In the Spotlight : Kate Headley

Kate Headley is a lifestyle/fine art wedding photographer based in Washington, DC. Her work is regularly featured in Martha Stewart Weddings, Southern Living, Washingtonian Bride and Groom, Southern Weddings, Brides and other publications. She was recently named an “Editor’s Pick” by the Washingtonian Bride and Groom magazine. Kate primarily shoots with film and photographs everything from downtown city weddings to charming country weddings.

In addition, Headley works in the Hive with a bunch of other fantastic ladies, all of which have been or will be featured coming up. Her style is so soft and lovely, without being saccharine or cloying. I can’t get over her images, and thought you’d enjoy a few more of them (and some scoop from her) too!

If you could shoot a wedding anywhere in the world, where would it be?
KH: I’ve always had a secret dream to shoot somewhere in Italy or France.

Hollywood calls and they’re going to make a movie of your life. What’s your opening musical score (or the top hit on the soundtrack?) …. and who plays you?

KH: How about a redhead like Christina Hendricks? My song of the month right now is “Dog Days Are Over” by Florence and the Machine.

What’s just one thing that sets you apart from your peers? Don’t be bashful!
KH: I live in a city of photojournalists so my eye for details and pretty imagery totally sets me apart. And I love film! I think I’m also really unassuming (complete with a dimple in my cheek). I’m not a scary photographer taking your photo, just the girl next door, enjoying your day right along side with you.

I feel most at home when I…

KH: … spot the Capitol building as I’m flying into DC.

What’s one name that if it came across your Inbox, you’d wig out?
KH: A request to photograph the J.Crew catalog.

What’s the one thing you wish you could say outright to every bride, but you feel like you can’t, out of decorum + propriety?
KH: There are other types of dresses other than strapless that are equally as stylish.

What is one un-glam thing about what you do . . .
KH: Eating a soggy turkey sandwich on a stairwell for dinner.

What’s your take on the controversial “First Peek”, where the bride and groom see each other before the ceremony?

KH: I let my clients decide. I do find that when they see each other before, we can get more time and better natural lighting for portraits. It also takes a little bit of the edge off nerves too.

What’s one (fun/weird/crazy) thing we wouldn’t know about you?
KH: I am can swim a mean butterfly and race upon request at parties (ok, just that one time in grad school.)

Three words (or a phrase) that epitomize your style: fill in the blanks.

KH: timeless, fun, and beautiful

What are some tidbits from your RSS feed?

KH: I read way too many–mainly creative ones like interior design blogs, photography and fashion-y stuff. Here’s just a few:

A Continuous Lean, Style Court, Miss Moss , 3191 , Simplesong , 100 Layer Cake

One of your top favorite images from 2010?

No wedding is complete without . . .

KH: Great photographs!

What percentage of the time do you work in pjs?
KH: Probably not as much as people think. When I meet people and say I’m a photographer, sometimes they can’t wrap their brain around what it is I do. Sometimes I’m working in the from morning to night in my studio on photos, answering emails or other projects. Other days, I can run errands during the day or go for a run and then work in the evening. I’m always on call with my laptop and iPhone though. During the summer, I’m working all week and weekends too. But, I love it!

What’s the most rewarding thing about your job?
KH: When clients say, “Our friends and family keep telling us these are the best wedding photos they’ve ever seen.”

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