DD PHOTOGRAPHER PROFILE SERIES – Kathleen Wolleat
Photographer Kathleen Wolleat enjoys capturing the beauty of the Northland.
The art of photography has helped introduce Superior resident Kathleen Wolleat to some pretty interesting people. She once encountered Hollywood actress (and Cloquet native) Jessica Lange, while snapping photos on the North Country National Trail in the Brule Bog.
On another occasion, she was capturing images for Big Top Chautauqua. Here, she met superstar musician Lyle Lovett.
“He’s a photographer, too,” Wolleat said. “Before he went on stage, we talked about photography and what camera gear I was using.”
"Spectacular Sunrise" featuring Duluth's North Pier Lighthouse captures an incredible Lake Superior sunrise. Photo by Kathleen Wolleat
These encounters have been random, unexpected surprises for Wolleat; much like her own interest in photography. She took up the hobby about 20 years ago, on a lark.
“I had a couple girlfriends who took a photography class,” she explained. “They told me about it, and I thought that was something I’d like to try, too.
“So, I took a community education class, and the instructor told me I had a good eye for composition. He recommended I join the Duluth-Superior Camera Club.
“Since then, I’ve enjoyed exploring so many variables about photography. Joining that club was the best thing for honing my skill. If I hadn’t done that, I wouldn’t have had mentors to guide me along the way.”
Duluth's Lester River flowing in spring. Photo by Kathleen Wolleat.
Duluth Born and Raised
Wolleat is a native Duluthian, and grew up in Piedmont Heights. After graduating from Denfeld High School, she enrolled at Duluth Area Vocational Institute (now Lake Superior College), where she earned her secretarial certificate.
In 1981, Wolleat married her husband, Richard. In 1984 - the historic year that Lake Superior nearly froze over - the couple moved to Austin, Texas.
“At that time, we had no kids, didn’t own a house, and it was a warmer climate. So, why not?” she explained.
While in Texas, she worked for a Texas State Representative and then the State Commission for the Blind. The Wolleats moved back to Duluth in 1988, after their first child was born.
Career
The bulk of Wolleat’s career was spent at Northwood Children’s Services. Her husband, Richard, also worked there; serving as its CEO for many years.
“I was their special events coordinator, webmaster, and produced their marketing materials for print,” she noted. “But my greatest personal achievement was starting a photography program for students.
“I know from experience that photography gives both physical and mental health benefits. There was no greater personal satisfaction than to see them so proud of their photos that they captured.
“The students would write a few sentences about the photo, and many were very moving, comparing their life situation with the image they captured. We visited local parks, Lake Superior, of course, and even had an art opening at a local gallery. Northwood still displays their images - in the lobby of two campuses.”
Wolleat returned to college in 2007, as a non-traditional student. She received her Associate’s Degree in graphic design media from Duluth Business University.
Photography
Describing her niche, “My favorite thing to photograph is nature, which covers a lot of subjects," Wolleat states, which includes, "Lake Superior with all its dramatic moods and color, the ships that visit our port, landscapes, rivers, waterfalls, birds, and last - but certainly not least - auroras!"
“Auroras are the only thing that will keep me awake past 10 PM,” she added with a chuckle. “No joke!”
Many of Wolleat’s photos are shot in a macro style, which means they are extremely close-up and detailed. Her images – particularly those of flowers and butterflies, have a soft, dreamy … almost romantic quality to them.
The Northern Lights over Brighton Beach is a stand-out photo by Kathleen Wolleat.
Equipment + Locations
Wolleat started out using a Canon 60D, which was her instrument of choice for almost 20 years. She recently upgraded - to a Canon EOS R6 Mark ii mirrorless full-frame camera.
“It has amazing detail, sharpness, and the autofocus is superb,” she said. “You can even connect your phone to it, enabling photos to be taken away from the camera, and it has GPS technology in case you forgot the location of the photo.”
Wolleat regularly rotates between lenses, depending on what she is capturing. But her favorite is her most versatile lens: a Canon EF 24-105 mm. “It’s a great all-around lens,” she said. “It’s good for both landscapes and portraits.”
She also uses a tripod, but only on occasion. “A tripod is a must for capturing the night sky, like the Milky Way, moon, or aurora, because it is a long exposure,” she explained.
Wolleat has a few favorite locations to shoot, including the North Shore, Pattison State Park, Jay Cooke State Park, and at their cabin on the Gordon-St. Croix River. The Duluth Rose Garden is also a favorite. “It’s one of Duluth’s gems that everyone should visit,” she noted.
The Duluth Rose Garden is one of Kathleen Wolleat’s favorite places to snap photos.
Wolleat looks forward to traveling to Grand Rapids on an annual basis with fellow photographers to find the elusive Showy Lady Slipper – a type of orchid – which is the Minnesota state flower.
A yellow lady slipper, captured at Jay Cooke State Park. Photo by Kathleen Wolleat.
Other Affiliations
Wolleat retired from the world of work in 2019, but remains active with several organizations. She is currently a board member for Friends of the Bird Sanctuary, and the Gordon-St. Croix Flowage Association.
She volunteers her photography services for a variety of organizations, including the John Beargrease Sled Dog Marathon, Richard I. Bong Veterans Historical Center, Fairlawn Museum, and Gordon Good Neighbor Days.
She is past President of the Duluth-Superior Camera Club, and currently serves as its Membership Chair. She’s also a current member of the Photographic Society of America, a world-wide organization.
Recognitions
Over the years, Wolleat’s photos have captured plenty of attention. Her work has been featured in Lake Superior Magazine, The Lake Country Journal, The Natural Resources Foundation of Wisconsin, and The Reader.
Kathleen has been a contributing photographer for just over a year and has 1.3 million views of her images on Destination Duluth's Facebook and Instagram pages.
A series of images "Bold MN Women" was featured on DD in January, garnering over 100,000 views. See the post and entire album here.
Her photography is displayed at the Douglas County Human Services Building, and the Hawthorne Suites in Canal Park. She sells cards at the Ship’s Store on Barker’s Island. She also produces and sells a yearly calendar.
In 2023, she won first place in the North Central Camera Club Council’s “Video Essay” competition. It was titled, “Sights and Sounds from Lake Superior,” and was all filmed in the Twin Ports. The video can be found here:
In 2017, Wolleat received the Photographic Society of America’s “Best of the Best Creative” award for her submission, “I Found the Light.” It was a very special honor in many ways.
“I created the piece in memory of my brother, who died unexpectedly,” she explained. “Receiving this award gave me solace that he was at rest and at peace.”
"I Found The Light" by Kathleen Wolleat
Personal
The Wolleats, who make their home on Superior’s Barker’s Island, have three adult children: Corinne, Kenny, and Jessica. They also have a beloved grandson, Weston, who is 8.
The Wolleat family celebrating Richard’s retirement party at Ridgeview Country Club, 9/22; (L-R Richard Wolleat, Kathleen Wolleat, Jess Wolleat, Weston Nelson (grandson), Corinne Nelson, William Nelson (son-in-law). Photo submitted.
Jess Wolleat, Kenny Wolleat, and Weston Nelson enjoy a Huskies game at Wade Stadium. Photo submitted.
In her spare time, Wolleat enjoys spending time with her family at their cabin in Gordon, Wisconsin. There, they enjoy outdoor activities like hiking and kayaking.
Advice
When asked, Wolleat generously offered a few tips for other budding photographers.
“I would tell people not to compare themselves to others,” she noted. “Your growth is your own. Learn from others, and join a local camera club.
“And, capture what speaks to you, whether it's nature, people, or places. Your personal perspective is what will set your photos apart from others.
“Photography has given me an outlet to express what interests me and to share it with others,” she added. “I hope to inspire people to get outdoors to explore new places, look more closely and notice the little things in life, and renew themselves in nature. Believe me: it’s good for your soul!”
See more images by Kathleen and purchase prints here.
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Andrea Busche is a Duluth + regional freelance writer and small business owner. She is credited with over 1,000 bylines in local print and digital publications, and has been a frequent contributor to Destination Duluth since 2017.
