Q+A with Kate Headley

Having just been featured in Martha Stewart Weddings, there's no doubt Kate Headley is on her way to becoming one of the most sought-after wedding photographers in the nation! I've featured Kate's brilliant photography a few times before and am so delighted to share with you today this exclusive Q+A with Kate! Throughout the interview, you'll find images from a recent wedding Kate photographed. Hop on over to her blog and Web site for more inspiring photos!


Classic Bride: How did you first get started in photography and when did you know it was a passion?
Kate Headley: I always had a camera growing up and loved taking photos. When I got out of school and got a good job, I was able to buy a better camera and equipment. I loved taking photos of food, flowers and my friends and family, so as my friends started getting married, I would take photos at their weddings. (And I loved that my friends would frame my photos, not their photographers!) I also took some technical photography classes and I decided to just try a few weddings--it was love at first wedding. I’m thinking about taking some film classes this summer to improve my skills, I love photography and I want to just keep growing in it.

CB: Describe your style in 5 words or less:
KH: classic, beautiful, whimsical, editorial, colorful

CB: What's the absolute best part of your job?
KH: I love being the ‘artist’ at the wedding, interpreting and documenting their day. I love meeting couples and then seeing what they did to personalize their wedding. And I love when I have a creative client I can call and say, “Will you take engagement photos [insert crazy location here]?” I’ve got some cool shoots coming up.

CB: I love your styling recommendations for engagement shoots! Do you have any similar advice for brides and/or grooms on their big day?
KH: Thanks! I love it when brides and grooms either go really classic (bowtie, vintage dress) or really creative (short dress, unusual suit). I think it’s important to just show your personality, add some color and coordinate with the wedding overall. I think it’s ok to be slightly unusual. Like wearing a dress that wasn’t designed to be a wedding dress.

CB: Where do you find inspiration?
KH: I get inspired by the old and the new. I love magazines, fashion and textiles. I also love flea markets and old houses. I love classic beauty and lately my favorite photos are just my brides looking young and gorgeous.

CB: Top fave photo you've taken to date?
KH: I have a lot of favorites, probably my all time favorite is the one I plaster all over my website and business cards of Casey with the big grin and handful of balloons in black/white. I got up at 5:30 on a Saturday morning to blow up balloons, but it was so worth it.

CB: What are your favorite details to shoot during a wedding?
KH: I try to find new things at every wedding ... I am challenging myself to see details in a new way this season - the architecture, fabrics and colors, all in new ways.

CB: Any photographers you admire in the business?
KH: I like photographers with unique styles … Leigh Miller, Jose Villa, Jessica Johnston, Belathee Photography, Jonathan Canlas and Liz Banfield.

CB: Any advice to aspiring wedding photographers?
KH: I think you should focus on building your skills and portfolio, then worry later about getting paid for doing it. And assess what works for you and what doesn’t. I started doing kid’s portraits and later realized my true passion was weddings, so I am focusing on that right now.

CB: Let's end by daydreaming for just a second. Dream up the most beautiful wedding {in your opinion} to photograph. Where is it and what's the overall feel and style?
KH: Long tables with lanterns on the lawn of a lighthouse, photography by Jose Villa, flowers by Saipua, bowties on the guys, and simple dresses from J.Crew.

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