Meet Kate Bonin | Photographer

We had the good fortune of connecting with Kate Bonin and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Kate, how has your perspective on work-life balance evolved over time?
My work life balance changed when my mindset changed from “living to work”, to “working to live.” Balance is so important, and necessary to function well in running your own business. It’s easy to get addicted to the grind and cut out the things that make you feel alive, just because lack of time, and the “grind it out” mindset our culture has encouraged us in. Don’t get me wrong, hard work pays off and will get you where you need to go, but that can lose its value if you’re not making time for the little joys with the people you do life with.

Can you open up a bit about your work and career? We’re big fans and we’d love for our community to learn more about your work.
The options are endless with what you can do with photography. Families. Couples, Newborns, Weddings, Seniors, Brand shoots, and so on. I learned pretty early on that Couples and Weddings were what I was drawn to most. They have become a part of me, and a huge outlet in how I express myself. I take full initiative at my sessions to do the best I can to insure my couples are completely at ease, and feel comfortable In their skin. I think this is immensely important to capture raw, intimate moments. To be able to photograph in between the lines. One thing I’ve leaned on this journey with entrepreneurship and photography, is that comparison is poison. Once you start tearing yourself down because of the beauty in someone els’s work, it is hard to continue to grow and keep the spark of inspiration alive. Let the accomplishments of others inspire you to keep working hard, and never stop learning! What you have to offer is one of a kind. Something only you can give. No one will see things through the exact same lenses as you. So let that push you to steward your gift well.

If you had a friend visiting you, what are some of the local spots you’d want to take them around to?
If we were to spend time in the city together, we would for sure start with coffee at “Tenfold Coffee Company”. The atmosphere in which this coffee shop creates is one of beauty and warmth. Plants placed all around, and tables full of conversational people bonding over vanilla iced lattes and warm chai teas. After we grab out coffee we would make our way down to “Tall Plants”. A sweet plant shop In the area. after spending time there and admiring natures beauty, we would decide on a place to eat lunch. Obviously, True foods is our first option. My personal go to at true foods is the “Ancient Grains Bowl” with chicken. enjoyed with a “Sparkling Prickly Pear Tisane”. After lunch, we would find ourselves in the Art Museum downtown. Hours are lost here. When the evening rolls around and its time for a little more relaxation, one might find us sitting on a blanket in Herman park, admiring the sun setting behind the buildings. This would be the perfect ending to a day in the city.

Who else deserves some credit and recognition?
I would not be where I am today without my big sister and friend, Madeleine Frost. In 2018 Madeleine took me under her wing and introduced me to the art of photography as she lived the life of a successful, world traveling Wedding Photographer. She handed me my first camera, and that single act of kindness changed the trajectory of my life.

Website: kate bonin.com

Instagram: katebonin.co

Facebook: katebonin.co