Kath Young is a Perth based photographer working in both digital and 35mm film, who is drawn to the magic of weddings, as well as the art of editorials. Inspired by natural light and real connections, Kath Young travels worldwide to capture weddings.
Tell us about your business!
I’m Kath, an Australian Wedding and Editorial photographer based in beautiful Perth. A warm, relaxed photographer capturing elegant artful images, real connections with a documentary feel.
I’m always looking for something fresh, taking much inspiration from London and New York. However, I believe beautiful photos can be taken anywhere.
8 years ago, I bought a camera and we moved to Italy for a year. Here I fell in love with the art of photography, that magic that surrounds weddings and of course I fell in love with Italy itself. Whilst we don’t live in Italy anymore, we love to visit Italy and our old town whenever possible.
What would you like couples to know about you?
Trust me, on your day immerse yourselves in your day with your special people and in the amazing place where you are. Embrace the unexpected on your day, every day is unique - so let go and let the day unfold with its own real moments.
There are so many trends, styles and I am mindful of my images remaining warm and timeless. I want you to revisit your images, like revisiting your parents wedding album and feel that beauty of elegance and nostalgia in your images for years to come.
Where are you based?
I’m based in Perth, Western Australia. It’s such a beautiful part of this world and summertime here is my favourite, where you’ll find us walking down to the beach most mornings with a coffee in hand for a quick dip. Perth is also however so remote, so travel is a big part of our lives which we love.
Do you travel for weddings?
Absolutely, worldwide! I’ve always travelled internationally from a young age and living in Italy a few years ago has further sparked our love for an adventure.
How would you describe your style?
Fresh, modern and authentic. Using natural light and real moments. Every couple and day are uniquely fun and beautiful, so my goal is to create an atmosphere on the day that couples feel completely comfortable in and then capture their real connections.
What is your most memorable career moment?
One of my first weddings, the couple trusted me completely with their vision for cool, modern photos. Their style was a modern throwback to the ‘60’s and a style so different to the weddings I’d shot before, I loved it! It was so artful and unique, I was hooked! This wedding was also my first published wedding which was a real proud moment.
What inspires you?
My community of amazing creatives, based in Perth and worldwide. Whenever I’m not shooting, I love to hang out with my friends, create fresh work or flip through old work of photojournalists.
What motivates you to do what you do?
Creating images to last a lifetime, for the couple and their next generations. I have the most beautiful, timeless wedding photos from our wedding in Italy nearly 8 years ago and it was the best investment we made.
I also love meeting new couples, hearing their vision and creative ideas. Seeing that vision come to life and experiencing this incredible day with their loved ones.
How would you describe your working style?
I’m a warm, approachable person who takes time to chat and get to know the couple. My style is almost completely documentary, so it’s all about the connections and real moments.
I prioritise spending time getting to know my couples before their day, so on their wedding day we are very comfortable with each other, we trust each other, and the magic unfolds on the day.
Do you shoot digitally, on film or both?
I currently shoot mainly digital but adore 35mm film and am incorporating it into most weddings. I love the mix of digital and 35mm film in an album, it feels perfectly nostalgic to me.
Do you have custom packages according to individual needs?
Absolutely. Whether its travel, timeframes, digital and 35mm film, I work with every couple.
What is a favourite product or service that you offer and why?
Working closely with the couple leading up to their wedding! I’m always available for my couples for any photo or timelines discussions, or vendor recommendations. I love working alongside them to see their vision come to life.
Where would you love to travel to for work?
New York, UK and Europe! After living in Italy and travelling extensively in Europe I adore the architecture, the languages and of course the food. I also love practising my Italian, whilst I’m still learning it’s such a fun way to embrace the culture.
Who is your dream client?
My dream client wants to capture the magic of their wedding by elegant, authentic and artful images. They want a photographer to blend into their day, capture all the little moments as they happen with a documentary feel.
My dream client loves either fashion, architecture, design, travel or beautiful scenery and wants to incorporate this in their day whether it’s a gorgeous destination wedding or a local one.
What is your advice to couples getting married?
It can feel completely overwhelming to couples starting wedding planning however, start with your favourite 1-3 vendors and ask them for recommendations. As wedding vendors we are surrounded by a gorgeous community of creatives, who we work comfortably alongside. And talking to your dream vendors before you pick a date to ensure you don’t get disappointed!
