FAQFREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
What 4 words best describe your personality?
KIND. ENTHUSIASTIC. AMBITIOUS. COMPASSIONATE.
How many weddings have you photographed and how long have you been in business?
I have shot roughly 575 weddings + engagements, and have been in business for 15 years. Glad I started young ;) I started my business at 22 years old in the summer of 2008. My first wedding was in Santa Barbara after graduating from UCSB with a degree in Global + Women’s Studies. I moved to Santa Cruz that summer and shot under an incredibly experienced photographer as her associate for 2 years (she later became my mentor). I was in San Francisco by 2012 where my business flourished and I scaled it for the first time in 2013.
Where have you been featured?
Please check out my Press + Publications page! We’ve been featured in 30+ magazines and publications including San Francisco Magazine (print), Green Wedding Shoes, Junebug Weddings, Grey Likes Weddings, 100 Layer Cake, BOHO Bride, Venuelust, Wedding Chicks, and many more. You can also hear more about what other couples have to say with over 200 5-star reviews.
What is Kreate Photography's Approach to Client Experience?
At Kreate Photography, we understand that being an exceptional photographer goes beyond just capturing outstanding images. We prioritize building authentic connections with our clients to create an ease in front of the camera and trust in the entire process. Our commitment is unwavering, rooted in trust, ensuring that every step of your photography experience is stress-free and enjoyable.
Who is Katie, the Founder of Kreate Photography?
Katie is a seasoned photographer with a passion for creating genuine experiences through her work. With over 15 years of experience in the wedding industry, she has been published in numerous magazines and publications and has maintained over 250 five-star reviews. Fostering strong client relationships is the foundation of her business, and her mission is to ensure that each client's experience is as unique as they are, reflected through their images.
How Does Kreate Photography's Team Enhance the Client Experience?
Our dream team, comprised of talented female photographers, offers a personal and professional experience for our clients. With years of experience and something extraordinary to offer, our associate photographers ensure that you receive the timeless, fine art photography style that led you to Kreate Photography in the first place. We prioritize impeccable customer service and communication throughout the process to ensure an exceptional experience for every client.
What Additional Services Does Kreate Photography Provide?
In addition to Kreate Photography, Katie also owns and operates Katie Monroe Photography, a commercial branch specializing in commercial, lifestyle, and brand photography. Furthermore, she leads the Kreate Collective, a coaching branch focused on empowering photographers to build successful and sustainable businesses through valuable resources, high-touch online programs, and step-by-step guidance.
What Sets Kreate Photography's Associate Team Apart?
The Kreate Photography associate team is comprised of talented women who have collectively photographed over 150 weddings over the past 9 years. Each member has undergone thorough training and is dedicated to providing extraordinary images, impeccable customer service, and effective communication throughout the process, ensuring an exceptional experience for every client.
What do your wedding packages cost and what do they include? What about portraits?
I customize my packages on a case-by-case basis to fit all of my client’s needs. I will work with you - let’s start a conversation. If you want hard numbers read on below. But please, get in touch with me regardless to see what we can do.
My micro-wedding + elopement packages were designed as a direct response to the pandemic and start at $2500. My classic wedding photography collections start at $7800 with me and $5800 with an associate (we have not changed our pricing since 2019 since the world has changed so much). Our average full-day wedding investments fall in the 7K-12.5K range. I am always open to customizing packages to make things work!
IMPORTANT NOTE: *With the constant changes in our world and economy, I am working with couples on a case-by-case basis to customize packages that fit all of your needs.
Family/Lifestyle/Maternity/New Life: Mini-Sessions are $495 and portrait sessions begin at $1100.
Do we need a second photographer?
Although this one is up to you - I highly recommend a second photographer for weddings over 75-100 people. I believe being in two places at once is the formula to capturing every micro detail, especially since wedding days fly by. With a second shooter, we are able to capture more of the in-between moments, more fine art details, and more variety in general. My skilled + professional second photographers have been with the business for 3+ years and have shots by my side for 100+ weddings.
How many images do you deliver per session?
I do not withhold images from my clients.
We work tirelessly to document every detail of your special day and edit everything that was captured because we believe that YOU deserve to have all of those in-between moments to look back on. Of course, we omit test shots, duplicates, or unflattering candids. But, when it comes to your wedding or engagement - the 5 photos of you leaning in for a kiss will all be delivered. You are the one that gets to decide what you share :) For a typical 7+ hour wedding I deliver anywhere from 1300-2000 images (depending on a 2nd shooter etc.). Micro-weddings are typically 400-600 images and engagement sessions are roughly 125-175 images. Everything is edited in our clean, timeless style just like you see in my portfolio.
What gear do you use?
Canon bay-beeeee! We shoot with Canon R6II + R5 mirrorless bodies and the following lenses gear:
Canon RF 50mm f/1.2L RF Lens, Canon EF 35mm f/1.4L RF Lens, Canon RF 85mm f/1.2L II USM Len, Canon RF 70-200mm f/2.8L USM Lens, Canon 24mm f/1.4 DG HSM Art Lens for Canon EF, Canon TS-E 45mm f/2.8 Tilt-Shift Lens, 2X Canon Speedlite 600EX II-RT, Flashpoint XPLOR 600PRO TTL Battery-Powered Monolight with Built-in R2 2.4GHz Radio Remote System (Bowens Mount) - Godox AD600 Pro, Apple Products, Adobe Software, SanDisk PRO CF + SD Cards (2 per camera for double back up system)
Do your second photographers also use Canon?
Yes, all 5 of my trained second photographers shoot with Canon and L-Series lenses!
Can I have the RAW files?
No, sorry. We don’t give out RAWs because post-production is ½ of the process that makes our work unique, archival, and unlike any other photographer’s. Our team pours heart + soul into processing images just like the film was developed in the darkroom back in the day. We only provide beautifully edited JPEGs - all extremely high resolution.
How and when do we get our photos?
We work around the clock to edit each and every photo from your session. We do our best to deliver your wedding photos on the 8-week mark, but the contract gives us 12 just in case. I deliver a thorough sneak peek collection 2-4 weeks post-wedding to hold you over! The turnaround is shorter for engagement, family & portrait sessions and those are out in 2-6 weeks.
Why do couples + families love working with you?
Our approach is rooted in building trust and creating a sense of ease, allowing our clients to feel comfortable and natural in front of the camera. We pride ourselves on guiding our clients through every step of the photography process, ensuring that their experience is not only stress-free but also enjoyable. The personal touch and attention to detail that we bring to each event result in images that beautifully reflect the essence of their lives and what's most important to them. Our commitment to excellence and creating unforgettable experiences resonates deeply with our clients, forging lasting relationships and imagery.
Couplesare drawn to working with me because I create an atmosphere of comfort and ease, ensuring they feel at home throughout the process. They value my meticulous and open communication as we approach their special day, appreciating the strong relationships I foster with them. Moreover, couples are reassured by my unapologetic professionalism and extensive experience, finding security in our unwavering commitment to going above and beyond at every turn. On the wedding day, they delight in my lighthearted, vibrant, and spirited presence, adding an extra touch of joy to their celebrations.
Mamas-to-be entrust me with their precious moments because I prioritize their comfort and confidence above all else. Understanding the significance of this phase, I aim to create a memorable, serene, and sacred experience during our photography sessions.
Families are drawn to my work because of my remarkable rapport with their children. I engage with them through play, imagination, and conversations about their aspirations, allowing them to feel at ease and warm up to the experience. With years of experience capturing these cherished family moments, I exude confidence and ease, particularly with babies and expectant mothers.
Can we buy prints or do we have to order through you?
Up to you! You will receive full rights to your photos with all of my packages to print where you please. But, when I deliver your family, engagement, or wedding gallery it will link to a personal print shop through my lab. I recommend professional prints because they are archival and high-quality. I offer a wide range of prints and products that you are always welcome to! Purchasing prints through your photographer is a wonderful way to support small businesses and the team behind your photos (but again, you have full printing rights when working with us).
What advice do you have for couples when it comes to engagement photos?
Wear clothing you feel good in! The more comfortable you are, the more natural and authentic the images will be :) Let’s work together to settle on gorgeous locations that you feel excited about. Please read my blog post 6 Tips For An Epic Engagement Session for more!
What tips would you share with the couple to help the big day go smoothly?
Hire vendors that have great reviews and are communicative! I would also HIGHLY RECOMMEND doing a first look so that you can actually enjoy cocktail hour and your wedding day. I always make sure to create a romantic, sacred time for my couples to see each other for the first time. And the major benefit and getting all of the family + bridal party portraits done pre-ceremony so that everyone can enjoy the day! However, if that is not for you - we will work together to create a timeline that allows you to have the wedding you’ve always dreamed of as well as time for all of the gorgeous images as the day unfolds.
What is the best moment you've had as a wedding photographer?
The “best moment” I have had as a wedding photographer simply doesn't exist. They happen at every, single wedding. That moment when my couples see each other for the first time and tear up, that moment when parents hug their daughters and hand her over to be married, that moment when my clients tell me that I helped make their day better than they could have ever imagined. That moment where the sun is going down peeking through the oak trees as my couples hold each other in silence.
There are countless touching, real moments I’ve stored safely in my memory throughout my career. When I was younger I thought being “too emotional” was a negative thing. Now I’ve realized that the way I feel things helps the way I see and capture things through the lens in an authentic way.
What do you love most about being a photographer?
I’m an empath, so I naturally love all the feelings that come with this career. After a decade+ in the industry, I love bringing our clients top-notch services, an unparalleled experience, and a final product that actually reflects who they are, not industry trends.
I love building a connection with my clients and capturing one of the most important and memorable times of their lives (from the engagement session to the wedding...oftentimes to their growing family). And, I absolutely LOVE delivering galleries overflowing with emotion, moments, and details from a day that flew by in the wink of an eye. Lastly, it brings me great joy to capture the beauty of life when there are also so many challenges we all face in a lifetime. These are the moments worth celebrating, and the ones we want to remember most!
Do you shoot film, digital or both?
Although the film is how it all began, I shoot digital these days and save film for personal projects.
How did you get started?
My father gifted me my first Canon AE-1 35mm film camera as a young girl. I started developing film at age 13. I was hooked on the darkroom and this new form of art that was introduced to me during some of my most developmental years. My aunt is a wedding photographer and brought me along as a second photographer to a magnificent Guatemalan destination wedding when I was just 21 years old. My first wedding had me hooked. I staged + assisted her for a summer at her studio & on location and launched my business the next summer at 22 years old in Santa Barbara (yes, I was a baby). Having grown up in Northern CA Wine Country, I made my way back to the Bay Area where my business flourished. I have been in business for 12 years and have built a strong foundation rooted in continuous education, community, perseverance and building meaningful client relationships.