What’s your business name and what do you do?
Kate Strait Photography - I am a Portland based photographer specializing in family portraits, wedding and seascapes.
How did you learn your craft?
I took two years of photography in high school back when everything was on film. There I learned the principles of photography and the importance of expression through imagery. Photography was always a hobby, however, and it wasn’t until I was in between jobs, that I picked up my camera. My professional background is in marine science, as the ocean is the love of my life. Through a series of twists and turns in my professional career I ended up in education, where I still am today. Photography has been a way to learn a second income doing one of the other things I am most passionate about - taking photos!
What do you enjoy most about what you do?
I love capturing the emotion and beauty of a moment that words simply cannot express. I want my images, whether they are of rippling water, a majestic mountain, a passing rainstorm, a moment of laughter in a wedding ceremony, or an individual wanting to show themselves truly, to hold and showcase honesty, authenticity and truth.
What do you enjoy least?
There isn’t really anything I don’t enjoy doing when it comes to photography. If I had to pick one thing though, it would be the stress of photographing weddings. There is a lot of pressure that comes with capturing a couple's big day, and hoping they will like what you created/captured for them.
What’s one thing you wish people knew about your work?
Just that my style is rooted in the desire to create authentic images of people in important moments and expressions (on the human side of things). On the natural world side of things (which I do think shows in my work) is how absolutely beautiful this world is and the importance of taking care of her.
What’s one artist you look up to?
Christina Mittermeier - She is a Nat Geo photographer and her images are absolutely breathtaking.
What do you do when you’re not photographing?
Well, I am teaching :) But when I am not working either profession, I am either surfing, walking the dogs on the beach, adventuring in nature, or hanging with my family and kiddos.
Night owl or early bird?
Early bird all the way!
What's your favorite place in Maine?
That is a really hard one because there are so many amazing spots here. One of my favorite places is Higgins Beach. I spend a lot of time there either surfing or walking the dogs, or hanging out with my family. Although I am not a fan of how popular it has become in recent years, Higgins will forever be one of my most favorite places of all time.