Kate Brown Photography

08/14/2026

Just a millennial living out her MTV Cribs dreams. 😂

“This is where the magic happens.”
“This is also where the magic happens.”
“And over here… more magic.” 😂

In all seriousness, seeing this space come to life still feels a little surreal.

When I bought this building, I had such a clear vision for what I wanted it to become — a studio that felt completely different, while still preserving the history and character that made me fall in love with it in the first place.

And SO many people helped make that happen.

Jess with Presidio West for helping me purchase the building. Anthony Construction for preserving so much of its history while bringing it back to life. Bench Electric for making sure the lighting was just right. Sarah & Alex Goicochea for helping me take an empty space and turn it into something beautiful, right down to the bathroom and all those little wall details.

My family, who helped clean out the ENTIRE building (and basement 😳), haul things, move me out of my old studio, and somehow survived the process.

Carmela with Blooming Events, who is always willing to listen when I say, “Okay, I have another idea…” and helps me dream up and create new sets every few months. As well as Sam with Hayloft Vintage Rentals for always letting me shop her furniture for new sets!

And, of course, my incredible clients and this community. You’re the reason I get to keep creating, changing things up, dreaming bigger, and doing what I love inside these walls.

So… welcome to my crib. 😂

And yes, this is where the magic happens.

Silver State Media LLC ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

08/14/2026

Choosing a photographer is about so much more than liking their editing style.

You’re trusting someone with the moments you’ll want to remember years from now—the season when your kids were still little, your senior year, the business you’ve worked so hard to build, or maybe a chapter where you finally decided to do something just for yourself.

That’s why I’ve never wanted the experience at Kate Brown Photography to feel like 'just a photoshoot'.

I want to know your story. I want to know why these photographs matter to you. And I want you to walk away with more than beautiful images—I want you to have photographs that remind you what this season of your life felt like.

I wrote a little more about what makes the photography experience here different, from planning your session to finally seeing your images hanging in your home. 🤎

Read the full blog here: https://www.katebrownphotographyelko.com/blog-post/what-makes-my-photography-experience-different

08/12/2026

Making beautiful sets in my beautiful studio makes me SO happy. 🤍✨

There’s just something about dreaming up a vision, bringing all the little details together, and then watching it come to life through my camera. Every set is created with so much thought and intention to give you something that feels special, beautiful, and completely different.

Creating is truly one of my favorite parts of what I do. 🥹📸

And getting to photograph YOU in the spaces I create? That’s the best part.

08/10/2026

Part 2 of my journey into the history of 443 Idaho Street…and this one gets a little weird. 👀

For years, we’ve had things happen in the basement of my studio that I can’t explain. We’ve caught strange things on camera, watched a door close on its own, and heard my bowl of kitchen utensils being thrown into the hallway.

I never really connected any of it to the history of the property—until I started researching the people who lived here before my building existed.

In 1927, Carl Gillburg purchased Elko’s Independent Coal Yard. Newspaper records later connect Carl and his wife, Jennie, not only to the coal business but to a home here on Idaho Street. A 1929 notice even lists the Independent Coal Yard at 419 Idaho Street—the former address of the property that is now 443 Idaho Street.

Their story wasn’t necessarily a happy one. In 1929, Jennie filed for divorce, with newspaper accounts reporting allegations of extreme cruelty, alcohol abuse and abusive behavior while Carl was drinking.

Eventually the Gillburg residence was sold. The old house was later moved from the property, and the commercial building standing here today was constructed.

But researching all of this has left me with a question I haven’t been able to answer:

When they moved the house…did they leave the basement behind?

I don’t know whether anything we’ve experienced downstairs has anything to do with the people who lived here before us. But knowing the history certainly makes those unexplained moments a little more interesting.

If anyone remembers stories about the Gillburg family, the Independent Coal Yard, the old house at 419 Idaho Street—or knows anything about how homes were moved in Elko during this time—I would LOVE to hear from you.

443 Idaho Street History — Part 2: The Gillburg House

08/07/2026

And in this moment her mom looked at here and said "Look how far we've come" and I felt that so deep.

08/07/2026

I’ve officially fallen down the rabbit hole of Elko history. 😂

What started as researching the history of my building at 443 Idaho Street has turned into learning so much about the street itself—and how much of its history is still hiding in plain sight.

Idaho Street was once a dirt road lined with homes. As Elko grew, it became part of the Victory Highway, and many of those old homes eventually became the businesses we drive past today.

And that’s just the beginning of what I’ve found. 👀

I’ll be sharing little pieces of the story as I go—old photos, newspaper clippings, the people who lived and worked here, and some discoveries that completely changed what I thought I knew about my own building.

If you recognize anything (or anyone!) in these old photos, tell me in the comments. I’d love to hear the stories you know.

A special thank you to the Northeastern Nevada Museum and the Bert Family for helping me research and uncover so much of this history—and for helping keep these stories and memories alive for future generations. ❤️

07/31/2026

Come check out the new studio sets during this weekend’s Sippin’ Saturday!

Superheroes vs. Villains... whose side are you on?

Join us for Sippin' Saturday - Cape Crusade: Superheroes vs. Villains Cocktail Walk on Saturday, August 1st!

- Visit 20+ Elko businesses
- Dress as your favorite superhero or villain for a chance to win $100 in Chamber Checks
- First 150 attendees receive a special Hero/Villain ID Tag
- $30 admission includes a commemorative glass (21+)

📍 Check-in: Rubies Sports Bar & Nightclub
🕓 4:00–7:00 PM | Sales end at 6:30 PM

Gather your super squad and enjoy a fun evening while supporting Elko businesses!

📞 775-738-7135 | 🌐 elkonevada.com

07/29/2026

The best compliment we can receive isn’t just a beautiful photo—it’s hearing how you felt throughout the experience.

Every kind word, every review, every recommendation means the world. Thank you to each client who has trusted Kate Brown Photography to capture your story. ❤️

If you’ve been thinking about booking a session, let these experiences speak for themselves.

✨ Your story deserves to be remembered.

07/28/2026

I freaking love history. Touching newspapers and fire maps from the early 1900s is so unreal. I’m excited to share the history of my studio building and what I have uncovered!!

07/26/2026

Officially Mr. & Mrs. Burton!!

There was rain in the forecast all day for Rachel & Hyland's wedding... and you know what?

They didn't let it steal one second of their joy. ❤️

The rain paused just in time for their outdoor ceremony and portraits, sprinkled again while everyone enjoyed dinner, then gave us a beautiful calm evening for the rest of the celebration.

Not once did anyone panic or rush to move everything indoors. They trusted the day would unfold the way it was meant to, and honestly, I think that's part of what made it so beautiful.

The fresh colors after the rain, the dramatic skies, and the peaceful atmosphere made for some truly incredible photographs.

Thank you, Rachel & Hyland, for reminding all of us that a perfect wedding isn't about perfect weather—it's about marrying your best friend surrounded by the people you love.

Congratulations to you both! ❤️

✨ Vendors:
Venue: 7th Canyon Ranch
DJ: Get Down Entertainment
Catering: Machis
Cowhide Rentals: Hayloft Vintage Rentals



Check out more on the blog! https://www.katebrownphotographyelko.com/blog-post/rachel-hyland-burtons-rainy-wedding-at-7th-canyon-ranch-elko-wedding-photographer