VIP Profile: Kate Paul
Story by Aubrey Reynolds
For Bowling Green based photographer Kate Paul, capturing life’s most meaningful moments isn’t just a career—it’s a calling rooted in gratitude, connection and purpose. Originally from Princeton, Kentucky, Paul’s path to photography wasn’t one she initially planned but one that unfolded naturally as her passion for storytelling grew behind the lens.
A graduate of Western Kentucky University, Paul earned her degree in Public Relations with a minor in Hospitality. Her early vision was to plan weddings in hotels but life had something a little different in store. “While my original goal was to plan weddings, life led me to a new passion—I now have the honor of photographing them,” she says. What began as a simple hobby during her college years, sparked by a friend’s gift of a camera, soon evolved into Kate Phelps Photography, a thriving business that allows her to capture love, joy and connection in every frame.
Paul’s journey beautifully intertwines the personal and the professional. In 2020, at a wedding of all places, she met her now husband Duncan Paul. “He was sitting across the room when I leaned over to a friend and asked, ‘Who is that?’” she recalls. The two hit it off instantly and two and a half years later exchanged vows in beautiful Palm Beach. Today, their world revolves around their 10-month-old son Pierce, whose giggles and milestones are often the star of Paul’s camera roll. Between playtime, family walks and evenings spent in the kitchen cooking, she finds joy in the simple everyday moments that fill their home with love.
Professionally, Paul has made an indelible mark on Bowling Green’s creative community. Beyond her photography business, she proudly opened the first photography studio in Bowling Green designed specifically for other photographers to rent and create in. “It’s been so special to build a space that fosters creativity and community,” she says. Her vision for the studio reflects her belief that there’s room for everyone in the creative industry and that collaboration and support are far more powerful than competition.
Paul’s giving spirit extends beyond her peers and clients. One of her most meaningful endeavors has been offering complimentary newborn portraits to new parents from the Center for Pregnancy, a gesture that captures her heart for service. “It’s truly an honor to document the blessing of new life and give families tangible memories of such a meaningful season,” she shares.
For Paul, the true reward of her work lies in the trust she builds with her clients. Many return to her again and again, inviting her to document engagements, weddings, newborn sessions and family milestones year after year. “Life is fragile and photographs often become treasures we didn’t know we’d need,” she reflects. “Knowing that I’m capturing moments my clients can hold onto forever is what makes this work so deeply rewarding.”
Outside of her business, Paul’s passions remain rooted in family, faith and personal growth. Whether it’s learning new skills, volunteering or spending time outdoors, she’s always seeking ways to grow and give back. Her values and work ethic were shaped early on by one of her greatest influences—her grandfather Rod Whittington, a pharmacist and owner of Princeton Pharmacy. “He treated people with a Christ-like love and set an incredible example for me both in how I live my life and how I serve others,” she says.
Looking ahead, Paul hopes to continue building on the foundation she’s created—pursuing new challenges, deepening relationships and using her work to make a lasting impact. “I hope the future holds continued growth and opportunities to make a difference,” she says. “For my family, I want to keep enjoying every moment, supporting one another and creating memories together.”
At the end of every visit with her family, they share a simple yet meaningful phrase—“LUCU,” short for “love ya, c ya.” It’s a reminder of the warmth and connection that define Paul’s life and work—where every photo tells a story and every story begins with love.
