Hello, I'm Katie {KJ}
Wedding & Lifestyle Photographer
Hi, I’m Katie Jane Palmer—an adventurous soul, storyteller at heart, and photographer who truly loves what I gets to do.
Photography became my creative outlet while traveling the world with my husband, Matt, over the span of three years. We first quit our jobs, bought a Ram Promaster van, and spent a year and a half living on the road, exploring all 48 lower states. During that time, I began documenting our travels, teaching myself photography through online courses, countless videos, and lots of hands-on practice. What started as a hobby quickly became something that gave me purpose again.
When international borders opened, we packed up our lives once more—this time with a camera bag and a 40-liter backpack—and set off around the world. We traveled through Central America, spent months in Asia, visited Africa for unforgettable safari experiences, and explored South America. Along the way, I fell in love with cultures, people, food, and the beauty found in everyday moments—from the energy of Vietnam to the quiet rhythm of life in New Zealand.
Eventually, it was time to come home to Wilmington, North Carolina. I knew I didn’t want to return to my former career as a teacher, but I did know I wanted to keep working with people. That’s when I took the biggest leap yet—turning photography into a business. I shifted from documenting places to documenting people, learning lifestyle and portrait photography with the same curiosity and care that guided me through travel photography.
“Shegoes” felt like the perfect name—because I go, I explore, and I dive in wholeheartedly.
Today, I’m so grateful to photograph couples, families, and individuals—getting to know their stories and capturing genuine moments of connection, love, and joy. I’m kind, easygoing, and deeply invested in making the experience feel relaxed and meaningful. Whether we’re shooting close to home or somewhere far away, I bring the same excitement, care, and heart to every session.
I’m truly honored to do this work—and I can’t wait to meet you.
— Katie 🤍
My Approach: People First, Always
My approach to photography is rooted in people, connection, and the moments that make life feel meaningful. Capturing love, excitement, and emotion during important seasons of life is at the heart of everything I do. While photographs matter deeply, the experience of being photographed matters just as much.
Being in front of the camera can feel intimidating—I understand that completely. My goal is to create a space where you feel comfortable, relaxed, and truly yourself. I guide gently, encourage natural movement, and focus on creating an experience that feels easy and enjoyable. When people feel at ease, genuine moments naturally unfold, and those are the images that last.
Life is made up of people, moments, and emotions we want to hold on to. That belief shapes the way I photograph—observing quietly when needed, stepping in when guidance helps, and always prioritizing authenticity over perfection.
Travel has deeply shaped my perspective. Experiencing the world and different cultures has been one of my greatest passions. I’ve spent years traveling through places near and far, and no matter where I’ve been, what always grounds me is people. Witnessing individuals from all walks of life share both joy and hardship has shown me how powerful human connection truly is.
During the COVID years, my husband and I built out a van and spent a year traveling across all 48 lower states. When borders reopened, we fulfilled our long-held dream of international travel—spending time in Central America, backpacking through Asia and Africa, and later exploring South America. Those experiences taught me to slow down, observe, and appreciate the beauty in everyday moments.
Now settled in Wilmington, North Carolina, I bring that same sense of curiosity, calm, and connection into every session I photograph. Whether close to home or far away, my approach remains the same—people first, moments as they unfold, and an experience that feels just as meaningful as the images themselves.
Kind words from
Amber DeVere
"Working with Katie (@shegoes_photographpy) on our engagement pictures was truly special! We captured loving, romantic, silly and "funky love" moments and it was so us! We had a blast taking these pictures and she made the whole thing extremely relaxing. We felt no pressure and as a result got some beautiful natural pictures! Katie is energetic, positive and a wonderful photographer!"
Let’s work together
