captured the most STUNNING photos of us. I mean seriously breath taking shots. After we (Adam and I) called it quits she offered to get up early the next morning to continue our shoot. She really wanted to make sure we got everything we wanted. I was so taken back by her kindness and professionalism. We got up the next morning to finish the shoot, she took us to a different place in the area and it was warm & sunny. We had so much fun and many laughs during these shoots. We still cant get over how she captured so many great photos; there is not one picture in our gallery that we don't love! To anyone looking for a photographer- Kate is your girl!! She is kind, calming, knowledgeable, professional and will capture your heart and soul in her work. We are so thankful to have her be apart of our special day and can not wait to have her shoot our wedding next year!!! -
-
Emily Sent on 06/16/2020
Best Photographer Ever
Kate is not only an amazing photographer, but an amazing person. She is kind, fun, and easygoing, and makes the entire photography experience memorable. My husband and I did a couples shoot in Yosemite with her, and it was one of the best experiences of our life. The pictures turned out insanely gorgeous, and I would do another session with Kate in a heartbeat! -
-
![Anna-Marie]()
Anna-Marie Sent on 03/17/20201000% would choose Kate again
I chose Kate to photograph my husband and I after our elopement in Yosemite and she *knocked it out of park*. She has such a warm, calm energy and her work speaks for itself. I have been obsessively reviewing my gallery and showing my pictures to anyone who will look. I despise taking pictures but Kate made it such a beautiful experience. I will forever be grateful to her for capturing this special day in my life. -
-
![Kyle]()
Kyle Sent on 11/05/2019Couldn't imagine working with anyone else!
Kate is an incredible photographer and a truly great person to spend time with. I would recommend her no matter where you choose to get married, but if you are getting married in or around Yosemite you absolutely have to pick Kate as your photographer. You would be letting yourself down if you did not pick her. I believe Kate's work speaks for itself and is more than enough for anyone to choose her, but there is so much more that you cannot see in her photos. She literally grew up inside the park so her knowledge of the area is ideal for jaw-dropping photos. She knows of so many amazing locations in Yosemite for photos that you would miss out on otherwise and she captures the scene perfectly. She is also very personable and always has interesting stories to tell about the history of the park while you are walking around taking photos (huge plus for us). Another big plus, Kate checked in on us often leading up to our wedding just to see how our planning was going, asked if we needed advice for anything, and gave recommendations on vendors and other details when we asked for them. She went way above and beyond what I would expect a typical photographer to do, she wanted our day to be as special and memorable as it could possibly be! My wife and I typically do not like having our picture taken, but after our engagement shoot with Kate we could not wait to take more pictures on our wedding day and day-after shoot. Kate makes the whole experience fun, exciting, and unforgettable. My wife and I both highly recommend the day after shoot. It gives you way more time to enjoy your wedding day and there is no better feeling than having the pressure of the wedding day behind you so you can completely relax while being photographed in the most beautiful place in the world. We are so thankful to have worked with Kate and we hope to see her again on one of our camping trips in Yosemite and for more pictures in the future! Kate books up quickly, so stop reading and call her now! -
-
![Courtney]()
Courtney Sent on 10/27/2019Can't even begin to pick a favorite picture!
Kate was an absolute pleasure to work with, and her talent speaks for itself! From the day we got engaged, our first priority in the wedding planning process was finding an amazing, local photographer in the Yosemite-area. I'd already followed Kate on Instagram (@katemichelleyosemite) so I knew she was at the top of our list. Lucky for us, she was available on our weekday elopement date just a mere five months later. Since neither of us had been to Yosemite before, Kate even helped us plan our day-of wedding timeline and offered lots of very helpful recommendations. The days leading up to our wedding, she checked in and gave us updates on how things were in and around the park (there was a brush fire that had developed just outside the park) and made sure we had all of our questions/concerns answered. When the big day finally arrived and we got to meet Kate in person, it was so comfortable and almost like we already knew her. She has such a kind spirit and calming presence, which made the whole experience even better. Since she grew up in Yosemite, she knows all the ins and outs and was able to help us stick to our timeline and navigate the trails. As we watched the spectacular sunset from Taft Point at the end of the day, my husband and I looked down at the spot below where we’d just said “I do” and talked about how blessed we were to have had such a perfect day… And then when our pictures came in a couple weeks later, we got to relive it all over again! Kate captured the day so perfectly down to the tiniest of details. As you can tell from me maxing out how many images a review allows, we have so many favorites because they're all so amazing. We’ll cherish these images for the rest of our lives, and we’re so thankful to have found Kate! -
-
![Anthony]()
Anthony Sent on 10/26/2019She's 100% the greatest decision we made for our wedding other than saying I do to each other.
Kate was not only great at photography but she was also great on a personal level. As we got ready for our big day which was a sunrise ceremony she was at our cabin on time and very organized. Kate didnt hesitate to start shooting us getting dressed and capturing candid photos, she immediately started taking photos at the same time chatting up with us and getting to know us a little bit more on a personal level. This also took some nervousness away as it distracted us but in a good way.
Kate had a time schedule set in her mind for how she wanted the morning to flow that she wanted us to follow, you would have thought she was the wedding planner at this point. She really put her hands on the steering wheel and took charge of the vessel of love lol. Kate took my bride in her car and drove her up to our ceremony site as I followed in a car behind them. She did an excellent job on not having us see each other until we got to the site.
Having a photographer that's local and familiar to the area was a huge advantage. Kate knew the park inside and out, it was like having a tour guide at the same time. As a photographer you have to know the environment you're shooting in and what shots you want. She did an amazing job directing us throughout the morning as she knew every angle, every backdrop, every bit of light she wanted, you can only imagine how much stress has been taking off of Me and bride at this point so far.
As we made our way to the next site down in the valley, she insisted on taking us herself in her vehicle. She had snacks and water in the car and told us we can help ourselves, that was a life saver. When we finally made it to our next destination me and my bride were burnt out lol, but Kate didnt blink an eye. She kept the same energy from the start to the finish which kept us on our toes. She is very informative and willing to share any info about the area which is awesome cause we love the outdoors.
When you choose a photographer for any type of event, the first thing you do is look at their work. Kate's work was the sole reason why we went with her. Her photos speaks volumes to how much she loves what she does and how serious she takes her career. Quality, Focus and Lighting were things I looked for and she definitely had that in her resume. I had asked during some point of the day how long has she been in this line of work and she didnt hesitate to tell us. Went to school, studied it and ever since she been a photographer for different types of photography too. Sorry kate, I know that sums it quite a bit. But trust me she knows her stuff!.
As we concluded the day she ended up dropping us off to the hotel we were having brunch at to meet up with the family. Kate didnt miss a beat throughout the entire day. She kept us at ease the entire time and I cant thank her enough for that.
After receiving the final batch of photos less than a month after the ceremony, Me and my wife are 1000% percent satisfied with our experience with Kate. She left us with zero regret and nothing but love for her. The photos were beyond amazing and so was our experience with you. We truly appreciate you Kate and forever grateful for everything. Thank you.
-
-
![Jen]()
Stephen Sent on 10/26/2019Kate is everything I could ask for and more!
I got engaged January of 2019. I was given Kate's contact information as a recommendation because my Fiancé and I are from Michigan, and are having a destination wedding. I followed her work on social media for a few months and from the first click, I knew I HAD to have her as our photographer. Her style is incomparable to any other and she has a fantastic eye. Not to mention she grew up in Yosemite and knows the place, and the best spots like the back of her hand. I've also watched her work traveling to other destinations and she still photographs brilliantly in other unknown places. (Maybe she extensively researches them, but I'm not sure.) I was nervous in reaching out to her because I thought she was going to cost far more than I could afford. Simple to say her prices are beyond fair, especially for being based in California. You all better book with her before she realizes her value and raises her prices! lol Not only are her photography skills on point, but her people skills are amazing too. I have been in regular communication reaching out with all of my ideas, thoughts and anxieties since the beginning of this year and she responds and talks me through whatever I need quickly. I have been seeking her help since the beginning of the year and I'm not getting married until October 2020, so she's been working hard for me! She is so easy to talk to and creates a friendship with her clients, not just a business relationship. I need that. My Fiancé and I just got back from Yosemite in the beginning of this month where we met with Kate to have our engagement pictures taken. I freeze up in front of the camera and she managed to get me comfortable within 10 minutes. She got pictures of me that I didn't think were possible. She is compassionate and has a beautiful soul. We got the engagement pictures back very quickly even though she was slammed with the busiest wedding season. She doesn't make you get prints through her (even though I recommend it because Wallgreens and other drug stores don't have the best quality.) She is so laid back and easy to work with. She makes destination weddings to California a breeze and honestly I don't know what I'd do without her hero thus far. I am really looking forward to our wedding day, and the energy and dynamic that she will bring to our special day. Not only am I excited to have her as a photographer to capture those special moments, but I am honored to have her there as a friend as well. I will continue to stay in touch after the wedding. To me, pictures are the second most important part about my wedding day. With the first important part being marrying my best friend. Hire Kate and she will not disappoint, I can promise you that. -
-
Chris Sent on 10/08/2019
Passion with a smile
Kate was so sweet and has an amazing eye. She truly has a passion for what she does. You know your in good hands when she is just as excited about the photoshoot as you are. Her attention to detail, creativity and desire to always try something new and different will make your session different than any other. -
-
Amy L. Sent on 09/30/2019
A wonderful photographer & calming presence
We're definitely not used to being in front of the camera, but Kate made us feel really comfortable and at ease :-) She has a very calming presence and captured really fun, delightful, and loving moments at our small wedding in the Eastern Sierra. She scouted out some really beautiful places for our bride & groom formals around the June Lake area, which we were happy to tag along for! Those were some special moments for us. She also captured our reception details beautifully! We were stunned when we saw the photos because we set up our reception decorations with the help of our friends & family :-D She's super responsive to messages, and she was just really, really wonderful on the day-of. We love the outdoors and the East side, and we're glad we found a similar soul. We would highly recommend Kate many times over! -
-
![Laura]()
Lan Sent on 09/29/2019Amazing experience. Couldnt have asked for anything better!
Kate was amazing! She arrived on time and took us to the best spots for our wedding pictures in Yosemite Valley. She knows Yosemite really well and can point out the best lighting situations depending on the time of day and part of Yosemite you're in. You can tell she has a true passion for her work that is definitely palpable!
She was also very kind, personable and made you feel ultra relaxed. And her photos are amazing!
She's also extremely professional and probably the most responsive, dedicated and organized vendor I've ever come across. Everything was planned, scheduled and discussed and she definitely makes sure she can accommodate all of your requests with no surprises. Definitely consider Kate your photography needs! -
Cassandra Sent on 09/29/2019
Loved all our photos
Photos are the most important part of your wedding day because they are a reflection of the happiest day of your life. That being said, we couldn’t be happier with how ours turned out with Kate! Not only did she capture formals and all the exact poses we wanted together, she also captured countless beautiful candids. Your wedding day is such a whirlwind that you can miss a lot of sweet moments with guests, but Kate captured all those which was so special to see after it was all over.
Yes, we would most definitely go with Kate again! Not only is she super talented but she is kind, goes with the flow, did not add ANY stress to my day, stays on schedule, and comes prepared. She is organized and professional - which is what you need on your wedding day. We had her for the max amount of time and had her bring a second shooter, which I also recommend. It was also really important for us to NOT have a first look, which was not even an issue. We still had more than enough time for family photos, friend photos, and plenty of time for bride and groom photos. Thanks Kate for capturing so many beautiful memories on our wedding day! -
-
![Lauren]()
Lauren Sent on 09/23/2019Speechless
What a beautiful talented soul Kate is! My heart is completely full and we couldn't have picked a better photographer. She took us to not one, but three breathtaking locations. The most important part was she captured us being us (laughing, joking and truly being in love) I would recommended her to anyone and everyone. We are truly blessed to have the opportunity to have worked with her. -
![Olivia]()
Olivia Sent on 09/12/2019Kate is the BEST!
Choosing Kate as our wedding photographer was one of the best decisions we could have made! Our experience with Kate first started with our engagement pictures that she shot in Yosemite. Since she grew up in the valley (btw how cool is that!!), she has a deep understanding and appreciation for the park that shines through in her pictures. We thought getting our pictures taken would be an awkward experience, but Kate's calm energy instantly made us feel at ease. She also works fast! We received our photos very quickly and were in absolute awe! Our wedding was outside Yosemite in Mammoth Lakes, and Kate was happy to hop over to other side of the Sierras to shoot it. She effortlessly weaves her way around your wedding and magically captures those small, beautiful, candid moments that are so special to look back on. Apart from her talent, which is incredible (seriously, just check out her Instagram!), what we really enjoyed about our experience with Kate was working with someone who loves the mountains and the outdoors as much as we do. She knew exactly how to capture the essence of the Eastern Sierras and our love for them. We still can't stop staring at our photos and have received countless compliments on them. Kate is kind, communicative, professional, and a one-of-a kind photographer. If you are looking for someone to photograph your event around the Sierras, there's no question--book Kate!!! -
-
![Krista]()
Krista Sent on 09/08/2019Kate is an outstanding photographer!
We used her for both our engagement and wedding photos. Beyond the quality of her work, which speaks for itself (check out her instagram!), Kate is a warm and nice person—easy to work with. Our sessions felt like hanging out with our friend. She communicated clearly and listened to what we wanted. She arrived to our appointments on time and ready to go. She took the time to scout out quality settings and captured the perfect shots.
We were so pleased to get our photos back quickly, and they are beautiful!
Definitely work with Kate if you want an amazing experience and photos! -
![Taylor]()
Taylor Sent on 08/27/2019Not only the best photographer, but a great person!
I’ll start this review by saying we found Kate after finding another photographer that once she found out my partner and I were queer, she dumped us. Not only was Kate’s response to this perfect, but we were beyond happy with her and the amazing photos she captured and created. She is so easy to be around and someone you want to be friends with for life after meeting her. I think this personality helps her sneak her way through groups of people and captures your favorite wedding moments, not just the posed ones (which are also PERFECT). She was even willing to go out of her way and take our fantasy photos of jumping off rainbow pools in our wedding attire (most of it). She helped us with practice jumping and got the whole beautiful turned hilarious as the sequence goes on photos. She also had great tips on how to pose! You don’t realize how helpful that is until you’re doing it! Thank you. Thank you for everything. -
![Gloria]()
Gloria Sent on 08/16/2019The best wedding decision we made!
My best decision was my dress, "our" best decision was easily choosing Kate to capture our memories. Thank goodness she chose us too. I don't have enough kind words to say. She is the calmness needed in a hectic weekend. She is passionate and professional about her work. She responds quickly and was able to accommodate all our requests. And please squeeze in the day after shot. We were picked up at 4am, a bit hung over.. and I've never felt more beautiful than those shots. I mean with Yosemite as your background and being filled with love, it was "sappy",genuine, easy and FUN! Save your time and just book her already. -
-
Jordan Sent on 07/19/2019
Wonderful photos
Kate was amazing! We decided to take last minute engagement photos and she was SO flexible and accomodating both before and during the shoot!! The results speak for themselves with pictures better than I could have imagined!! -
-
Liezl Sent on 07/09/2019
Not just a photographer, but she will also be that calm presence next to you on your big day
Kate is incredible! I felt at ease with her from our very first phone conversation. My fiancé (now hubby) does not like taking pictures, but he felt very comfortable with Kate. She captured some of the best stolen moments from our engagement photo shoot and the day of the wedding. She doesn’t just take pictures, she captures emotions! I also appreciate that she has such a calm presence. She’s very professional, & everyone in our party loved her. She also delivers quality product within a reasonable amount of time. Kate thank you so much for being a part of our special day. -
-
![Emery]()
Emery Sent on 06/28/2019The Wedding Photographer of Our Dreams!
Oh wow I don't even know where to begin with Kate. If I could leave her 50 stars instead of just 5 I would. We first worked with Kate a year ago, when she took our engagement pictures. We were nervous and had no idea what to expect from our photo session other than that we anticipated being awkward and not knowing what to do with ourselves in photos. When we met Kate, those feelings and nerves quickly dissipated. She was confident and knew exactly what she was doing and she made us feel comfortable, secure, and beautiful. We spent a few hours with her taking pictures at the Pines Resort in Bass Lake, but that quickly turned into a little adventure around the lake itself, as we explored new places with her and got breathtaking pictures along the way. Not only did we have an amazing time working with her, but the pictures that she sent us after were absolutely stunning. Kate is magical with her camera! She captures your soul and knows exactly how to make you feel comfortable while doing so. Not to mention- she's fast and efficient and doesn't waste any time getting the perfect shots that she needs. I have used our engagement pictures throughout the past year- posting them on instagram as we have counted down the months to our wedding day, using them for our save the dates, and decorating our wedding website with them. We quickly learned that Kate's service was money incredibly well spent, and we hadn't even had our wedding yet!
Flash forward to our wedding, which just happened a few weeks ago. Kate and her second photographer arrived earlier, and stayed later, than the time slot we had hired her for. She made sure to get a picture of absolutely EVERYTHING. Its a strange feeling when you work so hard to plan something and don't personally make sure to document it all yourself (at least, for me it was) so I was definitely nervous about having memories of some of the things that were a part of our day. Well, when I got the pictures back, I realized that there was absolutely nothing to be worried about. Literally every little thing that I was worried about not having a picture of was there, photographed perfectly in our lovely gallery, and I never once had to ask Kate to do any of that. She just knows what she is doing!! On the actual wedding day, she was calm, excited, and confident. She moved around our guests quickly and quietly, and never once got in the way of any of the fun. I've been to weddings before where you notice the photographers at every turn, blocking your view of things. That's definitely not Kate. Unless you were looking for her, you wouldn't even know she was there. And the result of all her hard work is absolutely beautiful. The photos that she sent us are priceless. I am beyond happy with them and forever grateful.
I know I am rambling, and honestly I could go on and on about Kate's talent and how much we appreciate our wonderful new pictures. But the best thing about Kate that I have to mention is the person who she is. She truly cares- not only about her photographs, but also about her clients. Throughout my wedding planning process, Kate was available to communicate with me, help me work through my plans (even those that did not actually involve photography), and she made sure that I was on track for the wedding day. She followed me on instagram and we have regularly communicated and stayed in touch. She went above and beyond to get to know me and even though I had only met Kate once, a year before our wedding, when she arrived on our wedding day, it was like seeing an old friend. When she left at the end of the night, it wasn't like saying goodbye to our vendor, it was like saying goodbye to one of our guests. She became a friend to me throughout this experience and I am so grateful for that.
If you are looking for a photographer in the Yosemite area, I cannot recommend Kate enough. She is talented, hardworking, and has a unique eye for photography that you won't find anywhere else. I can confidently tell you that she was the one part of our wedding day that I stressed about the least, and the pictures prove that I had no reason to. They're perfect. Beyond perfect. And we are forever grateful.
THANK YOU KATE!!!
Emery -
-
![Jessica]()
Jessica Sent on 05/27/2019Yosemite Trip
My husband and I planned a trip to visit Yosemite, and we were looking for someone to capture us enjoying the beautiful landscape of park. Kate was so responsive, easy to work with, and professional. She made us feel so comfortable during our shoot, and as a bonus, gave us many recommendations for hikes inside the park. We got our photos back yesterday, and they are soooo beautiful! We are so happy with the pictures and cannot recommend her enough to others looking to capture something special in Yosemite! -
Erica Sent on 05/21/2019
Amazing! Perfect 10/10
We had such a amazing experience with Kate, professional and made it so easy for us to relax and get amazing pictures. I had a special request of surprising my husband and she was on it with ideas of how to make it more special. Her knowledge of the park is something you won’t experience with any other photographer in that area. Not only was she amazing the photos are breath taking!! Every person I show them to is blown away. -
-
![Monika]()
Monika Sent on 05/19/2019Best photographer/human
Kate is Amazing! I booked her the day after I got engaged and she was the best choice I could’ve made! We took our photos on a moody rainy day and they were more beautiful than we could’ve ever imagined. She took two awkward weirdos and made us feel completely comfortable in front of the camera. She captured genuine laughter and joy. She knows all the best spots for photos. Everyone that sees our photos gush over how beautiful and stunning they are. If you wanna have a fun day filled with laughter instead of awkward posing then email Kate!!! -
-
![Sara]()
Sara Sent on 03/05/201910/10 Would Recommend
Kate was amazing! She made us feel so comfortable, which made our engagement pictures even more beautiful! We highly recommend :) -
-
![Tawsha]()
Tawsha Sent on 03/04/2019Kate is wonderful!
Our pictures are beautiful!!!! -
-
Blake Sent on 03/02/2019
Pick Kate!
Kate has a passion for photography and her work reflects that. I needed someone who knew the area and was able to be covert and stealth as this was a surprise engagement. My now fiancé was blown away and had no clue and the moment was captured beautifully by Kate. She helped plan everything out through great communication, from choosing location, to telling us where to stand. Kate is professional, laid back, and takes pride in her work. Would highly recommend.
-Blake & Lucia Peterson
Fulshear, Texas -
-
![Alison]()
Alison Sent on 01/02/2019Wonderful!
Kate is amazing! We appreciated her mellow, friendly vibe, which put us at ease (since let's face it, posing for formal photos is not the most relaxing of activities!). Kate is lighthearted and playful with her directions for formals, and does a great job capturing candid moments - which is what we wanted most in our wedding photos. Looking at our online album made us laugh with all the fun moments she got - fabulous memories from a fabulous weekend! -
-
Erik Sent on 12/20/2018
Kate is great!
Kate was fantastic to work with and her photographs were fantastic. It was a pleasure to spend so much time with someone who knew the park so intimately and shared some of her knowledge of the area she grew up in. She also has a very fun and bubbly personality which was a huge bonus since we spent an entire day with her driving around and throughout the park :-) -
-
![Emily]()
Emily Sent on 12/19/2018Great quality, highly recommend!
Kate did an amazing job with our engagement photos in Yosemite National Park!! She knew exactly where to go to get the best angles, lighting, and background. She took a variety of posed shots, candid shots, close-ups, and far away pictures with sweeping landscapes behind us. We were both really nervous to be in front of the camera but she put us at ease, and we love the finished products -- our photos really turned out awesome, and we are so happy with them and really excited to work with Kate again for our upcoming wedding! -
Kim Sent on 12/17/2018
Kate was amazing!
Kate is a calming, refreshing presence that has everything under control amidst the chaos. We wouldn't choose anyone else for wedding photos -- especially for a wedding in Yosemite.
She was flexible throughout the entire process, from when we first reached out to the day after photos. There was never a lapse in communication and she was well prepared on our wedding day with plenty of snacks too :)
Kate is so creative and able to work around people to get the best shots. Her experience with Yosemite made a HUGE difference in getting the most out of every area and creating a realistic schedule to get every shot we wanted.
Probably the best surprise was seeing how Kate truly cares about the park -- she picked up small pieces of trash off the trails as we were going about our day. And make sure you ask about her stories growing up in the valley and her days as a packer.
Thank you Kate and Lane -- we'll treasure these captured moments forever! -
-
![Heather]()
Heather Sent on 12/07/2018Amazing Photographer
Kate was amazing to work with. She was very professional and put us at ease while taking photos. She had great ideas and the pictures are stunning. We were lucky to find her and would highly recommend booking her for your wedding or any other occasion! -
![Christina]()
Christina Sent on 11/29/2018Wonderful engagement shoot! Highly recommend!
My fiancé and I had a wonderful sunrise engagement shoot at Yosemite with Kate. Everything was seamless from the first time I reached out months ahead online to inquire. Kate was very responsive throughout the process. She even offered to drive us to the site at Yosemite (although we declined as we wanted to explore afterwards). Nonetheless, after meeting up, she drove us from place to place looking for the best sites to shoot. We are quite camera shy but she made us feel so comfortable and gave us a lot of direction. You can really tell she loves what she does. She also sent the finished photos to us so quickly—within a few days! I loved so many of them that I couldn’t decide on just one for our save-the-date and chose three! I got a lot of compliments for the beautiful photos. Really can’t ask for more. I’d highly recommend Kate and Over the Moon Photography. -
Jennifer Sent on 10/16/2018
Wedding photos
Our experience with Kate was amazing, we are so glad that we picked her to photograph our wedding. I looked into many photographers that were suggested to me by my planner. I felt that most were overpriced and honestly their photography style was just not what I wanted. I found Kate myself and booked her based on her amazing reviews and experience in Yosemite. On the day of our wedding she was prompt, patient, and fun. We had an intimate ceremony and our guests were appreciative of her including everyone in the family pictures. The solo pictures of my husband and I came out so dreamy, most people who see them can’t believe that the backdrop is real. This can be attributed both to the beauty of Yosemite and Kate’s ability to capture it. We felt comfortable with her and she was nice enough to drive us around in her car to find the best spots and lighting. Lastly, her pricing was more affordable than other photographers I spoke to, we even booked an extra hour of photos! If you’re thinking about booking Kate, you won’t regret it! -
-
![Stephanie]()
Stephanie Sent on 10/11/2018Words can't express how happy we were with Kate and our pics!!! Since we couldn't have our wedding in Yosemite we planned to do an engagement shoot there and we are so lucky we found her online. I had no idea what to expect and both of us have never done a photoshoot before but Kate made it so easy and fun and went above and beyond to give us exactly what I was looking for. If you are having an event anywhere near the area, look no further and book her right away. We both are still gushing over the photos and are so impressed with the quality. The only problem now is choosing which ones to use because they are all so good! Worth every penny and more. -
Are you interested?
Are you interested?