Katie Doherty
WHAT DO YOU DO?
“I photograph women to empower them to feel beautiful, confident, and sexy.”
WHAT STEPS DID YOU TAKE TO GET TO WHERE YOU ARE NOW?
I asked a lot of questions, either to other photographers or my trusty friend Google. I experimented & practiced; attended workshops & conferences; and watched endless hours of photography-related youtube videos. I asked friends and family to pose for me when I had new ideas to test out.
A couple years ago, I made a major breakthrough when I discovered the “rain room” in downtown LA. The first time I did a session there, I asked a friend to model for me. When I shared the completed pictures online, everyone wanted to shoot there! This unique location definitely drew people to my work.
How do you stand out in your field?
I’ve seen some “boudoir” style photography that over-sexualizes women, and I’m not really into that. It kind of feels too obvious, and I prefer a bit of mystery. My work is sensual and feminine, but artistic at the same time. I aim to cater my shoots to be unique to each woman, instead of taking a one-size-fits all approach. A common theme I’ve heard is that people feel very comfortable around me, and that’s an important part of capturing the true essence of a person.
WHAT ARE YOU WORKING ON RIGHT NOW?
Since shoots are temporarily on pause due to Covid-19, I’m at home cooking up new ideas. I have a wish list going on Amazon filled with mirrors, plexiglass, muslin fabric, and other random photo props. I love creating moodboards; I’ve been fantasizing and daydreaming a lot. Eager to get back out there when the time comes!
WHAT'S YOUR STYLE/PERSPECTIVE/TASTE? DO YOU HAVE A PROJECT THAT REPRESENTS THIS?
I’m into moodier photographs that play with light and shadow. When I started taking photos, I enjoyed that light and bright look - or nice even flat light. Now I’m the moodiest girl in town. I’d describe my style as ephemeral, maybe poetic, and ultra feminine. Though I only shoot digital, I adore the look of film (especially black and white) and edit to make my images feel a little filmy.
WE ARE ALL SLASHIES WITH MULTIPLE SKILLS, WHICH ONE DO YOU WISH YOU COULD DO MORE OFTEN?
Staying within the photography realm, I’d love to work with music artists, dancers, and other creative souls. Right now I work with a lot of women who have 9-5 jobs and want intimate portraits taken for them personally. But I’d be really excited to work with more people in creative fields who want to share artistic portraits of themselves with the world.
WHAT IS FRUSTRATING YOU RIGHT NOW?
Having too many books I want to read, and instead getting sucked into late night Instagram scrolling and Youtube binging. I get frustrated with myself when I don’t spend my time wisely. Note to self: Cut down on screen time!
IF YOU COULD HIRE SOMEONE FOR $20/HR, WHAT WOULD YOU HAVE THEM DO TO MAKE YOUR DAY EASIER?
Reaching out to new prospective clients. Marketing and networking doesn’t come naturally to me, so if I could get some assistance in those departments I would be a happy camper.
LET'S BRING OUT THE TIME MACHINE. WHAT DO YOU WISH YOU COULD HAVE TOLD YOURSELF, WHEN, AND WHY?
I’m gonna go back in time to teenage Katie and push her outside of her comfort zone a lot sooner. I’d tell her to let go of perfectionism, talk to strangers, and try her very best not to think about what other people think. Adult Katie is still navigating through this stuff, but little Katie just needed a big hug and reassurance that she is a wonderful human.
IF YOU COULD TALK TO AN EXPERT TO GAIN MORE INSIGHT ON SOMETHING, WHAT WOULD IT BE ABOUT?
Oh man, there are so many things I want to learn more about. But currently at the forefront of my mind is how to curate my social media and website. My style has changed over time, so I’m wondering if I should delete all the old stuff and make it look like I’ve known what I’m doing all along, hah! I’m in awe of well curated Instagram feeds...and would want to ask the experts how they decide what to post, if they delete old stuff that no longer fits their aesthetic, and how long it took them to find their “look.”
WHAT KIND OF OPPORTUNITIES/PROJECTS ARE YOU LOOKING FOR?
I’d love to work with a jewelry brand like Faris or Laura Lombardi. I’m really into bold, structural jewelry. In addition to brands, I’d like to continue photographing a variety of women. The women I usually work with are rarely models, and I enjoy photographing the everyday woman.
DESCRIBE YOUR IDEAL JOB/CLIENT/COLLABORATION.
My ideal client appreciates art and has a unique sense of style. She isn’t afraid to experiment and try something new or funky. I don’t think I’ve mentioned yet that I’m obsessed with flowers. I’d be over the moon to collaborate with a floral designer like Brittany Asch of BRRCH.com. If I could add florals to every photoshoot, you bet I would! While I’m in daydream mode here, I’d love to be commissioned for a fine art print that would hang in a fancy house or in the lobby of a boutique hotel.
WHAT IS YOUR HOURLY RATE, RETAINER, OR SALARY RANGE?
Rates begin at $595 for a one hour session. Email me at katie@laroussephoto.com for a full pricing sheet or to create something custom to fit your needs and budget.
HOW SHOULD SOMEONE APPROACH YOU ABOUT WORKING TOGETHER?
Feel free to email me at katie@laroussephoto.com, including when you are hoping to shoot, and any ideas/the general vision you have in mind. If you want to mention that you found me on ilovecreatives, that would be awesome too :)
HOW DO YOU STAY CREATIVE?
Visiting new places and seeing new things!
This member profile was originally published in May 2019.