Bringing Moments to Life & Capturing Memories that Speak to the Heart.
Hey there! I’m Kate, a photographer based in Pagosa Springs, CO, dedicated to documenting life’s real, candid moments and the beauty of every chapter. From the joy of new beginnings to everyday smiles, I work to capture the feelings, expressions, and stories that make every memory unique.
Whether you’re here to mark a special occasion, update family photos, or simply celebrate who you are, I’d love to get to know you and bring your vision to life. Let’s make your photo shoot an experience you’ll enjoy as much as the memories you’ll create.
I highly recommend Katelyn for your business and family photos. She’s been taking photos of our family for years and even manages to get my teenagers to smile and participate! We will take our photos with her every year!
– Alysha Ranson
Engagements & Couples
Families
Professional
My Journey Behind the Lens
When I first picked up a camera, my focus was all about movement. I was captivated by the outdoors and loved climbing, so I started by capturing the swift, dynamic action of the body in motion—moving seamlessly from one hold to the next. It was all about the physicality, the energy, and the rawness of each moment. From there, my lens shifted toward landscapes, drawing to the reflections, contrasts, and subtle ways light can transform a scene.
At the heart of it all were the moments I captured of friends just being fully present in what we were doing together. I wanted to share these moments, even starting a blog to bring others into those experiences. I realized I wasn’t just capturing images—I was capturing feelings, memories, and connections to a time and place that meant something to me. That realization inspired me to explore other types of photography, and my passion grew from there.
I love working with families, celebrating unique personalities, significant milestones like graduations, and the beginnings of new chapters like motherhood or marriage. Life is a continuous cycle of growth, change, and resilience. Each of us has a story, a journey, and looking back at where we were, who we were, and who we are now is so powerful. A photograph can freeze a moment in time, allowing us to feel it all over again and remember the path we’ve walked. It’s that power of an image—to bring us back, to inspire us, to remind us—that keeps me passionate about capturing your moments, too.
Photography Education & Professional Experience
Photography has been a constant in my life, sparking a curiosity that led me down many paths and across the Southwest. My love for photography truly began in Santa Fe, New Mexico, where I studied film photography and learned the art of developing images in the only darkroom in the state. This hands-on experience grounded me in the fundamentals and gave me a deep respect for the process. My tutor, a professional with a career in commercial and model shoots, gave me the simplest yet most impactful advice: “just start.”
Since then, I’ve followed that advice, carrying my camera everywhere—from the bustling streets of Santa Fe to the quiet landscapes of Jemez Mountains, and the rugged climbing spots I loved to frequent. I studied photography further at the University of New Mexico, capturing everything from landscapes and action shots to more personal images of friends and family. I officially started my photography journey in 2017 in Los Alamos and gradually built my client base in Santa Fe, eventually leading me to Pagosa Springs in 2019. Since then, I’ve continued to grow my business, reconnecting with past clients and welcoming new faces in my new hometown.
What to Expect in Your Photoshoot
Every photoshoot is a chance to capture real, genuine moments, and I’m here to make sure you feel comfortable, seen, and celebrated. When you book a session with me, I want you to bring your unique vision to the table. Even if posing feels a little awkward or you’re unsure where to start, don’t worry—I’ll guide you, and together, we’ll capture those candid, unfiltered moments where you’re just you. Those are the moments I love the most: when you feel free to laugh, be a little silly, or share a quiet, genuine moment with loved ones.
Here’s what you can expect from our time together:
Guidance Without Pressure
Whether you’re after polished portraits or more candid, relaxed shots, I’ll guide you through the session while keeping things natural and fun. If you’re unsure how to pose or want to try something new, I’ll be there to make it easy and enjoyable.
A Focus on You, Not the Details
While I love incorporating natural lighting and beautiful backgrounds, I always prioritize capturing you and your unique story. I specialize in family photos, headshots, graduations, maternity sessions, and those big moments you’ll want to reflect on.
Trust in My Process
I ask that you trust my experience and creativity to get the best results. I want you to enjoy the session without the stress of reviewing every shot. I’ll carefully curate and edit the images that best reflect the spirit and emotions of your shoot, so you receive a final gallery that truly captures the moment.
Open to New Ideas and Creative Exploration
I’m always willing to try something new and explore fresh ideas to make your session uniquely yours. I’ll work with your vision and style to create images that feel personal and timeless.
Ultimately, I want this to be an experience where you feel seen, comfortable, and able to truly enjoy the moment. Together, we will work to capture memories that feel as genuine and powerful as the people in them.
“What I like about photographs is that they capture a moment that’s gone forever, impossible to reproduce.” - Karl Lagerfeld
Ready to Get in Touch?
Ready to create something beautiful? Let’s make it happen. Whether you’re looking to book a session, inquire about availability, or ask about custom packages, I’d love to hear from you.
Fill out the form below to tell me about yourself and your vision. I’ll get back to you as soon as possible, and we can start planning a session that feels just right for you.
What Clients Are Saying
Katelyn took our family photos in Pagosa Springs over the summer, which turned out to be breathtaking. We loved the expressions she captured, and she played off the energy our daughter was giving. Using her vast knowledge of the area and lighting, she found the perfect locations to show off the scenery and capture our growing family. She stood in the mud and fought off bees to get perfect shots we will cherish forever. She was easy to communicate with and was considerate of the craziness of coordinating times with baby naps. I couldn’t recommend her enough!