We were lucky to catch up with Kat Rizzitello recently and have shared our conversation below.

Kat, looking forward to hearing all of your stories today. Can you talk to us about a project that’s meant a lot to you?

As someone who is very empathic and connects through their work, all of my projects have been meaningful. However, there is one project that will always stick out in my mind – it was a turning point in my photography journey, and what made me realize that my work not only creates “pretty pictures” and memories but also helps heal.

At the time of this turning point, I had been doing photography as a side hustle for a few years, mostly working with a variety of burlesque dancers, cosplayers, models, and occasional families and weddings. One of the performers I had been routinely working with, who was also a good friend of mine – for the sake of the story and privacy, let’s call her V. – reached out to me, asking for a favor. V had recently gone through an extremely painful, extremely unexpected betrayal and breakup that utterly destroyed her. By the time V reached out to me asking for this favor, she had been in a deep slump for a few weeks – the breakup was taking its toll on her, physically and mentally.

V asked if I would be willing to come to her home and photograph her, in this most vulnerable of times, and capture this pain on camera. If I would be open to letting her scream and cry and break down on camera, and if I could help her through this, by letting the camera and the photos be the outlet for this continually building emotional destruction.

Without hesitation, I said yes. We set a time and day, and with my camera in hand, I went up to her place. I held space for her, I let her get it out, and I documented. From her sitting numbly on the floor, to her heart-wrenching cries- I took the energy in, I grounded, and I shot. I let myself be a conduit for her emotional outlet. I let her set the pace, and the flow and ensured her safety while we made our way through – including her first shower in days. Aside from the tears, and the occasional softly-spoken word and check-in, it was one of the quietest shoots I’ve done and most centered.

The images are raw, painful, and I hurt every time I look at them. I hurt for hours after I left, after making sure V was in a safe space again.

But you know what? That shoot helped V. It was the turning point for her, in getting out that final burst, to start healing and start moving forward. It was the spark she needed, and the type of support she needed. Not all photo sessions are pretty and happy, some are just brutal and raw.

I don’t think V realizes how doing that shoot for her made me realize what I can do for others – that I can help them do more than just bring their fanfiction or fantasies to life. I can help them heal.

I want nothing more than to continue to help others heal.

Kat, before we move on to more of these sorts of questions, can you take some time to bring our readers up to speed on you and what you do?

Hey there! I’m Kat, an emotive and fantasy photographer. Jersey-born and raised, I am based in central NJ but often found all over the NJ-PA area with the intent to broaden my travels.

I have been involved in various forms of art for as long as I can remember – from chorus and theater to drawing to period fencing and stage combat- but photography has always been a primary love of mine. I am an avid reader (I like to call myself a book dragon), a music lover, and a nature baby. My family and friends affectionately call me a changeling child, like tales of old.

I have held a camera in my hands since I was a child – starting with your classic Polaroid and one-time-use cameras, moving into film in school (I miss dark rooms! It was so amazing to see your image come to life on paper!) to finally digital.

Photography is a passion of mine. Photography has been a way for me to express myself when other ways just don’t work. It has helped me come out of my shell and form me into the person I am. It has also helped me help others. Photography is always challenging, but also rewarding. It has so many facets to it, and so many genres – there’s something for everyone!

While I do shoot engagements, families, and weddings, I specialize in boudoir and fantasy photography. It’s a running phrase with my work that I want to “bring your fanfiction to life” – as someone who grew up in the area of Fanfiction.net and being a total geek, I play into my strengths! Also, #booktok, anyone? Let’s bring those spicy editions to life!

I pour my energy into making it the best experience I can for my clients. From consultation to post-production, I make sure you are a part of the shoot. I love being able to personalize shoots to best fit the needs of the client. Photography savors some of the key moments of our lives – even in this modern-day age of Instagram and cell phones. It’s important to me to be able to provide a safe, reliable, and creative place for people to have their memories captured in the way best for their lives, whether that’s a family session or a fantasy session.

Folks also benefit from the fact that I, myself, have modeled for over a decade, giving me a unique perspective and the ability to offer pose coaching, wardrobe assistance, and even industry input for model hopefuls.

I am a strong believer in diversity and that everyone is beautiful as they are- no matter what you feel your “flaws” are. I believe in getting the best image possible in-camera, instead of all post-process. I always say up-front that I am a Photographer, not a Photoshop Artist. I pride myself on doing everything in my power to make the client as comfortable as possible and make it a point to work only at the client’s comfort level. I am always honored when a client wishes to push their comfort levels with me to create something utterly unique for them. I strongly believe in the photo not looking forced but the client doing what comes naturally to them. I enjoy shooting and I want whoever is working with me to enjoy the shoot as well!

Can you tell us about what’s worked well for you in terms of growing your clientele?

When it comes to a growing clientele, especially in this social-media-heavy world, I find the key thing is to be yourself. Yes, everyone should have the ability to be professional, but I’ve found that I’m more likely to connect with potential clients by showing parts of myself.

Stop the super-curated Instagram feeds. Stop just showcasing your work on your Facebook. Show you. Little bits of your life – it doesn’t have to be every detail, but little things! We live in a very connected world, and letting your clients feel connected to you on a personal level goes miles to connect you on a professional level. It shows your clients that you’re human, too.

This was a hard habit to break, as I was taught originally to only show the “professional” side, but as I’ve become more myself and letting it integrate, I find that also a lot of the stress I once had is also gone. I can garner more feedback from potential and current clients, I can actually see what people want rather than just trying to keep up with the next hottest trend.

What do you find most rewarding about being a creative?

It’s hard to pin down just one thing that is the “most” rewarding when it comes to being creative, but if I had to narrow it down, I would say it’s the fact that if you’re a creative, you can always find new paths opening before you. You are never limited by one thing – if you find one thing no longer fits, you can try another!    x 

Contact Info:

• Website: http://ravenmarkphotography.com/
• Instagram: instagram.com/ravenmarkphoto
• Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/ravenmarkphotography
• Other: patreon.com/ravenmark

Image Credits
Vivi Torrens Mary Elizabeth Wicked Lady Cosplay Lacy Von Voorhees The Medieval Mouse Sew Romantic Designs Sweet V Crowns It Is Known