Alright – so today we’ve got the honor of introducing you to Kat Gardiner. We think you’ll enjoy our conversation, we’ve shared it below.

Alright, Kat thanks for taking the time to share your stories and insights with us today. What do you think matters most in terms of achieving success?

To be successful, I believe it’s important to be present in the creative process rather than focusing on the end result. It’s about falling in love with the process. Success is about knowing when to pivot and taking that leap—listening to the voice inside that tells you to make a change. Through this process, I’ve learned the importance of being honest with myself and letting my voice stand out amid the noise.

As always, we appreciate you sharing your insights and we’ve got a few more questions for you, but before we get to all of that can you take a minute to introduce yourself and give our readers some of your back background and context?

My father was in the military, so growing up I moved around a lot—not just within the United States, but internationally as well. I was constantly experiencing new places, and visually, it was exciting to see a world of different landscapes, architecture, and people. Socially, I was immersed in a variety of rich cultures, giving me a unique childhood experience that has shaped how I see the world and continues to influence my work today. In photography, especially in portraits, landscape photography, and still life, I bring a perspective grounded in those experiences. For me, it’s not just about taking a picture; it’s about understanding the person and the space they’re in and capturing a story that’s authentic to them.

Before becoming the photographer behind the lens, I spent a number of years in front of the lens working as a model. That experience may not necessarily set me apart from others but it gave me a perspective from the subject’s point of view. There’s a certain pressure and vulnerability there, and I keep that in mind with every shoot, helping to ensure that the people I photograph feel comfortable, understood, and truly seen. My clients often come to me for that reason—they want more than a pretty picture; they’re looking for something real, whether that’s an image capturing a candid, beautiful moment or a visual narrative that aligns with their brand’s story.

When I’m behind the camera, my goal is to create a space where people can relax and be themselves. I understand that the camera can be intimidating, especially for those who aren’t used to it. I always aim to capture something real, and that only happens when people feel at ease. This approach is especially important in my portrait photography because I believe authenticity is what resonates most deeply with an audience.

In my work, whether it’s a portrait, a landscape image, or a product shot, I live for that moment when everything clicks. That’s what motivates me, and it’s why I approach each project with openness—and hopefully, some magical lighting. I love the moment afterward when my subject and I share the excitement of what’s been captured – when they see themselves in a new light. I’m grateful for the opportunity to work with clients who trust me to tell their stories. That’s what I bring to the table, and it’s something I’m proud to share with those I work with.

Can you tell us about a time you’ve had to pivot?

Until 2016, I spent about 15 years modeling and acting. Around that time, I realized the path I was on wasn’t right for me. I felt increasingly disconnected because it wasn’t giving me the creative outlet I needed, so I began exploring other options. I started taking a variety of courses at different colleges for fun, hoping to spark some ideas, including graphic design and interior design. However, it was a film photography class that truly opened up a new world for me. I discovered a love for visual storytelling that I hadn’t noticed before.

Making that change wasn’t easy, but it allowed me to grow in ways I never expected, leading to a career that feels more authentic and aligned with who I am. The journey hasn’t been straightforward, and there are still times when the path isn’t clear, but it was the right move. The opportunities that have come from this change are ones I couldn’t have imagined if I had stayed where I was, and I’m incredibly grateful for that.

We often hear about learning lessons – but just as important is unlearning lessons. Have you ever had to unlearn a lesson?

I had to let go of the idea that everything needed to be perfect. Early in my career, I was hard on myself, believing that everything I created had to be flawless. This mindset led to a lot of second-guessing and unnecessary stress. The turning point came during a project with tight deadlines when I simply didn’t have time to chase perfection. That’s when I realized that imperfections often make the work feel more relatable. Trying to meet an impossible standard was actually holding me back from creating work that was truly impactful.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://www.hellokatgardiner.com
• Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/kat-gardiner/

Image Credits

Kat Gardiner Photography