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About Deborah

An artist first — with a lifetime of skill and education in photography.

Artistic wedding photoNewborn feet
Who is Deborah Kates?

Creating not just images, but works of art

Deborah combines her background and training in art with a lifetime of skills and education in photography. She specializes in a photojournalistic approach that lets her artistic talents shine — and her custom albums are a testament to that creativity. The result: wedding and portrait work that has made her one of the region's most sought-after photographers.

Deborah stays on the cutting edge, too. She was one of the first wedding photographers to offer "fusion" video — a creative blend of film and still photography — and travels to weddings across the country and abroad.

Deborah KatesOwner · Deborah Kates Fine Photography, Inc.
Wedding couple with classic blue car
Meet Don Kates

Two artists, two perspectives

Deborah's husband Don, who also has a long history in photography and the arts, often joins her on wedding days — giving couples two unique, photojournalistic points of view. Don leads the studio's wedding film work using the latest video equipment.

Don also runs Shooters Images, specializing in custom motorcycle, automotive and product photography. His work appears regularly in national magazines including Easyriders, V-Twin, Baggers, American Iron and Hot Bike, in national ad campaigns, and in History Channel documentaries. Together they also maintain the award-winning Kates Nature Photography collection.

Why Choose Us

Practiced by many. Mastered by few.

When you only have one chance to get it right, the person behind the camera matters.

You'll know your photographer

Deborah never books weddings and "assigns" them to staff. All editing, retouching and album design is done by her.

Consistency

A strong collection of timeless images every time — not a few lucky snapshots.

Technical mastery

A student of art, lighting and posing who creates works of art your family will cherish for generations.

Unique artistry

An artistic vision that captures your wedding or portrait as a collection of art, never cookie-cutter.

World-class equipment

Pro Canon & Nikon systems with full backups, plus Hasselblad and Phase One medium format.

A studio that lasts

A full-time business with a permanent office and fully equipped studios — here for you now and for years to come.

Professional Affiliations

In good standing with the industry's best

Wedding Photojournalist Association (WPJA)Artistic Guild of the WPJA (AGWPJA)Wedding & Portrait Photographers International (WPPI)Best of Wedding Photographers (BOW)Int'l Society of Professional Wedding Photographers (ISPWP)Grace Ormonde Wedding Style — Platinum VendorNikon Professional Services (NPS)
Kind Words

Loved by couples & families

★★★★★
“Deborah Kates did a fabulous job on my daughter's wedding! We are not missing a thing.”
Lauryn H.Mother of the Bride · The Knot
★★★★★
“From the moment we met, she made us feel comfortable and at ease.”
Phyllis K.Engagement Session · The Knot
★★★★★
“She is super energetic, has an amazing eye for detail, extremely easy to work with.”
Samantha O.Wedding · The Knot
5.0 ★★★★★ on The Knot
4.9 ★★★★★ on WeddingWire · 99% recommend
Let's Meet

We'd love to hear your story.

Stop by the Bismarck studio or reach out — Deborah personally answers every inquiry.

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