Kate Thayer

So nice to meet you! First off, what’s your name? Tell our readers a bit about yourself—where you’re from originally and where you live now.

I’m so happy to be here! My name is Kaitlyn, but please, call me Kate. I’ve been a wedding photographer for 3 years. My business works largely out of Minnesota but has taken me all over the US. I was born in Iowa but grew up in small-town northern Minnesota for nearly my entire life. I have a deep understanding and appreciation of the farm life, as I spent most of my teens working with poultry, cattle, and horses. I started my photography business when I was 19 and since then, my clientele has multiplied, largely in the Minneapolis area. I recently moved to St. Paul, and I fully expect the Twin Cities to remain a home base of mine. Moving 3 hours south of the place I’ve called home for so long is a big change, but it has been the smoothest, most beautiful change of my life.

Tell us one thing you love about where you live now.

I so quickly fell in love with the charm of the big city. I find so much inspiration in the area. From the gardens and parks to the downtown areas, I constantly find myself in awe of the beauty of it all. My boyfriend and I like to travel, so it’s been a blessing to live close to the airport. We’re also both such foodies; it is so exciting to be somewhere with so much variety and access to incredible restaurants.

Tell us a little more about what your company does and how it started. How does it help your customers?

I am a Minnesota-based and travel wedding photographer. I specialize in both digital and film photos. Captured by Kaitlyn actually just had her 3rd birthday in August, which feels simply unreal.

I’ve always had a creative spirit. At 12, I wrote some short novels, I played piano, and I was a bit of an artist, drawing people, wildlife, plants, all the things that evoked emotion in me. I didn’t pick up my first camera until I was 19, and while I intended it to be a hobby, the universe had other plans for me. My first paid photography job was a wedding. I took the wedding on as a favor, and that day completely changed my life. When I got back to my car after the wedding, I was overcome with such emotion, and from that moment on, I could see exactly what I wanted my future to be. A dream was born and I have been working my butt off for it ever since.

I bring a documentary as well as an intentional approach to my couples’ wedding day. I always work towards an experience that feels both authentic and guided. The biggest concern my clients bring to me is their fear of being awkward in front of the camera, and my goal is to always make them feel comfortable and look their best. My clients trust me to know the right time to let moments unfold, and when I need to step in and help guide or pose them.

If someone wants to start a business, what advice would you give them?

Running a business is really hard. I make a lot of sacrifices to work towards the life I want. My advice would be, if you’re going to start a business, let it be something you love. Let it be something that brings you immense joy. Your passion is what makes the effort worth it.

What is one piece of feedback from a happy customer or client that you won't forget?

One of my brides left a Google review where she went into depth about how much she and her husband loved their experience. She described me as “down to earth, passionate,” and said I “radiated positivity.” She also mentioned that her guests just loved interacting with me. I think that has really stuck with me because it was such a good reminder that my couples hire me for my personality as much as they do for my photos, and I truly believe that is more important than anything else.

Where do you see your company in the future?

At this time, I’m still working a part-time job. My main goal for the next two years is to go full time with my photography. I’m looking to take on more travel weddings in 2027 and 2028, around the states and possibly out of the country. I see my business being a ray of sunshine in my couples’ wedding experience, and I always love pouring my heart into their day. As Captured by Kaitlyn grows, I see it as something that can support the life I’m building as well as supporting the people whose day I’m documenting.

What is the biggest misconception about your industry?

Honestly, that wedding photography is all about taking photos. My job consists of so much, and taking photos is such a small part of that. Between personal relationships, marketing, editing, offering an incredible experience, knowing how to work under pressure, being able to pose people, and managing large groups, a lot goes into it.

What has been one of your biggest struggles building your business, and how did you deal with it?

In 2024, Captured by Kaitlyn really started to take off. I’d built a strong foundation on social media and I was starting to consistently book out. This, sadly, ended up being one of the darkest times of my life. I felt trapped in an abusive marriage, and while I was able to “power through” for a long time, eventually the physical and mental burden became too much. I became extremely sick for months, even multiple rounds of antibiotics couldn’t knock it out of me, I barely slept, I was isolated, my entire life was unsafe, and I dealt with constant panic attacks. I do not say it lightly when I say that this marriage nearly cost me my life. Although I still showed up for my booked couples every way I knew how, the backend of things crashed and burned. My social media presence disappeared and I found myself unable to take on any new clients. In early 2025, I finally got out. It took me months to rebuild what I’d lost. I faced a lot of disappointment and resentment towards myself that I’ve worked hard to overcome. Time has gone on, my efforts have doubled, and I find myself and my business in one of the most beautiful places in life I could ever ask for. I’ve explored new places and met the most incredible couples. And now, going into 2027, I am overjoyed to see where this journey continues to take me.

What was your favorite music artist and athlete growing up?

When it comes to my favorite athlete, Katie Ledecky is an easy answer for me. I was in a swim club for a while, and watching her on the Olympic swim team was one of the most inspiring moments of my life. My favorite music artist was probably Adele. I had all of her CDs on repeat, and I used to watch her live performances on YouTube for hours.

Any shoutouts you want to make?

My family has been such an incredible pillar in my life and journey. I am the oldest of six and a carbon copy of my mother. These people mean the world to me and have shaped who I am so much. Their support has meant everything. My friends, who are some of the best people I’ve ever met, are a constant reminder that good friendships do exist. I’d also like to give a shoutout to the Nelson family. They’ve been a constant source of inspiration and support since my early teens. I wouldn’t be where I am today without them. And finally, my wonderful boyfriend, who is always reminding me of who I am and what I’m capable of. I am so incredibly grateful for all of the good and peace he brings into my life. His encouragement, kindness, and presence are everything to me. I am surrounded by amazing people.

Where can our readers learn more about you and your company?

Go find me on TikTok and Instagram @capturedbykaitlyn.mn, where I share my work and personality! You can also visit my website, capturedbykaitlynmn.com, to learn more about what it’s like to work with me.