Some Backstory
Hello! My name is Catie Kim and I am a wedding and portrait photographer based in Santa Cruz County, California. I'm married to my best friend and a mama to the sweetest baby girl. As one of 9 kids, I grew up in a very creative, dynamic, and boisterous environment. When I was very little, I realized how much I loved people of all ages, personalities, backgrounds, and interests. You can only imagine how excited I would get seeing pictures of these amazing people I loved! As the chatty person I was and still am, I mentioned to a family friend how much I wished to take pictures with that "really cool blurry background." This was something a point and shoot or flip phone camera could not do! Little did I know my pipe dream would soon become reality. This family friend brought his old DSLR camera the next time he visited for me to borrow much to my surprise and joy! He never asked for it back and I started voraciously photographing people at every holiday, party, camping trip, church event, and outdoor setting I could. I haven't stopped for the past 13 years and do not plan to! My love for people combined with a camera that gives a "cool blurry background" has fueled my passion for photographing people in their truest and most authentic moments. My absolute favorite photos are the ones where you don't know I am there. I hope you can be one of those people!
a few of my favorites
Jesus
my husband TK
coffee, baking, and tea
making ice cream
the great outdoors
all sports
my huge family
reading
singing
Christmas
handmade mugs
all things natural
strawberries
the mountains
redwood trees
the smell of pine
chocolate
jazz music on rainy days
cozy fires
my sweet daughter Ellie :)
My Style
I am a big fan of all things natural. I love bright colors, beautiful landscapes, and captivating smiles. Candid expression and natural movement are my jam but if you need a bit more direction with poses and prompts, I can provide that too! I aim to meet my subjects where they are and capture them in their most comfortable form.
My Approach
My favorite kind of photography is when my subjects feel comfortable in front of the camera. Whether you are more serious or more goofy, my goal is to capture your personality in photo form. As a very extroverted human, I like to think I can see where my subjects are and adjust my approach for the session accordingly. My goal is for you to leave the session feeling relaxed and like you just spent an hour having fun.
"To love at all is to be vulnerable. Love anything and your heart will be wrung and possibly broken. If you want to make sure of keeping it intact you must give it to no one, not even an animal. Wrap it carefully round with hobbies and little luxuries; avoid all entanglements. Lock it up safe in the casket or coffin of your selfishness. But in that casket, safe, dark, motionless, airless, it will change. It will not be broken; it will become unbreakable, impenetrable, irredeemable. To love is to be vulnerable. "
- C.S. Lewis
As a follower of Jesus, I believe every person was made in the imago Dei, the image of God. Every single person on this earth has deep, intrinsic value and a capacity to love and be loved. Through Jesus, we can be completely and fully loved. Because of Him, we can have a hope in another world, a world without pain or sadness. While we live in a world full of darkness, we can live deeply fulfilled lives knowing that God's earth will one day be made whole again. This earth is filled with a creative beauty and with beautiful image bearers - that's you!
I know everyone's stories are full of moments of light and moments of darkness. And yet, it is these moments of darkness that make us who we are: strong, resilient humans who can love and be loved. It is our deepest wounds that help us care for others' wounds. True vulnerability is the beginning of love and loving is what we were created to do. Your raw authentic self, whether alone, or with your people, is the most beautiful version of you. My aim is to capture who you are, your story, and your tenacity for life!