There are two things about myself that have most strongly impacted my work as a photographer and my way of seeing: inherited art practices, and being queer.
On both sides of my family, I come from lines of obsessive documenters and artists. My mom's grandfather was a photographer and from him I inherited a deep love for the medium and fascination for what it looks like to intimately photograph a full life. My dad's mom was a quilting artist and from her I inherited a love for working with my hands and gratitude for art that can be passed down through generations.
As a queer person, I also understand the nuances of how tradition, ritual, weddings, and family-building can simultaneously carry both freedom and pain. I am emboldened by the way in which queer people create beauty, sanctity, and connection in a world that is not always built for them.
When working in a space like the Wedding Industry (which can often feel constricting or loaded), I love seeing through that which is traditionally expected and finding the unscripted tenderness, the familiar intimacy, and the surprise. I aim to-- in my own queer way--carry on the art of my family and create work that will resonate and be passed down for generations.
I have photographed over 250 weddings since my start eleven years ago. I was born and raised on the Central Coast, I currently reside in Koreatown, Los Angeles, and I work all over California and beyond.
I work as a teaching artist and mentor at Las Fotos Project, and outside of my love for photography and teaching, I have an interest in folk art, reading, cooking, and hosting.
Contact me: kenzie@kenziekatephoto.com
Photo instagram: @kenziekatephoto
Personal instagram: @millennialpinkfloyd
