Today we’d like to introduce you to Katherine Gregorio.
Hi Katherine, it’s an honor to have you on the platform. Thanks for taking the time to share your story with us – to start, maybe you can share some of your backstory with our readers?
My name is Katherine Gregorio. My friends call me Kate. I like to think my story started when I was a starry-eyed 14 years old who collected magazines like Vogue, Elle, and Marie Claire and tore out the pages of fashion editorials so I could arrange them in collages on my wall. At the time, I didn’t realize what it was that drew me to the images. It wasn’t until my junior year of high school, when I took my first photography class, that I realized photography wasn’t just a form of creative expression but a career path that I absolutely had to follow. With the help of my supportive family, I attended the Art Institute of Fort Lauderdale from 2009-2011, where I learned the basics of photography, lighting, image retouching, and business. While in school, I interned at a local rental/commercial studio where I met an in-house photographer who, seven years later, became my husband.
After graduating, I kept working at the studio wearing many hats; lighting assistant, retoucher, office assistant, and associate photographer, while slowly building my portfolio. Finally, I stepped away from working at the studio to become a freelance photographer.
Alright, so let’s dig a little deeper into the story – has it been an easy path overall, and if not, what were the challenges you’ve had to overcome?
It definitely hasn’t been easy, and there were times I even considered giving up. A lack of confidence and anxiety hindered my creative development, especially in my early twenties, fresh out of college. Of course, 2020 was a setback in my career, as well as my mental well-being, as I’m sure many can relate to. Through industry experience, building a support system of friends and colleagues that have encouraged me, as well as implementing a healthy daily routine, I’ve grown into a much stronger and vibrant creative.
Can you tell our readers more about what you do and what you think sets you apart from others?
I’m a photographer here in South Florida, focusing on editorial and commercial fashion; portraits; and branding for influencers, artists, actors, models, and business owners.
What sets me and my work apart is my style and my personality. I like to have fun on set because I feel like, if I can’t have fun with my work, then what’s the point? And I think that shows in my photos. I love working with other passionate and creative women in the industry and creating editorial stories together, and I’m thankful and proud of the published works that have come from those photoshoots. Moreover, I love playing with colors, shadows, and movement, and I love thrifting for outfits and props that might be fun to add to a shoot.
Can you talk to us a bit about happiness and what makes you happy?
This past year has taught me the importance gratitude has on my happiness. I’m happy and grateful for the time I get to spend with my family and friends; for the road trips my husband and I get to take with our rescue dog, Jack; for all the opportunities to be creative for a living; and for the little moments in the intimacy of my home snuggling with my cats.
Contact Info:
- Email: info@katherinegregorio.com
- Website: https://katherinegregorio.com/
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/katherinegregorio/
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/katherinegregoriophoto/
- Other: https://www.tiktok.com/@katherinegregorio
Image Credits
1. Model: Paris Francisca Hair and makeup: Valunthinee Phoung Styled by Zoe Berman 2. Model: Laura Victoria Hair and makeup: Valunthinee Phoung Styled by Hassni Caina 3. Model: Nelanie Turli Hair and makeup: Valunthinee Phoung Styled by Lorena Borrego 4. Model: Abeni Gasaway Hair and makeup: Valunthinee Phoung 5. Model: Elizabeth Tran Hair and makeup: Valunthinee Phoung Styled by Suki Kinyana Lei 6. Model: Kristina Stephens Hair and makeup: Valunthinee Phoung 7. Model/Musician: Jessica Morale 8. Model: Kelsey Tiang Thompson Hair and makeup: Valunthinee Phoung
