When you walk into Kate DeCoste’s photography studio in Wahoo, Nebraska, the first thing you’ll notice is the doormat that reads, “Yay, It’s You.”

It’s not just cute decor—it’s a promise. A promise that you are welcome, celebrated, and about to have an experience that’s as joyful as it is professional.

Kate didn’t set out to be a photographer. In fact, her life once looked very different.

“Truthfully, I never imagined I’d be back in Nebraska, let alone my hometown of Wahoo,” Kate shares. “My background is actually in theatre. Before I found myself building a photography business in the Midwest, I was stage managing in New York City and Milwaukee, running cue sheets—not camera settings.”

Her love for photographs was always there—not as a technical pursuit, but as a way of keeping moments. She was the friend who always had a camera in hand, collecting memories as if they were treasures.

But after years of the high-energy theatre world, Kate stood at a crossroads: sign another lease in New York or listen to her heart’s call for a break. She chose the break, returning to Nebraska without knowing she was planting the seeds of a new career.

When her mother was diagnosed with cancer, Kate’s perspective shifted dramatically.

“That was the season that pushed me to open a brick-and-mortar studio. It was a way to combine my love for storytelling, my appreciation for preserving memories, and my ability to connect with people in a meaningful way.”

Kate’s theatre roots are still evident in her photography sessions.

“Stage managers are professional problem-solvers and calm-in-the-chaos experts,” she says. “That background taught me to think ten steps ahead while keeping the vibe relaxed and fun.”

That means her sessions aren’t just photo shoots—they’re meticulously planned experiences where clients feel completely taken care of, like performers backstage before a big show.

From high school seniors to professional dancers, Kate’s portfolio spans a range of personalities and creative needs.

“It’s all about listening,” she says. “A senior might want images that feel adventurous and fearless, while a dancer might be focused on form, motion, and grace. My job is to step into their world and bring that vision to life.”

Years of honing technical skills, mastering posing, and building trust allow her to adapt seamlessly. No two sessions look alike, but every client leaves feeling “seen, celebrated, and proud of the images we created together.”

That “Yay It’s You” mat? It’s more than a greeting—it sets the tone.

“I talk to my clients like I’m chatting with a good friend—warm, relaxed, and genuine,” Kate explains. “I mark the small victories during a shoot because those moments build confidence and make the whole experience collaborative rather than intimidating.”

Guidance is clear, step-by-step, so there’s no awkwardness—only confidence.

Kate’s generosity extends beyond her clients. On her website, she shares free guides, Canva templates, and behind-the-scenes resources for photographers.

“I want to support photographers who are where I once was—figuring things out, sometimes feeling stuck, and needing a practical next step,” she says.

Her newest project, The One Behind the Lens podcast, launched August 4, 2025, offers “practical business strategy, confidence-boosting pep talks, and real talk with zero fluff” for photographers in their early years of business.

“I wanted to create the kind of resource I wish I’d had—practical advice mixed with encouragement, told by someone who’s been in the trenches.”

In addition to running her studio, Kate serves as President of the Wahoo Chamber of Commerce, mentors other creatives, and supports local organizations.

She admits balance is a constant challenge:

“I treat rest like an appointment—non-negotiable. I batch my work, surround myself with people who remind me it’s okay to breathe, and launch projects when I know I can give them the attention they deserve.”

Her advice to photographers starting out?

“Don’t try to be everything to everyone. The sooner you figure out what lights you up and lean into it, the faster you’ll attract clients who value you for exactly what you bring.”

A long-time PhotoBiz user, Kate relies on the platform as her business hub.

“It’s my website host, booking system, and blog platform all in one. For mini sessions, clients can book directly on my site. The email marketing tools keep my audience engaged, and the galleries make events like show choir competitions simple to manage and easy for families to navigate.”

By keeping her business streamlined, Kate can focus on what she does best—capturing authentic stories and experiences for every client who walks through her door.

Kate’s journey from the theatre stage to the photography studio isn’t just about a career change—it’s about staying open to the unexpected, listening deeply to the people she serves, and building a business rooted in celebration and connection.

“At the end of the day,” she says, “my goal is simple—every client should walk away knowing I really was that excited they were there.”