What is Kate Strait Photography?

Kate Strait Photography is adventure, exploration, passion, and commitment. It’s a culmination of my life experiences captured through the lens. Having the freedom to express myself creatively is one of the truest expressions of who I am. My hope is to evoke an emotional response that takes the viewer on a journey through their imagination. In this way, my images can create a personal story for each set of eyes.

What inspired you to become a photographer?

I was in between jobs and looking for a way to creatively express myself. One day, I picked up an old camera that was literally stuffed in a bag at the bottom of my closet and I just started shooting. There was an immediate sense of freedom that came over me. I felt uninhibited, without any restriction and confinement normally felt in a 9-5 job. Taking photographs allowed me to fill the creative gap that I was so desperately seeking. From that point forward, I have never put my camera down. I LOVE the authenticity, truth, and honesty that an image holds – It is also why I am constantly inspired to never stop evolving as a photographer.

What is one challenge and one lesson you’ve learned from your experience as an independent photographer?

One of the greatest challenges, as well as lessons I have learned from my experience as a photographer is to be easy with myself. I am a perfectionist at heart and extremely driven. If I can’t master something right away I tend to get very frustrated with myself. Photography has been humbling because the real growth and evolution of my work has only occurred through countless failures.

What is your favorite KSP memory?

I spent a two months in Southland, New Zealand and had hoped to see the endangered yellow-eyed penguin while I was there. I created a story in my head of the encounter and even visualized the outcome of the photograph. Much to my disappointment, their haul out locations were extremely protected and you could only view the penguins from about 50 yards away. I had given up hope and accepted that the chances of me having a close encounter were slim. One of my last nights in the Catlins, I had gone down to the water to photograph the full moon. I started walking towards the ocean and something caught the corner of my eye. Sure enough, a yellow-eyed penguin had just hauled himself out of the water and was 30 feet away from me! I dropped all my gear and got onto my stomach, slowly inching my way towards him. I was in complete awe and shock as I lay there in the tall grass, with one of the most rare penguins in the world!!! It was hard not to get emotional!!!! I will forever be grateful for that experience, as I know not many people have had a chance to be that close to an endangered yellow-eyed penguin. The photograph I walked away with is better than anything I could have ever dreamed of taking!!!

#Endangered #YellowEyedPenguin #NewZealand© 2017 Kate Strait All Rights Reserved. — #Endangered #YellowEyedPenguin #NewZealand
© 2017 Kate Strait All Rights Reserved.

What is your favorite inspirational/motivational quote?

“This is your life. Do what you want and do it often. If you don’t like something change it. If you don’t like your job, quit. If you don’t have enough time, stop watching TV. If you are looking for the love of your life, stop; they will be waiting for you when you start doing things you love. Stop over-analyzing, life is simple. All emotions are beautiful. When you eat, appreciate every last bite. Life is simple. Open your heart, mind and arms to new things and people; we are united in our differences. Ask the next person you see what their passion is and share your inspiring dream with them. Travel often; getting lost will help you find yourself. Some opportunities only come once, seize them. Life is about the people you meet and the things you create with them so go out and start creating. Life is short, live your dream and wear your passion.” – unknown

In one word, describe yourself:

Passionate