Today we’d like to introduce you to Kat De Laet.
Hi Kat, so excited to have you with us today. What can you tell us about your story?
Hi, I’m Kat De Laet. I’m a portrait photographer with a soft spot for pets, especially the whiskered, opinionated kind. I photograph cats. And dogs. And of course they’re humans too, they’re part of the pack after all.
I grew up in Belgium. I was the artsy kid, always drawing, painting, dancing ballet. Creativity was always a part of my life. Photography? Not so much. I gave it a shot in my teens but quickly decided I wasn’t very good at it and moved on. Fair enough.
Years later, with a ‘real’ degree under my belt and my own apartment, I adopted a cat. Then another. I dusted off my camera and began taking photos, at first just for me. I wanted to freeze time a little. Capture their quirks, their expressions, the way they completely took over my space (and heart). So, like many pet people, I started an Instagram account for them. Things took off in a way I didn’t expect. As their follower count grew, I wanted more than cute photos. I wanted to capture something real: to tell a story, do justice to the connection I felt with them.
So I dove in. I took a short course to learn the basics, and from there, I kept teaching myself. Practicing. Experimenting. Slowly but surely, a hobby transformed into a passion, and eventually into a business I loved. One that let me bottle up emotion and story into a single image. One that allowed people to hold on to their most beloved companions forever.
Eventually, life nudged me across the ocean. I moved to the U.S., finally landing in San Diego, camera gear and cats in tow. I now live and work in San Diego, where I continue to grow my business and build new connections in this vibrant pet-loving community.
I photograph mostly on-location all over San Diego and beyond. I love photographing pets out in nature, turning everyday spots into something extraordinary. When needed, I also bring my pop-up studio to people’s homes, mostly for cats or more reserved pets. I set up in their home, where they feel safe, smug, and perfectly in charge. It matters to me that every session be fun, relaxed, and completely tailored to my clients. I believe in photos that feel like memories, and in creating experiences that leave everyone feeling seen, celebrated, and just a little bit spoiled.
Over the years, I’ve been lucky enough to receive several international photography awards. To name a few, I’m a two-time Cat Photographer of the Year (in two different competitions), and I’ve been awarded Young Photographer of the Year by the Federation of European Photographers. Awards are lovely, but what means the most is knowing the stories behind the images matter to someone else too.
This city feels like home in all the right ways. It’s where I get to keep growing, both as an artist and as a person. So thank you, San Diego, for welcoming a Belgian girl with a camera and two fluffy sidekicks. I truly love it here.
We all face challenges, but looking back would you describe it as a relatively smooth road?
Starting over in a new country is no small thing, especially when you’ve built something you’re proud of. It meant going from a successful business in Belgium to introducing myself all over again here in San Diego. New city, new audience, new everything. It takes time and patience to rebuild trust from the ground up. Rebuilding trust from the ground up takes time and patience. As an introvert, putting myself out there in a new community can feel nerve-racking, but bit by bit I’ve begun connecting with fellow pet lovers here in San Diego. The clients I’ve had the honor to work with so far have been incredibly kind, and that’s made all the difference. It reminded me that good people (and good pets) are everywhere. The heart of what I do hasn’t changed. I’m still all about capturing the magic between pets and their people.
Thanks – so what else should our readers know about your work and what you’re currently focused on?
I specialize in storytelling through imagery, capturing the quiet, emotional connection between people and their pets in a way that feels honest, timeless, and full of heart. My work is known for being emotional and detail-driven, with a touch of whimsy.
What sets me apart is my approach. I don’t just show up and take pretty pictures, I take my time. Every session is tailored to the individual animal and their person. I believe in creating photos that feel like memories, and in delivering an experience where my clients, furry or otherwise, feel seen, celebrated, and just a little bit spoiled. My empathy and patience help me to achieve this.
Before moving to San Diego, I ran a successful pet photography business in Belgium, where I grew my skills from the ground up. What started as me photographing my own cats on a whim turned into a full-time passion and eventually a career.
But what I’m most proud of? Honestly, it’s the quiet moments: seeing someone tear up while looking at a portrait of their senior pet, or knowing a client will treasure that image long after the fur is gone from the couch. That’s why I do what I do. And of course, if a client uses one of my images as their profile picture!
Since moving to the U.S., I’ve been rebuilding my business here in San Diego, reconnecting with a new community, one kind client at a time. It’s not easy starting over, but it’s worth it. I’m currently working on a personal project that’s close to my heart, and I can’t wait to share it.
For now, I’m just grateful to be here. San Diego has welcomed me, camera, cats, and all, and it feels like exactly where I’m meant to be.
Any advice for finding a mentor or networking in general?
One of the best pieces of advice I can give when looking for a mentor is to seek out someone you admire within your field, but whose approach is different from your own. In my experience, that’s where the most meaningful growth happens. It challenges your thinking, sparks new questions, and broadens your perspective.
As a photographer, I’ve found networking to be more accessible than I expected, thanks to the many photography societies and communities out there. They’ve helped me connect with others in the industry, and some of those connections have grown into genuine friendships. Having people around you who understand your craft, and the unique challenges that come with it, is incredibly valuable.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://katdelaetphoto.com
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/katdelaetphotography/
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/katdelaetphotography
Image Credits
Kat De Laet Portraits
