Washington DC Photographer
I’ve loved photography since I was a kid, stealing my mom’s disposable camera to freeze moments in time. I have been photographing professionally since 2012, but my purpose behind photography deepened after surviving cancer almost a decade later, in my mid- twenties.
While medicine may heal the body, I’ve learned that photographs have the ability to heal the mind. During a time when life felt uncertain, it was the images of better days that reminded me of the beauty and joy still worth embracing. The small, happy moments I consciously documented became my source of hope; a quiet reminder that life—despite its unpredictability—is worth cherishing. Since then, I’ve committed to living with purpose and gratitude, and to sharing that healing connection with others through my work.
And here’s a photo I took of that very sunset.
I feel things profoundly and love deeply. I’m drawn to moments that bring tears of joy—whether for myself or for others—and my partner often jokes that I seem to leak happiness from my eyeballs more than anyone she’s ever known.
Here’s a photo she took of me, crying happiness into a hotdog as I watched a gorgeous sunset on the last day of our first road trip together—messy hair and all. (This is me, feely and unfiltered. But don’t worry, I promise I’ll clean up nicely for your wedding day).
Katie (she/ her)
The girl behind the camera
My mission is to preserve these fleeting moments for you, turning them into tangible treasures that envelop you in the warmth of nostalgia.
They let us relive things like moments of triumph, joyful vacations, and cherished memories with loved ones, both present and past.
Photographs are
timeless
My mission is to preserve these fleeting moments for you, turning them into tangible treasures that envelop you in the warmth of nostalgia.
They let us relive things like moments of triumph, joyful vacations, and cherished memories with loved ones, both present and past.
Photographs are
timeless
Creativity has always been the driving force in my life, hence “Katie Lingan Creative.” My body and mind are most at peace when immersed in artistic expression, and my career has followed a winding, yet beautiful, path through the arts and entrepreneurship, allowing me to explore many passions. I’ve been a figure skating coach, a dance instructor, a pet sitter, and more. Yet, through all these roles, photography has always been my constant and most important work.
I often say I am more than just a photographer—I am an artist, driven by a deep desire for human connection. My mission is to help others embrace their beauty, to make them feel seen, and to help them love themselves and feel confident in the process.
Because let’s be honest—everyone deserves to feel that way. Yes, even you.
I take pride in my ability to match the energy of the room and bring just the right vibe to every occasion.
When it comes to life events such as weddings and proposals, you need someone who can read the emotions and body language of those around them. As a “mixtrovert”—a unique blend of introvert and extrovert—I excel at observing quietly in the background, yet I’m also comfortable stepping forward to take charge when the moment calls for it.
My goal is that working with me will feel like you’re working with a close friend.
P.S. - The story telling doesn't stop with my photos. I will talk to you for as long as you let me.
Caroline G, wife of Sub-Radio’s Adam B
“Her email communication was clear & comprehensive, and she really helped us figure out how to plan our day to maximize both the amount of photos we could take AND the time we could spend with our guests.”
“Katie is an absolute GEM of a human; she’s warm, engaging, and has such welcoming energy.”
I’d say my favorite live show to date was The Postal Service/ Death Cab for Cutie 20 year reunion tour… but that’s closely followed by artists like Lady Gaga, Madonna, Lights, & The Maine. Live music is the best.
I have a very eclectic taste in music and was definitely a Warped Tour kid.
I love a good massage, a bubble bath, you name it.
I’m a self care queen.
I started with pink, slowly graduated to a little bit of purple, and then decided to go totally wild with a deep blue/ purple combo for a while. I frequently tell my stylists to surprise me, because I'm mesmerized by how they express their artistry. It's like commissioning a painting... that I get to wear on my head.
Though I’m currently rocking my natural hair color, I’ve had all sorts of fashion colors over the years.
I love them so much, I even owned and operated a pet sitting company for 5 years, and would still be doing that today if photography wasn’t whispering in my ear to come back!
I’m a dog person and a cat person. I refuse to pick favorites.
I’ve lived in the DMV my entire life, but my most traveled to states are Oregon & California.
