Kate, San Francisco Creative Portrait Photographer

One of my favorite things about this work is how cyclical it can be introspectively. Being a woman in this world means learning – and hopefully eventually unlearning – some very toxic ideals about who and what you’re supposed to be, how you’re supposed to look, talk, act, and making yourself as small as possible to avoid any confrontation. For my whole life, I knew I wasn’t going to measure up to those ideals. But I still tried. I think most of us do. I had an eating disorder. I got into a car accident and couldn’t keep up with my gym routine. I gained weight and I saw myself in such a negative light. Thankfully I also started going to therapy and reading self-help books. Thankfully I also saw the beauty in other women with varying body types, sizes, and presentation. It wasn’t easy, and I sometimes still struggle to access self-love, but I do have the awareness that my body image issues aren’t just mine. To hold space for other women in a world where we are especially objectified and photoshopped to bits is truly connected work for me. I have always felt like photography was my passion, my purpose. But I think more and more I’m learning that it’s not my purpose, it’s a funnel for my purpose. It’s a way for me to be able to connect with, and to heal with women, especially through creative portraits and boudoir.

Getting out and about in San Francisco for this session with Kate was SO MUCH FUN. She was totally up for my idea to meet at this pink wall I drove by once on my way to the beach with my doggie. I had saved the street names on my notes app, thinking that some day it wold be a perfect photo opportunity. It did not disappoint. We walked around a bit and then headed to Land’s End, where we made some of my favorite photos. Kate’s energy was so calm, self-assure, and her beauty and freckles have stolen my heart. I hope you love these photos!