READING TIME: 5 min 20 sec
PUBLICATION DATE: 09/20/2024
UPDATED: 09/30/2024
Kat Lui Photography hails from the vibrant Bay Area in California, a region known for its innovative spirit and scenic beauty. However, her heart shares a deep connection with the serene landscapes and cultural richness of Hawaii. Kat describes herself as " a sucker for beaches, sunsets, coffee, matcha, shaved ice, poke, traveling." Her world revolves around her camera, which accompanies her everywhere she goes. At home, she is a devoted wife and mother to two daughters, who she lovingly refers to as "the light of my life, inspiration for what I do, and my reasons WHY.”
Kat’s foray into the world of photography began about 15 years ago when she undertook the role of a studio manager for a photographer. It was during her college years, a time when she was independently managing her tuition fees, that she first dipped her toes into the photographic arts. "I never owned a camera of my own because I could never afford one," Kat recalls about her early days, reflecting on the financial constraints that shaped her initial experience.
Her passion ignited through her exposure to photo editing software like Lightroom and Photoshop, marking the start of a love affair with photography. “I fell in loveee with editing,” she enthuses, recalling the transformative experience of turning raw images into stories. Years later, the explosion of photos and videos on her phone from her growing family compelled her to finally purchase her own camera.
What began with taking photos for friends soon blossomed into a full-blown professional pursuit as referrals grew, and she started networking within the wedding industry. Embracing her entrepreneurial spirit, she established Kat Lui Photography, fulfilling her dream of becoming her own boss.
Kat has been actively engaged in the wedding industry for three years. "Going on year 3!" she beams, recounting her initial experiences where she second-shot at weddings to learn the ropes. This period was crucial as it allowed her to grasp the nuances of wedding day coverage, including timing, capturing different angles and perspectives, and understanding both client and personal workflows. These experiences were invaluable: "I got to learn different techniques, tips and tricks, as well as wedding day priorities from other photographers."
Moreover, it opened up avenues for networking with wedding planners, caterers, florists, bakers, hair and makeup artists, DJs, videographers, and more, enriching her capabilities and connections within the industry.
Describing her photography style as "Documentary, Organic, Intentional, Effortlessly Elevated, Chic - with a hint of editorial," Kat focuses on capturing the authentic emotion and connection between couples. She elaborates, "I love to dive deep into the emotion and connection between every couple in an artistic, romantic, and organic way."
Her approach is to integrate movement and flow into her photos, which "brings out the couple in their most natural selves," while ensuring that she captures those beloved, classic portraits. “Every couple has a unique love story and my goal is to curate the most amazing experience for them (pre to post-wedding),” she adds.
Kat’s technical toolkit is as impressive as her artistic flair. She utilizes two Canon R6 Mark II cameras, complemented by a selection of Canon RF lenses, to capture sharp, vibrant images. For a touch of vintage warmth, she also uses a Contax G2 Film camera and shoots with Kodak Portra 400 35mm film and Fujifilm X100vi, blending the old with the new to create timeless memories.
Post-event, Kat’s workflow is meticulous and swift. “I download my cards the minute I get home and the images are backed up on two different hard drives," she details her process, emphasizing the importance of data security and client trust. She culls photos using Narrative software and edits in Lightroom & Photoshop, sending sneak peeks to her couples within 24-48 hours to maintain excitement and engagement.
Kat finds profound joy in the relationships she builds through her work. "It's not just a job to me - but it's my passion and creative outlet. It's my happy place where I get to be an artist and meet so many different couples - near and far - hearing about their love stories, planning their vision & making it come to life! To me, they aren't just my clients - they become my friends and I'm able to keep in touch with so many of them, even after their big day, which is truly THE best part of it all - it's so fulfilling!" she states, expressing how photography serves as her artistic and emotional sanctuary.
The bonds she forms with clients often evolve into friendships, enriching her personal and professional life. Moreover, her network with other vendors—from florists to DJs—plays a crucial role in crafting the perfect wedding day, making each event a collective masterpiece. “Relationships & friendships mean everything to me, and I've learned in the photography world that it isn't about who you know, but rather WHO KNOWS YOU,” she states. “Another awesome thing about being a photographer is being able to learn and connect with other fellow photographers in the industry. Each person has their own shooting styles, camera gear, editing styles, marketing strategies - and being able to find mentors and fellow photography peers to connect with, to a point where we're BFFs, is such an amazing feeling!”
Understanding that each couple is unique, Kat always offers to tailor her packages to meet specific needs and visions. "Every couple is unique and has different needs/wants/must haves - I love to build out custom packages tailored to what they're needing and envisioning for their big day!" This personalized approach ensures that every wedding she photographs is as individual as the couple themselves.
Kat is also an avid traveler, with a special affinity for destination weddings, particularly in the Hawaiian islands, which she considers her favorite.
Kat Lui is deeply committed to crafting a personalized and seamless experience for each of her clients, starting from the very first interaction. "From the first discovery call up until their wedding day, I am in constant communication and check ins with my clients," Kat explains. This thorough communication strategy ensures that she fully understands and captures the couple's vision for their special day. To streamline the process, she sends out detailed wedding questionnaires to gather all necessary information, which helps in crafting a comprehensive photography timeline. This timeline is shared with the clients well in advance, allowing them and their wedding party to know exactly what to expect.
Kat has found her sweet spot in managing her workload to maintain quality and dedication for each event. She’s comfortable with handling up to 15 weddings per year. This allows her to dedicate ample time to each wedding, ensuring that every detail is captured to reflect the couple's unique story. Regarding the coverage, Kat typically provides "8-10 hours for a full wedding day; 2-3 hours for elopements." This schedule is flexible enough to cover all significant moments without rushing through the event.
Kat encourages her clients to be as relaxed and natural as possible in front of the camera. "Be your natural selves! I've had so many clients that tell me they feel awkward in front of a camera or they've never taken professional photos before," she shares. However, after the shoot, many express how enjoyable and relaxing the experience was, often exceeding their expectations.
Kat advises, "Having an open mind going into it, whether it'd be your wedding day or an engagement session - regardless, I will nail your vision and have so much fun doing it. Let all the nerves out and be just be YOU." This approach not only eases clients’ nerves but also enhances the authenticity and emotional depth of the photographs.
Through her lens, Kat Lui captures more than just images; she captures stories, emotions, and timeless moments, making every snapshot a testament to love and life.
