Hey, I'm Katie! I know what you’re really here for... the photos. And don’t worry, they’ll speak for themselves. But before you scroll through galleries and taken in the pretty moments, I want to let you in on something important: photography is about connection, not just pictures. I want to make sure we actually vibe, because the best images come from people who feel comfortable, confident, and just a little bit silly with me.

Below, you’ll find a few tabs where you can get to know me a little better like where I come from, what I love to do when I’m not behind a camera, and how I roll on a wedding or session day. Think of it like getting to know a new friend, only with a little more laughter, a touch of adventure, and maybe some iced chai recommendations (yes, I don’t do coffee! I know, weird, but trust me, I make up for it).

A thoughtful approach to timeless storytelling

Life Outside the LEns

About KAtie Clare Photography

When I’m not behind a camera, you’ll usually find me at the gym most morning. Health and wellness have become a very important part of my life. It keeps me grounded, clears my head, and yes, I do love to brag a little that I can do over 10 pull-ups.

I absolutely love Indian and Thai food! After living in the Bay Area I got very spoiled by amazing Asian food so if you have any San Diego recommendations please send them my way!

I also want to introduce Zoey! She is my 5-year-old pitbull/boxer mix and my best friend. She’s usually a total couch potato, but she’s slowly turning into an adventure dog (recent backpacking trips have been her training ground). 

I’m a lover of travel and have been fortunate enough to explore over 30 countries (and counting!). One of my absolute favorite so far has been Iceland, nothing beats watching the northern lights, hiking through surreal landscapes, and even surviving some of the worst blisters of my life with my twin sister by my side. More adventures are always on the horizon!

Life is meant to be joyful and full of small moments that make you stop and smile. I’m grateful every day to have a job that gives me freedom while being part of moments people will cherish forever.

I was raised in the Sierra Nevada foothills of California and discovered in photography in middle school. I entered photos of our family pets or backpacking trips in the local county fair. My love for capturing moments grew while working as a hiking guide in Yosemite National Park. I mean… who wouldn’t want a photo of Half Dome, El Capitan, or Yosemite Falls?

While those landscapes are breathtaking, the most fun and rewarding moments for me come from photographing people, their hearts, their adventures, and their little bursts of joy. While in college, I started consistently working with a local wedding photographer, second shooting for her (and her husband, who did video). That’s when I learned the ins and outs of a wedding day and how to capture it in a way that feels natural, personal, and timeless.

I graduated from UC Davis with a major in Graphic Design and a minor in Technology Management, but I’ve been lucky enough to do this full-time since 2021. I’ve lived in sunny San Diego for a few years now with my pup and best friend, Zoey. 

I’ve found that my kind of people are loving hearts, wild souls, and adventurous spirits. My goal is to capture the “spirit” of my subjects and preserve the emotions of each occasion so you can relive them forever.

My Journey

On a wedding or session day, my main goal is to keep things running smoothly while capturing your day exactly as it unfolds. Most of the magic happens naturally, the candid laughter, happy tears, and little moments that make your day uniquely yours. I’m there to document all of it as it happens, preserving those genuine emotions that you’ll want to relive for years to come.

Of course, there are moments where guidance or a little prompting is helpful, whether it’s for photos, timing, or just helping you feel confident and relaxed. That’s when I step in, gently and thoughtfully, so the day feels effortless and fun. My intention is simple: to create an experience that’s personal, joyful, and deeply rooted in trust, so you can focus on being present with your people while I capture it all.

On Your Day

"We can’t say enough amazing things about Katie!! She was the perfect choice for our wedding photographer this past June. She made us feel comfortable from the beginning at our engagement shoot. On wedding day she was such an amazing hype woman and was so organized during the family photos with my chaotic relatives! People commented on how her presence during the big moments was so elusive yet she somehow still got the most amazing shots and I couldn’t agree more. She really saw our vision for how we wanted our day captured."
-D+M