Kate Rolston is a director and photographer whose work lives at the intersection of cinematic craft and authentic human storytelling. Based in Denver, she brings a poetic, visually arresting sensibility to both commercial campaigns and long-form documentary projects.
Before stepping behind the camera, Kate spent years as an advertising executive in New York City, giving her a rare dual perspective: she not only understands the strategy and vision that drive brands, but also how to translate that into imagery that resonates on an emotional level. Her work is defined by natural light, timeless Americana, and an ability to capture fleeting moments with both intimacy and scale.
Kate’s personal projects often explore the American West, resilience, and belonging, while her commercial portfolio spans lifestyle, fashion, travel, and outdoor brands. She is as comfortable leading large-scale productions as she is working with a small, nimble crew in the field, always bringing clarity of vision and a collaborative spirit.
Her clients trust her not only to deliver beautiful images, but to shape campaigns that feel crafted, authentic, and enduring.
“Kate’s amazing. Her talent as a DP and photographer is incredible, but almost more important than the work itself, her open, honest approach to every job helps the agency, crew, and talent collaborate terrifically and get unexpectedly personal, authentic results. Her presence on set is collaborative and confident, fun and focused.
My only suggestion is to follow her work — here, her site, Instagram — for your own daily uplift and motivation.”
Clients include Canon, Garmin, Carhartt, Pendleton, Red Wing, Vladimir Jones, VMLY&R, Pure Barre, Ariat, Colorado Tourism, Gusto, Fjallraven, Santa Fe Tourism and the Colorado Ballet.