katja golde STORY: BRINDY FRANCIS PHOTOGRAPHY: AIDAN DOYLE
“As a photographer, I’ve learned not to be stressed out about taking photos, even if they don’t come out well the first time. Be patient and realize it’s not always going to be exactly how you want,” remarks San Francisco’s up and coming photographer, KATJA GOLDE when chatting about the obstacles photographers may go through. “An obstacle I have faced taking while pictures is comparing myself to other people. I need to understand that I am a different person than they are.” Golde, with over 17k followers, has been loving her career on Instagram. Her simplistic photographs have reached the hearts of many. The number one question photographers seem to be asked is what camera equipment they use. Golde’s extreme talent is mostly brought to you by her very own iPhone camera! She states that at times, she will take out her Canon 30D. The message her work tends to portray is simplicity. “A lot of my photos are of simple things I’m doing. I want to show that you can take anything simple, like drinking a cup of coffee, and turn it into something beautiful. I also want to encourage people to explore more of the areas around them,” says Golde. We all tend to be inspired while investing in something we love. At the beginning and throughout Golde’s work, she has discovered a love for other people who make art, just like her. “My mom is an artist, so I’ve learned a lot from her. She was the one who first started taking me to cafes and sunsets.” Golde also gives a shout out to @ rackandrouge and @harrisonglazier. They were the two who really have stuck out and has inspired her every step of her photography experience, which she states has been three years.
Everyone seems to focus on someone just for their profession. What is Golde doing when not snapping photos? When she is not photographing, she tends to be making art or working on some DIY project while listening to her favorite records. I’m with her! Who doesn’t love a good ol’ turntable? I bet you’re wondering who’s playing on that turntable! “My go-to artists for when I’m relaxing is Mac Demarco or Beach House, but it can definitely switch up,” states Golde. Now, I wonder where she tends to be when she is photographing. “I’m definitely in a cafe or cute shop while taking pictures, but I love to go outside and walk too. I’m trying to get outdoor photos more often now.” Golde is not only known for her beautiful photographic technique, but she also makes films! We asked her what her messages seem to say in her cinematic work. “It switches based on the films. Some are from a message that you can apply to your daily life, while others are just visuals that I like.” She is always motivated to do what she loves to do. She hasn’t given up or even thought about it! You wonder what keeps her going. She’s a headstrong, hard working woman (#girlpower). “I take photos because I love playing with colors and exploring new places.” She says she’s motivated by hearing adventurous stories or seeing photos that urge her to get out and experience. In the end, that’s what it’s all about: experiences and living in the moment. How do you become successful in the photography world? How can you become the next Katja Golde? “You aren’t going to start from the top, so be patient and stay true to yourself.”
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