Meet Kat Kaye

So, before we jump into specific questions about the business, why don’t you give us some details about you and your story.
I had just graduated from college and felt very disillusioned with the world. I studied Communication at the University of California, San Diego where we deeply analyzed social structures and the concept of individuality.

I began to question my identity the more and more I realized how much of it was dictated by the media, society, and commercial entities. So much of who I was, was not me. I was left with a desire to dig beneath that and unearth something that felt more real and true. I decided to take a photography class on a whim and found that my camera could be a tool to do that.

Great, so let’s dig a little deeper into the story – has it been an easy path overall and if not, what were the challenges you’ve had to overcome?
It hasn’t been a smooth road, but it has always been interesting. In photography, you meet someone who comes in as a perfect stranger (most of the time) and immediately dive into a very intimate experience. The photographer is deeply engrossed in the subject, and the subject is expected to share themselves with abandon. This requires trust.

There are times where I have struggled with that only to realize that more often than not, you gain about as much trust as you give. It’s not so much about divulging your deepest secrets to one another but just being yourself and trusting that you will not be judged, that your boundaries will be respected, and that those deep-seated feelings that come out will be handled with care.

We’d love to hear more about what you do.
I am a fine art portrait photographer that shoots documentary and fashion. I capture intimate moments that feel authentic while we are shooting, blurring the already indistinct lines between reality and imagination.

Is there a characteristic or quality that you feel is essential to success?
Being able to balance trusting your gut and questioning yourself.