Who is this cosmic gremlin?
Hi! I’m Kat. I’m an astrophotographer and Sky-Watcher Australia ambassador from the land down under!
Born in a tiny country town in New South Wales, I’ve since swapped small-town life for the sunny skies of southeast Queensland.
I started my astrophotography journey in 2020, but I’ve been behind the lens for much longer, shooting landscapes, nature, animals, portraits, and weddings.
When I’m not out under the stars, I’m off exploring the world, camping, hiking, and soaking up the sun.
Away from the camera, I’m usually lost in a history or true crime doco, tracing my family tree, strumming my guitar, upcycling furniture, setting things on fire (for art—pyrography, not arson!), or curled up with a good book.
s This Cosmic Gremlin?
How It Started
From Darkrooms to Deep Space: My Journey into Astrophotography
My love for space blasted off during a primary school trip to the Mt Coot-tha Planetarium. That virtual joyride through the cosmos had in awe of space, and our solar system! From that moment on, watching the stars, and looking for UFOs and satellites became a frequent pastime.
Fast forward to high school, and you’d find me in the darkroom, developing negatives and bringing images to life. That hands-on magic sparked a lifelong passion for photography, leading me to earn a Diploma in Digital Imagery and Photography from Torrens University.
By 2017, I’d launched my own wedding and portrait photography business, capturing love stories and life’s big moments. But my real “aha!” moment came when I stumbled across a deep-space image on Facebook. I’d always dreamed of photographing the night sky but had no idea you could capture such insane detail from your backyard! Cue a deep dive into the (overwhelming) world of deep-space astrophotography.
In 2020, I took the plunge and got my first telescope, a second-hand Sky-Watcher Black Diamond 150/750 F5 six-inch Newtonian. Since then, I’ve learned a tonne from the incredible astro-community, and now I’m paying it forward, helping others chase their cosmic dreams and supporting fellow women in astronomy.
Places That Thought I Was Cool Enough to Feature
I’ve somehow been featured in astronomy publications, creative media, and community spotlights. Don’t ask me how I tricked them into thinking I’m legit, but being recognised by my peers is honestly wild and ridiculously special.
My Little Collection of Cosmic Bragging Rights
If I had a dollar for every award I’ve received, I’d have eight dollars. Not exactly retirement money, but still pretty cool. I just love being out under the stars doing my thing, and sometimes people decide it’s worth recognising, which is a really sweet feeling. It makes all the late nights and mozzie bites feel worth it.
It’s always nerve‑racking putting your work out there to be judged, because you’re opening yourself up to criticism, comparisons, and the occasional online troll who woke up and chose violence. But I keep doing it because if my name ends up out there in a sea of men, maybe one woman will see it and feel inspired to give astrophotography a go too.
