Today we’d like to introduce you to Kathleen Schreiber.
Hi Kathleen , thanks for joining us today. We’d love for you to start by introducing yourself.
Photography has always felt like a natural extension of who I am. From a young age, I was immersed in creative pursuits—dance, choir, theatre, and modeling—which taught me the beauty of storytelling, expression, and genuine human connection. Spending years in front of the camera gave me a unique perspective on what it feels like to be photographed. I learned how to feel comfortable in front of the lens, and today, that experience allows me to offer gentle direction that helps my clients feel confident, natural, and truly themselves.
Raised between Monterey and San Jose, my life has always been rooted in creativity and movement. I’ve always been drawn to the way light can preserve a feeling, tell a story, and transform an ordinary moment into something lasting. Long before photography became my profession, I was the person always reaching for a camera to capture the people and moments that mattered most.
When I received my first professional camera, I knew I wanted to pursue photography wholeheartedly. I jumped in with both feet and officially launched Monterey Lumen & Lens Photography in September 2025, turning a lifelong passion into a business centered on connection, authenticity, and meaningful storytelling.
Alongside my work as a photographer, I’ve spent over a decade caring for children—a role I continue to hold close to my heart. That experience has shaped not only my patience and empathy but also my ability to connect with families and children in a genuine way. Whether it’s helping little ones feel comfortable during a session or capturing the authentic joy between loved ones, I believe some of the most beautiful photographs come from creating a space where people feel seen, safe, and free to be themselves.
Through my lens, I aim to do more than document moments. I want to preserve the beauty, connection, and purpose behind your story—whether it’s the heart of a family, the soul of a brand, or the energy of a special event. My hope is that every image becomes a timeless reminder of the people, relationships, and moments that matter most.
Would you say it’s been a smooth road, and if not what are some of the biggest challenges you’ve faced along the way?
Honestly, my journey has been a relatively smooth one so far, and I feel incredibly grateful for the clients, relationships, and opportunities that have found me since launching my business. Every session has helped me grow, and I’ve been fortunate to work with people who trust both my process and my creative vision.
Like any creative, though, I’m constantly evolving. One area I’m always refining is my editing style. I believe your editing is part of your artistic signature, and I’m committed to developing a look that feels timeless, authentic, and true to the stories I capture.
As my business continues to grow, I’m especially excited to expand my work with brands and businesses. I love creating artistic, intentional product imagery that feels authentic to a company’s identity while allowing room for my creative perspective. It’s incredibly rewarding when a brand trusts my vision to tell their story in a fresh and meaningful way.
I’m also deeply drawn to photographing couples. There’s something special about documenting genuine connection and creating romantic, natural images that reflect who they are together.
Alright, so let’s switch gears a bit and talk business. What should we know about your work?
What I’m most proud of is building a business based on connection and trust. Since launching Lumen & Lens in 2025, I’ve been grateful to work with clients who trust my vision and invite me to document some of their most meaningful moments. I believe what sets me apart is my ability to create a relaxed, enjoyable experience that results in photographs that feel genuine, intentional, and uniquely theirs.
One of the areas I’m most passionate about is brand photography. I love collaborating with businesses to create artistic images that feel true to their identity while bringing my own creative perspective to the final result.
I specialize in creating authentic, story-driven imagery for families, couples, brands, and events. My goal is to capture genuine moments that feel natural, timeless, and true to each person’s story.
Can you share something surprising about yourself?
Something that might surprise people is that, alongside photography, I love to sing and write my own music. Creativity has always been a big part of my life, and songwriting is another way I enjoy telling stories. I’ve even released a few original songs on Spotify and Apple Music.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.montereylumenandlensphotography.com/
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/montereylumenandlens/
