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

Cat, thanks for joining us, excited to have you contributing your stories and insights. Do you think your parents have had a meaningful impact on you and your journey?

My paternal grandparents raised me, and one thing they absolutely got right was giving me the freedom to be fully, unapologetically myself. They didn’t try to shape me into who they thought I should be—they let me figure that out on my own.

I think a lot of parents, often without meaning to, place their own expectations and ideas onto their kids. My grandparents didn’t do that. They had my back, always. They didn’t always understand me—and that’s okay—but they loved me without conditions and gave me the space to explore who I was becoming.

That kind of freedom stays with you. It shaped me in ways I’m still discovering, and it’s a big part of who I am today.

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 background and context?

I’ve been a photographer for over 30 years, and like many people in this field, I didn’t just “get into it”—it became part of how I see the world. Over the years, I’ve photographed just about everything: weddings, families, events—you name it. But at this point in my career, I’ve intentionally stepped back and become much more focused.
Now, I primarily shoot headshots. There’s something really special to me about creating an image that helps someone feel seen, confident, and fully themselves. A good headshot isn’t just about looking professional—it’s about capturing presence and authenticity. That’s the part I love.
I’m also in a season of transition. I consider myself semi-retired, with a goal of stepping away from client work entirely in the next 2–3 years. I’m making space to focus more on my personal art and other creative endeavors—the kind of work where I can get lost in my studio and create purely for the sake of creating.
In addition to photography, I serve as the Programming Director for Utah Queer Film Festival, and this will be my third year in that role. That work is incredibly meaningful to me—helping bring queer stories to the screen and creating space for community, visibility, and connection.
What sets me apart, I think, is perspective. I’ve been doing this long enough to know that the technical side is just the baseline. What matters more is how you make people feel—whether that’s in front of the camera or through the work you help bring into the world. I care deeply about creating spaces where people feel comfortable, affirmed, and like they can show up as themselves.
What I’m most proud of isn’t just the longevity of my career, but the relationships and trust I’ve built along the way. And as I move into this next chapter, I want people to know that my work—whether it’s a headshot or a film program—is always rooted in authenticity, community, and care.

Can you tell us about what’s worked well for you in terms of growing your clientele?

For me, it’s always been word of mouth. I’ve never relied heavily on marketing—my growth has come from how I show up and the reputation I’ve built over time.
I think people can feel when you genuinely care, and that’s what stays with them. That care turns into trust, and trust turns into referrals.
Some of my clients have been with me for 10, even 20 years. I’ve watched their lives unfold—families grow, careers evolve—and those relationships mean everything to me. At this point, many of them aren’t just clients anymore, they’re some of my dearest friends.
That kind of connection is the most meaningful (and effective) way I’ve grown my business, and honestly, it’s the only way I’ve ever wanted to do it.

What do you find most rewarding about being a creative?

I feel like the luckiest person in the world to have made a life out of something I love. I knew at 15 that this was what I wanted, and I think that version of me would be pretty proud of where I’ve landed.
The most rewarding part is that I’ve built a life that feels aligned with who I am. I don’t have to clock in somewhere that drains me or spend my days feeling disconnected from my work. Instead, I get to create, to follow my instincts, and to stay curious.
Life is too short to spend it doing something you hate. That’s always been my belief, and I’ve done my best to live by it.
At the end of the day, what means the most to me is being able to say I truly love the life I’ve created—and that feels like the biggest reward of all.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://www.catpalmer.com
• Instagram: @catpalmerslc

Image Credits

all photos by me except the one of me in my studio is by Manfred Vogel and I have his permission to use (his watermark is on it).