Documentary work 2008-2023
A collage of black-and-white photos of old, abandoned buildings and structures, including windows, staircases, graffiti, and a doll.

Kat Beyle studied advertising for 3 years at the Universidad del Mar in Chile, where she discovered photography through an art history course. It was at that moment when everything made sense and she decided to change her career path, subsequently pursuing documentary photography at the Incacea Institute in Santiago. Since her graduation in 2009 she has undertaken various works and personal projects, which you can discover in this page.

Abandoned Treasures 2008

Beginnings in documentary photography. I have always been fascinated by other cultures, the unknown, and nature. My initial records showcase images of abandoned places in Valparaíso.

Three separate images. The top image shows two young women looking through a chain-link fence; the woman on the left is wearing a purple dress with white polka dots, and the woman on the right is holding a stuffed animal and wearing a black shirt. The background has colorful tents and outdoor setting. The bottom left image shows a young woman with long hair holding a puppy, standing inside a red tent or fabric backdrop. The bottom right image shows a woman inside a decorated red tent, wrapping herself in a floral shawl or blanket, with ornate curtains and decor inside.

Opre Gitanos 2010

This is the name of a project I carried out for my final exam at Incacea. I worked with local gypsies for a year. The idea was to showcase their culture, the striking colors of their tents, attire, and to capture the essence of their daily life. Their culture is very fascinating, and I've always felt an affinity for nomadic lifestyles and the sense of detachment, even though I hadn't traveled alone until that point. But I recall that my first journey came shortly afterward to Chaitén, where "Señora María," my gypsy protector, inspired me to travel.

Black and white collage of six portraits of indigenous people, including elders and children, with traditional attire and face paint, some holding tools or objects, and one carrying a large bundle on her back.
A collage of six images showing children playing soccer, a girl carrying palm leaves, boys playing outdoors, a woman cooking, and a man standing in a lush green jungle.

Kamak Maki, Ecuador 2015

I had the privilege of spending a period with this community led by "Don Alonso" (color photo), who safeguards the Quechua culture from the encroachment of illegal gold mining. He and his wife protect vast stretches of land and strive to preserve their culture for future generations. The elders in the community don't speak Spanish, only Quechua, and they don't even know their own ages. It's a community I would love to return to and assist with more resources.

A collage of eight photographs depicting Asian elderly women, fishermen at the beach, a temple, lantern festival, a Buddha statue, and suggestions of traditional cultural activities.

Vietnam 2019

This was the final journey I embarked upon before the pandemic. In fact, I returned to New Zealand in February, and by March, the borders had closed. I was incredibly fortunate to have the opportunity to experience this breathtaking culture, with landscapes and temples that leave you speechless, much like the faces of its people. I could sense the pain that the country carries (especially the elderly, who lived through the times of war).

Collage of black and white photos showing community members participating in outdoor activities. The images include people planting trees, a close-up portrait of a man with a beard and tattoos, groups working together on project sites, a person walking through a site with tools and supplies, and children with adults enjoying the event.

Matariki and Hangi Preparation 2023

The Māori cultural tradition of Matariki, also known as the Māori New Year, holds a significant place in the hearts and calendars of New Zealanders. Matariki marks the rising of the Pleiades star cluster and signifies a time of reflection, renewal, and connection with both the land and the heavens. During this celebration, communities come together to honor the past, celebrate the present, and look forward to the future.

One of the most cherished aspects of the Matariki celebration is the preparation and sharing of a traditional Māori feast known as "hangi." The hangi is a cooking method that involves preparing and cooking an assortment of foods beneath the earth, using the natural heat generated by heated stones buried in a pit. This ancient method not only imparts a unique flavor to the food but also symbolizes the deep connection between the Māori people and the land they inhabit.

Collage of eight nature photographs including a sunset over a beach, a forest in autumn, a moonlit field, ground covered with fallen leaves in autumn, a branch with leaves against the sky, a tree with green leaves, a leafless tree with branches intertwined, a clear blue sky with some trees, and a potted plant with bare branches.
Collage of eight landscape scenes including mountains at sunset, a forest with sunlight through trees, a river with rocks, sandy dunes at sunset, rolling hills with water, a desert landscape, sea stacks reflected in calm water, and a beach at sunset.

Aotearoa Landscapes: Capturing the Essence of New Zealand's Beauty

The project "Aotearoa Landscapes" embarked on a visual journey across various locations in New Zealand. This collection of breathtaking landscapes sought to do more than capture scenes; it aimed to encapsulate the very essence of Aotearoa's pristine beauty.

Named after the Maori term for New Zealand, "Aotearoa Landscapes" set out to pay homage to the land of the long white cloud. Each photograph within this project serves as a testament to the majesty and diversity of the New Zealand terrain. From rugged mountains to serene lakes, lush forests to rugged coastlines, the collection embodies the multitude of landscapes that define this picturesque nation.