We had the absolute pleasure of working with photographer Kate Noelle at our Wedding Chicks Re-Launch event. We were initially drawn to her because of the way she captures the feeling of an event. Even though it was a super intimate gathering, we wanted our audience and vendors to feel like they were there with us. It was important that we celebrate the Re-Launch not just as a company, but as a community. With almost 20 years of experience under her belt, we decided to pick her brain about where she sees wedding photography going and what makes her style so unique. Here’s what she had to say.
How would you describe your aesthetic/photography style?
My aesthetic is rich in color, shaped by an instinct for light and composition. My black and whites are clean and intimate, with a touch of nostalgia. My photography style is guided documentary and editorial: unscripted but intentionally placed, and emotionally honest candid shots, as well as art-directed portraits. My work is always editorially composed to tell the story in a way that will feel true today and last decades later. I believe a big part about being a good photographer is creating space and intention for moments that might often get passed by too quickly in the shuffle of a wedding day.
Do you ask your couples for a shot list, or just shoot what feels right in the moment?
Both, really. My couples hire me for my artistic vision and heart; that’s at the forefront of all my imagery, so I’m always shooting what feels true in the moment. But I also like to ask for a short list of shots they’ve always dreamed of, just to put their deepest wishes on my radar as well. Often it’s something like a photo of her and her grandmother embracing, or even a messy, imperfect shot of her nieces, so she can remember exactly what they were like as two-year-old flower girls. I’ll always get the main moments, but it means something to hear, straight from their heart, what matters most to them.
What’s your hot take on flat lays?
Fun? Yes. Necessary? No. However, it does intentionally showcase a formerly forgotten piece of wedding design that I think adds flavor if photographed with the same vibe as the entirety of the wedding.
Without mentioning names, what’s the craziest request you’ve ever had from a couple?
Usually, the crazy requests are ones I’m into—rock climbing engagement photos in Joshua Tree where I’m harnessed a hundred feet up right next to them (safely), photos on boats on the open ocean, Swiss Alps mountain shots at the top of a ski run. I think maybe what you’re hinting at is “What are some crazy wedding stories?” I have lots—maybe I’ll tell you sometime over a good bottle of wine. But a few to mention? Family drama that required bouncers, becoming first responders to a motorcyclist hit by a wedding guest pulling into the wedding, and breaking my foot AND camera at a wedding, and the bride asking me to get up and finish taking their portraits (Don’t worry… My team finished the wedding for me while I went to the hospital, and everything turned out great).
What is your absolute favorite wedding you’ve ever photographed, and why?
I have a couple favorites, but in all honesty, the people make the experience. I’ve photographed in the most epic locations all over the world, with A-list performers and endless budgets. But at the end of the day, weddings with wonderful, gracious, thoughtful people are my absolute favorite.
Want to see even more of her work? Give her a follow @katenoelle on IG.
