©2011 Kate Podjan Photography

Q. What is in your camera bag?
A. I shoot all Canon gear: 5Dmk2 & 30D Camera bodies, Here are the lenses: 70-200 4L, 24-70 2.8L, 16-35 2.8L, 85 1.2L, 50 1.8.

Q. What is "documentary photography"?
A. Exactly what it says. I am here to document the events, however big or small, in your life. With the exception of engagement sessions and Rock the Dress shoots, my approach to photography is very organic, unposed, naturally lit, and spontaneous. That means, at weddings, I do not see the day as one long photo shoot with some vows and dancing interspersed throughout. I see it as a celebration of two people choosing to merge their lives into one, and that means something to me. Because of that, I spend as little time as possible doing the "formals" as efficiently as I can, so that you can enjoy your day all the sooner! And then I make sure I am in the right places at the right times to document your party in the most flattering light possible! In my Lifestyle sessions, I meet with you ahead of time to discuss your vision for the shoot, styling, locations, and what activity you'll be doing. That's right, you'll be doing an activity...like baking cookies, fishing, flying a kite, coloring with your kids, reading stories, playing dress-up, or eating ice cream. The activity serves to help you interact with your family in a natural way, and in a way that will make you and your family feel comfortable in front of the camera.

Q. What is your Photo Booth?
A. The photo booth is used at wedding receptions and parties to get some crazy shots of your guests having fun! I supply the backdrop, lighting, and some props. You supply additional props to fit with the theme of your event to personalize the booth. The Photo Booth requires a 12x12 area to set up.

Q. Do you offer mentoring or workshops for photographers?
A. Yes! I offer mentoring in person and via skype. Mentoring sessions are $150/hour. Periodically I offer workshops. They vary in price, and are typically held in the winter months.

Q. Where is your favorite place to shoot a session?
A. My favorite place is the one that has meaning to the client. I LOVE shooting people in places that they are emotionally tied to, and that are new to me. Shooting in new places fosters my creativity! On that same note, I truly believe that you get as much out of your session as you put in to it. I encourage my clients to customize their session as much as possible, with their styling of both themselves and their environment, with activities and inspiration that means something to them on a personal level.

Q. Where do you get your inspiration from?
A. Before each wedding or shoot, I pray that God would allow me to see my clients through His eyes, and that I would be able to capture what He sees in the camera. God made me to be me, and I am most creatively inspired when I simply flow in the giftings that He created me to have.

Something else that you should know is that I am a mommy to three beautiful kids, a wife to the best husband around, and we co-pastor the youth at our church. I am also homeschooling my daughter right now, so, you know, I keep busy!