katerina vankova
wedding photography
motherhood portraits
Photos that feel like the real you—unfiltered, untamed, unforgettable.
I am a storyteller with a camera, capturing love that's real, raw, and artful.
I’m Kat—though my friends call me Duck—and I photograph love stories that are raw, real, and a little bit rebellious. Based between the natural beauty of Wanaka, New Zealand and the timeless charm of Europe, I work with couples who care more about meaning than tradition. My style is candid and artistic, with a big heart for capturing the moments you didn’t even realise were happening—the glances, the giggles, the unexpected magic. If you’re the kind of people who’d rather have a picnic in a field than a five-hour formal photoshoot, we’ll get along just fine.
About me,
A Bit About Me
Born in the Czech Republic, now based between Wanaka and Europe, I bring together the artistic flair of my European roots with that chill, down-to-earth Kiwi feel.
I’ve lived in six countries, collected a thousand sunsets, and photographed love in alleyways, mountaintops, city streets, and lakesides. My camera is my diary—your story becomes a part of it.
Photography with Soul (Not Staging)
I’m self-taught, so I make my own rules. I’ve learned to trust moments over poses, connection over perfection.
Whether it’s a tear slipping down your cheek mid-vow, the life-changing moment you see your baby for the very first time, or you two just hanging out with your dog on a lakeside picnic—I’m here for it. This isn’t about stiff poses or a photo reel that looks like everyone else’s. It’s about your love diary, made visual.
Why I Do This
I lost my brother too soon. That taught me something: memories matter.
Photos aren’t just for Instagram. They’re for keeping. For printing. For framing. For showing your grandkids one day and saying, “This was us. This was real.”
Basically, I’m like your groovy friend who just happens to have a good eye, a nice camera, and a knack for catching the magic.
SENTIMENTAL /ˌSƐNTꞮˈMƐNTL/
an emotional response characterized by tenderness and affection that happen when celebrating life’s moments that make you feel teary-eyed or nostalgic in such a way that you can’t help but want to pass on that memory.
By the Numbers
86
events to date
100%
Client satisfaction
65
motherhood portratits
12
weddings captured
400
cups of coffee consumed
TRAVEL DATES
I split my time between New Zealand and Europe, capturing love wherever it finds me. If you’re dreaming of an overseas celebration, elopement, or destination shoot—check out my current travel plans below.
