Kate Vylet
Kate Vylet is a conservation photographer and videographer based in Monterey Bay, California.
She specializes in underwater photography and documenting the kelp forest ecosystem in her backyard. Holding a B.S. in Ecology & Evolutionary Biology and AAUS Scientific Diver certification, Kate is also trained as a marine scientist and has been conducting kelp forest monitoring and climate change research for the past decade. As both a photographer and scientist, she recognized the power of images to communicate research and inspire conservation, and shifted her focus to conservation photography to share the stories of the underwater world.
Kate captures the colorful biodiversity of the kelp forest through a scientific lens, focusing on bringing light to overlooked life and changing public perception of maligned species. She also documents the impacts of climate change, the challenges the kelp forest faces, and the responding conservation and research efforts in hopes of spurring action to protect our blue planet.
Her work has been awarded in multiple competitions and featured in various publications, including Audubon, Hakai Magazine, and book contributions. She is also a Girls Who Click Ambassador.