Who is Katie Sikora?

Well, I am! I am a documentary wedding photographer based in New Orleans and specializing in destination weddings and elopements. I have been shooting weddings since my first one in Milwaukee in 2015 and since then have worked with clients in Louisiana, Wisconsin, Illinois, Washington, Massachusetts, and even Poland. My work is a mixture of organically captured candid moments shot throughout your wedding day as well as artfully posed but natural portraits to create a style I like to call "glossy documentary.” I celebrate each couple's individuality by incorporating the unique elements that showcase your love story and capturing it all—digitally and on film—so that you can look back at your images ten days or ten years from now and remember exactly how it felt to be you on your wedding day.

I graduated with a degree in Visual Journalism from the University of Miami and worked as a Photo Editor in Door County, Wisconsin, a Media Strategist in Chicago, and as an Archivist at The National World War II Museum in New Orleans before pivoting to freelance photography and journalism with heavy focuses on the environment, music, social activism, and of course, weddings!

I am the Associate Photo Editor at ANTIGRAVITY Magazine, have a fiancé, a dog, a cat, and a tortoise, and love touring with bands and musicians whenever possible. I grew up in Chicago (go Hawks) and can eat my weight in deep dish pizza.

When you work with me, you are working with a longtime professional photographer who is constantly searching for the moments: a glance, a tear, a smile, a roaring laugh. Those are my favorite shots to take, the ones where you have forgotten completely I am in the room. You have worked long and hard to craft the wedding celebration that looks and feels perfect to you. It is my job and my honor to document that as authentically as possible so that you and generations to come can look back on your album and feel it just as you did.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is your typical process for working with a new customer?

Once the client (that’s you!) reaches out to express interest in working with me, I will respond with some introductory information and to schedule a free consultation to go over the logistical details of the event that you know so far, your specific needs for your wedding photography, and most importantly to get to know you better and hear all about your plans for the big day. Following that consultation, the client will choose a collection that suits their needs the best and I will send a contract to be filled out, signed, and sent back to me. Once I receive your signed contract and the non-refundable deposit, the date will officially be booked!

As the date of the wedding approaches, I will reach out to schedule a second phone meeting to confirm the timeline of the day. The remainder of the payment will be due one month prior to the wedding day. I will provide a sneak peek of 10-15 preview images within 7-10 days of the wedding day and the remainder of the images arriving 4-6 weeks following the wedding day. Photos from any other type of shoot (engagement, proposal, bridal, etc.) can be expected within two weeks of the shoot. Same-day or “rush” edits available upon request and for an additional fee.

What types of customers have you worked with?

Every. single. type. And I love it! Seriously, every human being on the planet is different from the next and we should celebrate that. I even consider myself to be neurodivergent and so while being a little bit of an introvert, I do love meeting and working with new people and learning about them, their lives, and their loved ones. If you have any questions about your needs and what you can expect when working with me, I would love to hop on the phone with you for a consultation.

What should I wear?

Wear something that you will be comfortable in, especially during a non-wedding shoot where your outfit choice isn't built into the day. Solid colors or coordinated patterns are great, but ultimately be you. My one avoidance would be to shy away from name brands (again, unless that is your style). Try to keep your personal bag or purse to as minimal a size as possible; only bring the necessities.

What should I do with my face? hands? eyes?

Don't worry, I totally understand that the second a camera is turned on you, we all start second guessing even our most basic of functions. My best piece of advice is to take a deep breath and allow your body to completely relax. You aren't on a photo shoot with a ton of awkward posed photos, you are out for a walk with your new photographer friend Katie who is just snapping some photos for fun!