Photography Feature: Kate Martens

It's such a small world. Kate is siblings with a client of ours who recently got married (last weekend in fact!). We had heard of her a few times before, when she was known as The Girl in the Gumboots Photography, although she has since re-branded and we just love her website and branding. Kate's brother was getting married, and she suggested that they get in touch with us to design their wedding invitations. We met with them one sunny Durban afternoon, and the rest as they say, is history! Below is our interview with Kate, as well as a collection of some of her glorious images. We hope you enjoy it!



How did you get into photography? Was it a hobby that expanded into a business, or has it been a dream since you were young?
I've always been the “person” with the camera! I can’t recall when I actually first started but it’s been a passion of mine from when I can remember, and now grown into my business. Sometimes I wish I could go back in time and kick myself into the direction im going in now and not have wasted all those years doing things that didn’t interest me, but when you young, you don’t always have the confidence to follow your dreams. I luckily have been supported by my loving Husband, family, and friends to take this road, and boy has it been an exciting one so far. I look forward to the future, because you never know whats around the next corner and if you leave yourself open to opportunities you never know what can happen.

Tell us about yourself in three words
Happy, fun loving & mischievous


What were you doing prior to becoming a photographer and where did you study?
I was working as an Account Manager at an advertising agency. I went to Varsity College to study advertising and marketing, then onto Red & Yellow School of advertising for another year.

Where are you based? And do you travel for your photography?
I'm based in KZN – and why I say this, and not a particular place or area is because travelling doesn't phase me and I'm game for any new adventure!



How would you describe your photography "aesthetic"?
I would like to think of it as clean, natural, and just pretty to look at. I want my photographs to be put into frames and admired for years to come

What inspires your photography?
Trying new things. I love seeing a photo that you know the photographer was trying something different and wasn't afraid.


Besides photography, what are your other loves?
My family & friends, music, travelling, my animals (well in fact nearly ALL animals) as I'm a huge a bunny-hugger!

Do you do wedding photography? If so, besides weddings, what else do you shoot?
I do weddings, family, maternity, engagements, new born shoots and more..


As a design and wedding blog, we have to ask: do you enjoy photographing weddings?
I really love it. Being able to be ‘behind the scenes” with a couple on one of most important day In their lives is such a privilege and honor. Another thing which means a lot to me is having the opportunity to listen to some great services with meaningful words, it reminds me of the sanctity of marriage.

If you had to choose a photographer to take your own wedding photos, who would it be? Who inspires you?
Well I'm already married and I got the super talented and lovely Sam Maber to photograph my special day. Every time I look at my album its transports me back to that awesome day, so a huge thanks to her for being able to capture it so magnificently.



What do you see in the future for yourself in the next few years?
I sometimes wish I could see into the future and see where this path is leading me, but then maybe it would ruin all the surprises I have in store? All I can say is that I hope to remain as happy and passionate as I am now.

What are your wedding/engagement/general shoot rates?
I have 3 different packages to suite most brides and I'm always open to “tailor” making something that is just right for the bride Because not every bride is the same. My wedding packages start at R8000.

How can people get hold of you?
They can either look for me on facebook - https://www.facebook.com/KateMartensPhotography
Or my blog which has all my contact details - www.katemartens.co.za
Or email me on – katemartensphotos@gmail.com




Please finish these sentences:

Right now I am happy about... the smell of my new perfume on my collar
Photography is... preservation – it’s the one thing you have left of a passed moment
Rooibos tea... is second in line to Earl Gray
I am so grateful... for the love and support of my family and friends
People would say that I am... gentle but with a naughty and mischievous side
I get annoyed when... someone eats the last biscuit
A photograph is... tangible memory
In a year I will... be 31 …eek!
When I wake up in the morning.... I kiss my husband and doggies before making a cup of much needed coffee
I don't understand... animal cruelty
I am terrified of... cockroaches
Tomorrow I will be... editing, editing and more editing
If I had a million Rand I... would get my family packed and on the way to the airport for a much needed family vacation, don’t know just what I would do with the rest.

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