Cait Mckinzie is a dedicated third-year student at Colorado State University, where she’s double majoring in art and journalism. Returning as the photo director for the 2025-26 school year, she’s ready to dive deeper into her passion for photography.
Originally from Renton, Washington, Cait didn’t know much about Fort Collins when she first arrived. However, her love for visuals, sparked in high school as co-head of her school newspaper, drove her to join The Collegian as a photographer in her freshman year. Under the mentorship of seasoned photo directors Milo Gladstein and Garrett Mogel, Cait honed her skills and took on more responsibility as she prepared to succeed Gladstein when he graduated. She acknowledges how much she learned from them, not just about photography but also about sharing a good laugh.
Her journey into photography began with her grandfather, a lifelong photographer. He gifted Cait her first camera during her junior year of high school and taught her the ropes. This foundation helped her build the skills that eventually led her to The Collegian, a significant part of her college experience.
In addition to her roles, Cait is part of a growing community of young photographers gaining recognition on social media platforms. A recent survey found that over 70% of younger photographers utilize platforms like Instagram and TikTok to showcase their work. It’s interesting how technology continues to shape the way people engage with photography today compared to the past, where sharing was limited to exhibitions and printed media.
As Cait looks ahead to another year with The Collegian, she’s excited to set a standard for her photo desk that pays homage to her mentors. With her passion and background, she aims to capture moments that tell stories—one snapshot at a time.
