Alright – so today we’ve got the honor of introducing you to Kate Nazif. We think you’ll enjoy our conversation, we’ve shared it below.
Alright, Kate thanks for taking the time to share your stories and insights with us today. Can you talk to us about how you learned to do what you do?
I picked up photography in 2006 when our small family began to live and travel globally, including in the Netherlands, Japan, London and Dubai. I can’t trace back to the moment when my passion for photography began; rather it was more of an evolution that rapidly turned into a love of the art and quickly became a business. Most of my craft is self-taught and has been influenced by personal connections with talented photographers and, over time, by attending local and national photography workshops. In my opinion one of the best things we can do as artists is to connect with others who share our creative proclivity and then witness each other’s processes; not for comparison nor imitation, but because it can solidify our own voice and flow.
While my evolution as a photographer has been a fulfilling one, there have certainly been some obstacles along the way. In my early years as a photographer I was traveling and raising young children, so I was mostly alone in my endeavors. This was certainly a challenge. During those years I wasn’t always able to catch golden hour (the hour before it becomes dark when the light often soft and warm) as often as I would have liked. The sunsets and moody lighting seemed to live in a world separate from where I was with my camera, as I was often home or busy with the kids. During those times I thought that my growth was limited but, in looking back, I can see that those were the most important years of my basic training. Evenings at home allowed time for me to thoroughly learn the camera and polish my post-processing skills. It also pushed me to embrace all kinds of lighting other than the coveted golden hour. Those years prepared me to handle a variety of types of lighting and work quickly under challenging situations.
With this perspective, I can’t say that I would have developed my skills any differently or more quickly. My pace of development was exactly as it needed to be and has brought me to the creatively fulfilling place where I am now.
Kate, 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?
My work focuses on bringing the outdoors indoors. I capture both powerful and playful imagery of the beauty that surrounds us. I absolutely love the power of the ocean and also the grandeur of the mountains. I am typically drawn to the beaches of Southern California, the mountains of Colorado and any tropical location I visit.
During quarantine I spent more time outdoors and became increasingly inspired by nature: the colors, textures, movement, stillness and myriad expressions of lighting and mood. Before 2020 I had been photographing on land and in the water (with my DSLR and an underwater housing system), but during that year I felt compelled to view the world from above; from a “bird’s eye view”. Thus, my aerial landscape photographic collections was born! When beginning in this area, I went all-in and purchased the best drone that I could. I tend to be an all-in kind of person! These images are captured by a professional quality drone with a Hasselblad lens, and I pride myself in being able to deliver this unique perspective and quality to clients.
Logistically speaking, I offer clients photographic prints in many formats and help them decorate their spaces to create an inspired and soothing environment. My conscientious nature and attention to detail drive me to offer a bespoke experience from beginning to end. This commences with a consultation either virtually or in person. This is the time during which we discuss aesthetic and practical details: the colors and mood to fit the space, taking wall measurements and so on. One of my favorite mediums for my images is the acrylic face mounted print. This is an unusual and beautiful type of print, which is a high quality acrylic layered over a personally signed photograph. This creates a clean and modern feel and highlights the vibrancy of an image. I am proud to work primarily with local printers instead of big box or online presses. This keeps the entire process more personal, allows me to hand sign each piece and supports local business. It is also a guaranteed way for me to offer the highest quality pieces to my clients.
I truly value my clients, and many times over I have found that the people who are drawn to my work are people I am drawn to as well. This synchronistic relationship creates a trusting, meaningful and rewarding experience for everyone.
Is there a particular goal or mission driving your creative journey?
The intention behind bringing my work into the world is in facilitate a connection between people and nature. It is so often that we become distant from these incredible gifts that surround us. I deeply process the physical expressions of this world and how it directly relates to and is a part of each one of us. For example, when I am interacting with the intensity of the the ocean I think about how peaceful it is to be held in water and how exhilarating it is to navigate the surf and cold water. I think about the the constant motion of the ocean and what it teaches us about the inevitable nature of impermanence; the transient and yet perpetual ways of nature in every drop of water and in every drop of us.
My hope is that the images I share evoke this in other people, or really that it connects with them in any way that speaks to them. Connection with nature and art creates a space for pause in our busy lives. I believe there is a great deal of power and healing in that.
For you, what’s the most rewarding aspect of being a creative?
One of the most rewarding aspects of being an artist is the ability to drop into my true nature; my authenticity. This took a long time to return to and so it is incredibly joyous to feel whole and at home in this medium of expression. My images teach me about myself. They show me what I am noticing, what I am drawn to and the moods I may be inspired to capture. As I sort through my photographs it is like holding a mirror up to myself that reflects back to me my current inner experience. It helps me with self awareness. Being in nature and behind the camera allows the mental chatter to evaporate and lead me to a place where over- thinking falls away and I am landed in the present moment.
Contact Info:
- Website: www.katherineevephoto.com
- Instagram: @katieevephoto