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Kate Coolens | San Diego Content Creator

@katecoolens

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Hi! I’m officially Katherine Caro, M.S.!

✨ “To everyone with a dream, know that your dreams are valid, and on your path, you are never denied, only redirected.” - Catriona Gray ✨

Here’s my story of redirection, resilience, and a message for the younger generation:

When I was earning my Bachelor’s degree, I was constantly compared to others. There was always someone smarter, faster, or better. I was even told not to dream too high because I’d only face disappointment.

It hurt, but I didn’t let those words stop me. I proved to myself that I AM DIFFERENT AND MEANT FOR GREATER THINGS.

At my college graduation, I remember telling my mom, “Someday, I’ll have my master’s degree and PhD!” But as the eldest child, responsibilities came first, and there was no money to pursue my dreams.

In 2019, I moved to Bahrain to work, but the dream of studying never left me. I searched for affordable online courses but couldn’t make it work. By 2020, I planned to study in New Zealand and even took the TOEFL, but it still didn’t happen.

In 2021, I got married and moved to the US. Homesickness hit hard, and without my family or friends nearby, I was diagnosed with anxiety and depression. It was tough, but I promised myself, “I will get through this. I have so much more to achieve.” So I slowly worked on myself, mentally and physically.

By 2023, I found the MS in Digital Marketing program at NIU after overcoming lots of challenges and self-doubts. Finally, God gave me more than I ever dreamed of.

From being underestimated, I became the first in my family to earn a Master’s degree in the US. They saw me as different, but I’m here to break generational cycles.

To the younger generation: Never limit your dreams. If others doubt you, remember that sometimes that’s just a reflection of their own insecurities. Don’t dwell on problems. Keep moving forward.

Keep dreaming and working hard. Setbacks may make you want to quit, but those same challenges will lead you to greater victories!

——

#graduation2024 #graduationshoot #outfit #niuhuskies #girlaesthetic taken in San Diego, California by @katecoolens

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2 years ago

Capturing life like it’s a movie📸

Tried a different style recently 🤭

#sandiegophotographer #sandiegoportraits #cinematicportrait #springaesthetic by @katecoolens

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4 months ago

Time to channel your inner spring cowgirl🫶

Model+horses: @chiquito_ranchito

#sandiegophotographer #springmini #warmaesthetic #springaesthetic #sandiegoportraits by @katecoolens

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4 months ago

POV: it’s your spring main character photoshoot
Should I upload the results of our photoshoot already? 🤭🫶

Horse + model: @chiquito_ranchito
Video + photo: @katesperspectives @katecoolens
Music: Cinnamon Girl by Lana del Rey

#springaesthetic #springmini #sandiegophotographer #sandiegophotography portrait by @katecoolens

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4 months ago

Sharing some photos from the Genesis and Kate collab 🫶

#portrait #nikonphotography #sandiegophotographer #studiophotoshoot by @katecoolens

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9 months ago

Last week, we lived a dream. If only my wife and I could hit rewind and live it all over again.
07.27.2025 taken in Balboa Park by @katecoolens

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a year ago

What happens when a wedding photographer gets married?
Well… the pressure is on. The expectations? Sky high. The standards? Ruthless. 😅

Alex & MJ said “I do” yesterday at the beautiful Prado at Balboa Park — and yes, Alex is an amazing wedding photographer himself.
So, did we survive the test?
Did we meet the photographer’s-photographer standards?

You tell us. 😉

(Their dreamy engagement session at Mt. Woodson Castle already set the tone — but this wedding? Next level.) @alexcastroweddings @emmjay1219 @arcastro938

Photo & video by @pka_photo

Venue @pradobalboapark
DJ: @ohwattanight
Florist: @lizsflowerssd
Cake: @fabcakegirls
Content Creator: @katesperspectives

#sandiegoweddingphotographer #balboaparkwedding #weddingphotography #pkaphotoandvideo #pkaphotography #pkaphoto #theprado #elprado #gardenweddings taken in Balboa Park by @katecoolens

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a year ago

Of course we love daddy and me photoshoots too! 🥰

#sandiegophotographer #familyphotoshoot #sandiegoportraits #daddyandme taken in San Diego, California by @katecoolens

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a year ago

I looove candid moments! 🥰 This is your sign to have a mommy and me mini photoshoot!

#mommyandme #sandiegophotographer #nikonphotography #familyphotoshoot taken in San Diego, California by @katecoolens

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a year ago

Took a little break, but I’m easing back into photography! Grateful to my dear friends for trusting me with their family photos a couple of weeks ago.

If you love soft, airy, and dreamy photos, DM me to book a spring mini session in San Diego! ✨

San Diego photographer | family photographer #familyphotos #sandiegophotography #sandiegophotographer #beachphotos taken in Long Beach, California by @katecoolens

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a year ago

Happy Anniversary, Amy & Ian! 🎉🎊
@iankirk18 @aj_mcgraw

Even though you joked about celebrating in four years on your anniversary leap year, I just couldn’t wait to send my best wishes your way! 🥰💕

#leapyearwedding #weddinganiversary #weddingphotography #sandiegowedding #sandiegoweddinhphotographer #sandiegoweddingvideographer #pkaphotography #pkaphotoandvideo #pkaphoto taken in Coronado Island by @katecoolens

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a year ago

✨ Amy and Ian celebrated a magical leap year wedding in Coronado, San Diego, California! ✨

Their enchanting day commenced with a breathtaking first look and intimate vows exchanged at the foot of the iconic Coronado Bridge.
Congratulations @aj_mcgraw and @iankirk18

💖 #leapyear #coronadowedding taken in Tidelands Park, Coronado CA by @katecoolens

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2 years ago