We’re excited to introduce you to the always interesting and insightful Catalina Pinotti. We hope you’ll enjoy our conversation with Catalina below.

Hi Catalina, thanks for joining us today. Do you manage your own social media?

I manage my own social media. I’ve always felt that staying personally connected to the people I follow for inspiration, the people I support + the people who support me- makes the experience of social media more meaningful and authentic.
I feel that it allows me to stay very true to my work & vision; so being hands-on really matters, especially because my work/brand is deeply tied to my creative vision and personality.
I prefer to connect and build genuine creative connections with my followers and the creatives/individuals I follow, not just post content. For anyone debating whether to outsource a social media team I would say: if your brand is deeply tied to your creative vision- being personally hands-on makes a big difference. People want to connect with artists, not just art!

Great, appreciate you sharing that with us. Before we ask you to share more of your insights, can you take a moment to introduce yourself and how you got to where you are today to our readers.

I’m Catalina Pinotti, an independent analog film photographer based in Los Angeles. I work with 35mm and 120 film to create bold images that blend with vintage glamour with a modern edge. My aesthetic is heavily inspired by 1950’s pin-up + burlesque culture, and contemporary alternative fashion- such as latex, tattoos, etc.
I got into photography because I have always been drawn to storytelling through photography, with a cinematic approach. I have always loved film photography because it feels more intentional and hands-on; once I started I never stopped!
I offer a mix of model portraiture, editorial, creative direction, wedding + engagement and maternity photography. I love to do stylized shoots that involve costume, mood and narrative- it’s more than just an image for me; it’s about the mood and feeling created.
I’m most proud when I am able to create photographs that are both edgy and timeless. My intention isn’t to just shoot people, but to build worlds around them. My clients come to me because they want something “glam”, with attitude, and to bring out their character in a completely confident way. Whether it’s a model portfolio, personal creative session, or a one-of-a-kind wedding, my goal is to make images that feel ICONIC. I am also most proud of staying true to my creative instincts in an industry that often pushes for trends or “fast content”.
If you’re drawn to photography that feels nostalgic, timeless but super edgy- you may really like my work!

Is there a particular goal or mission driving your creative journey?

For me, it’s always been about capturing people in a way that feels authentic and powerful, with of course a vintage-edge. At the core of everything I shoot is the goal to preserve the individual’s character, beauty and attitude- in a way that’s cinematic and timeless. My goal has always been to bridge vintage glamour and modern edge in an editorial way.

For you, what’s the most rewarding aspect of being a creative?

The most rewarding part of being a creative is getting to build timeless worlds out of REAL people and REAL moments. I love being able to tap into different subcultures – ESPECIALLY in Los Angeles – and photograph individuals who are completely one-of-a-kind. I truly feel at times I am capturing small pieces of history, or at least documenting the people I get to meet/have come into my life. I have met so many incredible artists through this work, and there’s nothing better than being paid to do what I genuinely love. It’s not just about taking photographs – it’s about creating something that will last forever … and on film.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://catalinapinotti.com
• Instagram: @catalinapinotti

Image Credits

@jazmynraymay , @bellaferrada , @itsmilamolinari , @bonavegamusic , @thatskylargirl , @charpreme