Ask a Member: Kate Webber Photography
Monday, April 25, 2011 at 5:00AM 
Photographer Kate Webber is an east coast girl at heart. She has called San Francisco home for almost ten years. "I love that Northern California has such amazing natural scenery," she says. "You get that perfect mix of city and country— that's why San Francisco is so cool." She honed her photography skills at The New England School of Photography, then decided to pursue the more technical side of film at The Brooks Institute in Santa Barbara. She has always been drawn to the expressive arts. "I always shoot with a story in mind and look to catch that beautiful fine art element in every photo," she says. There is a hint of fine art in everything she captures from telling an exotic travel story to shooting a couple's engagement session in the countryside. "Weddings are great in that they allow me to express so many facets of how I see my world," she says. "It just feels good and makes me happy!"
We're excited to have you as a member of The Collection. What is it about The Collection that inspires or excites you? I am excited and honored to be part of the strong and talented group of wedding professionals that you are presenting to couples and coordinators. Opportunities that allow me to expand my world and share new relationships also present a dynamic and inspiring ingredient to add to life, in general.
When did you shoot your first wedding? Was it love at first sight?
It was actually a destination wedding in 2005 on the Mendocino Coast for my friends Amy and Andy. I was already familiar with the wedding world but it was suddenly a whole different, terrifying feeling to have everything fall on me— to create the full visual story and memory for these families. It was a great experience! Amy and Andy have since welcomed a daughter into the world and it makes me smile to consider that the photos I took that special day for them, I also took for her! Realizing this makes the work I do that much more rewarding.
Are there any photography rules that you live by?
Well, yes...they are more “goals” I suppose: always try to do something differently than the last time to keep your work fresh and in constant evolution as an artist, stay true to yourself and your style and avoid the “cheese” factor! I tend to regard composition highly and try to seek the right angles or strong lines and keep my crops heavily in-camera.
The modern-day debate: Film or digital?
We can live in harmony, can’t we? I shoot film for its textural and organic quality and I shoot digital for its unparalleled convenience and versatility. No matter which medium I use, I try to make the finished product a beautifully timeless photograph.
Is there a particular bride that gravitates toward your work?
They usually have a solid design sensibility and many express an appreciation for my strong use of natural light and the artistic blend I bring to my storytelling. Beyond my work, I think that having that personal, easy connection and comfort will indelibly carry through in the success of the photographer-couple relationship. It's just as important as liking ones work.
You are literally shooting in one of the most gorgeous locations in the world. Tell us about your favorite venue. Anything that has me running around outside with my cameras in a beautiful landscape keeps a smile on my face!
If you could have anyone cook you dinner and dine with you, tell us who and what’s on the menu? Oh my, this is such a tough question...sure to have a random answer! How about Chef Morimoto? Anything he wants to cook for me is on the menu! I would also say Jeff Bridges. I am sure “The Dude” has a lot of stories to share. I’ll eat whatever he’s cooking, really. Just hanging out, BBQ’ing with him and his wife would be pretty fun and interesting.
What is the soundtrack to your perfect day?
I am a compilation maestro! My morning would start off with a trail run (no music necessary— I love the natural sounds around me), followed by an afternoon drive along the coast with The Great Lake Swimmers and Dolorean strumming in the background or some Songs:Ohia (always reminds me of my beautiful sister on the opposite coast). After a homemade feast we'll sit around playing Johnny Cash or some old Rolling Stones (think Aftermath) on our instruments…I’ve got some serious daydreams of playing the bass. But for now I’m limited to the Toca egg.
In terms of fashion, complete this sentence, "I can’t live without..." Boots!
Kate Webber is a member of The Collection Event Studio. Meet her here.
Reader Comments (4)
Kate is Great: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1sqSdy3tFsA
great interview. i love the film/digital question. and i love great lake swimmers, too!
I , love your website !!! Please, show us your boot's .