I’ve been drawn to photography since my teens, but it wasn’t until serving as a Public Affairs Officer in the U.S. Army that I fell in love with visual storytelling. I’m especially passionate about capturing authentic, unscripted moments—whether between couples, families, or people in motion.
I hold a Master’s in Environmental Journalism from the University of Montana and continue to serve as a Captain in the U.S. Army Reserve.
My style is journalistic at heart: I aim for authenticity, letting scenes unfold naturally and editing in a way that feels classic and true to life.
Hey there! I'm Kat
"Never have I felt so genuinely empowered and confident than when I was getting photographed by Kat!"
-Jade s.
montana elopement photographer
I believe the world is profoundly beautiful, and so is our connection to each other. My life's goal is to live in deep connection with people and the planet, preserving what’s beautiful and special.
A thoughtful approach to timeless storytelling
To me a good photographer is passionate about photography and willing to learn and improve continuously, and she filled each and every one of my check marks
Kat arrived at my venue on time and jumped in immediately --I was rushing to get ready ( I was behind on time). She was very warm and welcoming. I never questioned her ability to have her tell my wedding story through the photos she was taking.
Honestly, kat felt more like one of my sisters rather than someone I hired.
She was kind, honest, funny and made to to have conversations with just about every one of my family members, so with that being said whether you are planning a wedding, elopement, ETC She is your girl. You will not be disappointed at all."
Real Client Testimonials
"BLEW me away!"
- Rachel & cody
Kat was perfect! She prepared everything for our elopement. Flowers, cake, she officiated, and took amazing pictures. My husband and I were blown away with all she did for us…so grateful!!
"Absolutely wonderful"
- Megan & Randy
Your safety is my top priority ahead of portraits or experiences. After 10 years in the Army and 20 years as a diver, emergency preparedness is second-nature to me. I am also a Wilderness First Responder, Scuba Instructor, and Combat Lifesaver, so I come prepared for any emergency situation and take no safety shortcuts.
Safety Focused
Aruba – Belize – Bulgaria – Canada – Cayman Islands – Curacao – Czech Republic – Bahamas – Cuba – Egypt – France – Germany – Greece – Guam – Guatemala – Haiti – Honduras – Iceland – Luxembourg – Morocco – Netherlands – Peru – Poland – Romania – Saipan – Scotland – Spain – South Korea – Switzerland – Thailand
Where all have I been?
I've been fortunate to travel extensively for fun, for the Army, and for clients.
While I don't believe in Bucket Lists, these are some of the places I would love to go:
Dream Destinations
- Free-diving the Cenotes in Mexico
- Stargazing in Utah
- Summit Mt. Kilimanjaro
- Climb Lobouche east at Everest Base Camp
- Hot Air Balloon ride in Cappadocia, Turkey
Truly, I have a heart for travel. I want to have meaningful experiences all over the world, from diving with schools of hammerheads in the Galapagos to sea-kayaking among icebergs in Greenland.
*Fun fact! I took "Hot Air Ballooning" as a gym class at Ohio State!
As a professional Scuba Instructor, you have the added option to hire me as your Divemaster for your oceanic elopement too. I was guiding scuba tours in Alaska years before I picked up my first mirrorless camera. If you’re a diver, you know the saying. Take only pictures, leave only bubbles.
This could mean you say your vows at sunrise in Mexico in a secluded jungle cenote, then spend the afternoon marveling at the cathedral light while photographing underwater wedding portraits. Then dive deep walls in Cozumel for a few days while I capture the wildlife up close and guide you on an incredible underwater journey. And of course you know I will be there to help plan every step.
Underwater Adventures
I feel the most ME when I am immersed in nature, and my happiest places on Earth are in the ocean scuba diving and in the backcountry, hiking up mountains. I live for "type 2 fun" -- the kind that feels pretty un-fun in the moment.
Salty oceans and stone mountains bring me so much joy, it felt natural to integrate them into my business name and identity!
It's all in the name...
Fun facts about me!
I LOVE hiking, so much so, that when I left Active Duty in 2021, I hiked 550mi on the Pacific Crest Trail (Campo to Tehachapi) and later that summer hiked 500mi across Spain on the Camino de Santiago (Camino del Norte & Camino Primitivo). I'm currently planning a thru-hike of the Te Araroa on NZ's south island in winter of 2027.
I also grew up scuba diving with my parents, and have now logged over 3,000 dives around the world, from Cuba to Guam. My favorite by far was in the Red Sea (Egypt), where I had an incredible dolphin experience.
Protecting what's important
As part of my commitment to impact, I donate 5% of all business profit to organizations doing crucial work in conservation and community efforts. Here are a few I am proud to support:
Soft landing missoula
A nonprofit dedicated to welcoming and supporting refugees and immigrants in Missoula, helping them build new lives through community integration, education, and access to resources.
big city mountaineers
Empowers under-resourced youth by taking them on wilderness mentoring expeditions, building confidence, leadership, and connection to nature through transformative outdoor experiences.
ActiVETs
Heals the invisible wounds of war by providing veterans with challenging outdoor adventures like rafting, canoeing, and hiking to foster camaraderie, resilience, and mental health recovery.
wild montana
Protecting Montana's wild places through advocacy, educational programs that promote environmental stewardship, cultural awareness, and the joy of wilderness exploration across Montana.
Micronesia Islands Nature Alliance (MINA)
Supports conservation and sustainable practices in Micronesia, working with local communities to protect marine ecosystems and promote traditional ecological knowledge.
Elakha Alliance
Works to restore the indigenous cultural and ecological presence of sea otters along the Oregon coast, blending science and native stewardship to protect marine biodiversity.
Acknowledging Indigenous Lands
We honor their enduring relationship with this land and their ongoing contributions to the cultural, spiritual, and ecological well-being of the region.
With humility and deep gratitude, we recognize that our ability to hold elopements in these beautiful places is possible because of the care and stewardship of the Indigenous peoples who have lived on and honored this land, including:
The Niitsitapi (Blackfoot Confederacy)
The Séliš (Bitterroot Salish)
The Ksanka (Kootenai)
The Ql̓ispé (Pend d’Oreille)
