Kate Branch

As a Chief Marketing Officer immersed in social media, I often think about architecture the way others think about algorithms. Angles. Light. Flow. Emotion.   What makes someone stop scrolling, or in earlier centuries, stop walking and look up?   Salzburg Cathedral by Kate Branch Travelling through Europe, one thought keeps returning: much of its architecture was designed for attention long before attention became a currency.  Not just churches, but the homes of the wealthy, civic buildings, palaces, banks, and entire streetscapes. Towns were once their own states, each projecting power, faith, stability, and prosperity through stone. Architecture wasn’t merely functional; it was communicative. It told you who mattered here, what was valued, and where you stood within that hierarchy. Press enter or click to view image in full size Streetscape Salzburg by Kate Branch Churches mastered awe. Civic buildings mastered authority. Together, they formed a visual ecosystem designe...

Photo by Kate Branch on  Unsplash Photography has changed more in my lifetime than in the previous hundred years. From film and darkrooms to smartphones and social media, the craft has shifted from something practiced by a few to something shared by everyone. As a photographer who also works in the travel and hospitality industry, I’ve had a front-row seat to this incredible transformation. Photo by Kate Branch on  Unsplash The Visual Revolution: From Prints to Pixels When I first began, photographs were tangible — printed, framed, and displayed on walls. Today, they live in pixels, endlessly shared and reinterpreted online. Platforms like Instagram and TikTok have turned photography into a universal language. What fascinates me most is how the meaning of a photograph has changed. It’s no longer just a record of a moment; it’s a way to tell a story, spark emotion, or even inspire someone to visit a place. The online feed has become our modern-day gallery, where each pos...

The Palette of French Polynesia: Exploring the Colors and Spirit of the Islands. Published at L'officiel :  French Polynesia is not merely a destination — it’s a living canvas. Born of volcanic fire fifty million years ago, these islands rise from the Pacific in tones so vivid they feel almost impossible. Emerald jungles plunge into indigo seas. Mountains wear clouds like silk scarves. Hibiscus, frangipani, and bougainvillaea erupt in shades of crimson and magenta that hum in the tropical air. By Kate Branch Kate Branch Photography Here, colour is not decoration — it is devotion. The ocean holds every shade of blue imaginable, each one shifting with the light. From the pale wash of morning mist to the glassy turquoise shallows and the deep, endless indigo beyond the reef, the sea seems to breathe in colour. Hours slip away as you watch it — a living palette that changes with the clouds, the tide, and the sun’s slow descent. Time here is not kept by clocks but by the rhythm of the w...

 As seen in Qantas Magazine From snowy sojourns to an epic food safari, Qantas Frequent Flyers share the experiences that fulfilled their New Zealand dreams. “We landed on a peak and made the first footprints in the snow.” – Kate Branch, Bronze Frequent Flyer “Travelling with two children means keeping them busy – luckily Queenstown is bursting with activities. We flew over Glenorchy in a helicopter before landing on a peak and making the first footprints in the snow. In  Arrowtown , the kids looked for gold in the river using pans we rented from the local post office. I found the gold-rush history fascinating. At the 161-year-old  Cardrona Hotel , the kids toasted marshmallows in the huge fireplace out the back while my husband and I sipped red wine. The restaurant is popular with locals and visitors alike so make sure you book. Let them know a day ahead if you want the roasted lamb – believe me, you do!  If we had more time, we’d have spent many hours at  The ...

I’ve had the pleasure of staying in castles in Lausanne Switzerland, Airbnbs with baths overlooking secluded bushland, and hotel rooms with gold leaf cigar cases. However, I must say, Hotel Palácio boasts the most remarkable provenance and history I’ve ever experienced.  To their credit, they share the story exceptionally well, earning the ‘cap social’ on their receipt, valued at 73,078,500.00 Euros, which represents the Corporate Capital associated with Hotel Palácio. It’s a requirement in Portugal for all companies/corporations to state their Corporate Capital on bills/invoices/receipts.  Hotel Palácio boasts two very famous guests: Duško Popov (the real life inspiration for the James Bond character) and Ian Fleming. However, this hotel didn’t just accommodate them during one of their casual vacations. It played a central role in the British intelligence operation Midas. Duško Popov intercepted German requests for intelligence, feeding them back prepared British disinformati...

Published in  First Class Magazine From Pixels to Places: The Evolution of Travel Through Social Media Kate Branch From Pixels to Places: The Evolution of Travel Through Social Media In today’s digital age, where our lives are increasingly intertwined with screens, social media has undeniably transformed the way we experience and perceive travel. As a photographer and social media manager in the travel and hospitality industry, Kate has had a front-row seat to witness this remarkable evolution. The Visual Temptation: Instagram-Worthy Destinations The Maldives by Kate Branch Social media has revolutionised travel is by turning destinations into visual temptations. Instagram has emerged as a powerful tool with its emphasis on striking visuals elevating certain locations to ‘must-visit’ status purely based on their photogenic qualities. For instance, the enchanting Santorini, Greece, boasts over 5.7 million hashtags on Instagram as of my last research in September 2022. This picturesq...

Published in AccomNews:   Published here: https://www.accomnews.com.au/2023/08/capturing-excellence-mastering-iphone-photography-for-hospitality/ Hello, fellow hoteliers and photography enthusiasts! I’m Kate, your guide to enhancing your property’s appeal through stunning iPhone photography. Join me as I share insights from my journey as a photographer and social media manager at Emerald City Hotels. In this article, we’ll delve into the power of visual content in the hotel industry and explore practical tips for taking professional-quality photos using just your smartphone. Image credit: Kate Branch Visual content: A gateway to guests’ hearts Visual content is a catalyst for converting potential guests into loyal patrons. Research shows that images wield immense influence over the decision-making process. Inspired by Airbnb co-founder Brian Chesky’s wisdom, I’ve crafted a strategy to categorise images into three compelling themes that resonate with travelers worldwide. ...