Kate is an adventure photographer, guide and creative who has a special way of capturing people and the places they interact with. Her photography allows viewers to be in the moment with the athletes, or models, and the natural environment, in whatever the conditions. This dedication to her craft has landed her on her campaigns with brands such as the North Face Australia.
Hi there! Could you introduce yourself and what you do for the readers?
Hi, I’m Kate (she/they) - and I’m often based on the road or on Djab Wurrung + Jardwadjali Country. I do many things (sometimes too many?!) but how I primarily exist in the creative space is through photography, especially focusing on human relationships with mother nature.
Kate bike packing in 2023, Col de Varda, 2220m, the Dolomites.
What is your background? How did you start your career in adventure photography?
Oooo this is a hard one.
By trade I am an outdoor guide, specialising mainly in Multi Day hikes and multi-activity programs with young people, both on land and underwater. I have also spent time in the world of Trail Building + Conservation/land management work.
I have had a camera in my hand since the age of 10, I was privileged enough to travel Australia as a kid with parents and two brothers, and of course there is much to capture when in and out of a car for months on end. Macro photos of dirt, rain drops on car windows, silly photos of the mischief me and my brothers would get up-to - and the occasional photo of the landscape or pretty sunsets.
I have continued to then take that into my life outdoors, taking photos for guiding companies and friends, as well as the little adventures I get up-to.
It kinda all kicked off when a friend, Liam, who I met while backpacking in Slovenia 2023, was a friend of a friend who happened to be organising the first ever Grampians Peaks Trail 100 miler event back in Nov’ 2023 - This friend of a friend of Liam then contacted me to see if I could capture the event last minute.
I had NEVER done anything like this before and fair to say I was pooping my pants but I gave it my best crack and it turned out okay!
I then did some work with the wonderful folks at Climbing Qt’s (big shoutout to Mel <3) and the ball really just started rolling. It’s been a wild 1.5 years but gosh am I excited to see where it’s headed!
How do you think your journey through the industry has impacted how you approach projects?
The more I work in the outdoor and especially commercial outdoor photography space, the more I realise there is to learn. I knew there was a lot but wow there is a lot. I have met so SO many incredible artists over this short 1.5 year period that have inspired me beyond imagination. There truly is no limit.
I think this has opened my eyes to see really how malleable photography is and how much there truly is to learn. And that it may take baby steps but eventually you can really take it where you want.
I really want to tell people’s stories.
What has been your favourite project thus far?
Another hard question! But I worked with the wonderful crew of North Face Australia to organise a Commercial shoot in the magical place of Lutruwita/Tasmania. I learnt so much about how to plan a shoot, from permits to talent - and got to work with a childhood friend, Spencer (which has been a lifetime dream). I adore the Lutruwita landscape and really think it’s SO important for folks to be outside, so to shoot something that felt inspiring in an inspiring location with an AMAZING crew was a dream.
What are you excited about in the outdoor industry at the moment?
I’m really excited about the growth of inclusive spaces + organisations within Australia.
Outside NEEDS to be a safe space - oh we have much work to do, but seeing steps forward is really lovely and important.
I could talk about the layers of this forever but I’ll keep it at that.
Manaslu Glacier, Manaslu, Nepal.
How does the Australian environment impact your photography?
I don't think I have ever thought about Australia itself as impacting.
I guess environment (in this case outdoor spaces) is what makes photography in a way right?
It presents challenges, creates spaces for people to feel, and capturing that is a dream.
Of course with the climate crisis - extreme weather events becoming more prominent, it is changing how we exist and interact in the landscape, which impacts everyone, and as a photographer I feel a sense of responsibility to tell that story in a way that pushes action.
Something I would like to do more of.
Pauly Highlining on Tubbalunganer/ Mt Buffalo during the sunset.
Are there any small brands you'd like to shoutout?
Oh there are so many. First of all my beautiful friend Spencer, a talented Videographer and photographer who I have been friends with and has been inspiring me since we were 16. (@spencer.cameron)
Talia Su, an incredibly talented adventure photographer. (@taliasuh)
Mikaela, an artist who lives down the road from me - doing some wonderful art in the jewellery space (@earth_creature).
And Gariwerd Trail runners (@Gariwerd_trail_running) - a Running group based in (you guessed it) Gariwerd, who are doing sweet things in the Trail Running/Exploring space. *you should check out their podcast too ;)
Goodness there’s so many - there’s no end of amazing humans out there!
I also want to thank Abi for shining a light on some wonderful creatives (being one of those herself!).
Adrian on Henry Bolte wall, Dyuritte/Arapiles.
Trekking through the Myrtle Beech Forests of the Overland Track, Lutruwita/Tasmania.
Kate at Larke Pass, Manaslu, Nepal.
A big thank you to Kate for giving such beautiful responses and allowing us to have a little peek into her exciting world of photography. I can't wait to see what the future holds for you.
I'd love it if you could send this to your friends to share Kate's work with the world.
Happy creating!
Abi x
All images courtesy of Kate Proctor.
Cover Photo: Northface AW25 in Lutruwita, Tasmania.