Featured Artists #2: Katie McAtackney

We had a chat with the lovely Katie, a photography grad from Norwich University of the Arts. Check out her pictures and interview below.

Hi Katie! Tell us a bit about yourself 

Hello! I am Katie, 22, a photographer who graduated from Norwich University of the Arts last June.

Why photography? 

For years, I’ve been photographing everything and anything, since then I just wanted to turn it in a career aspect. Also.. not being cliche at all – I really do love how a photograph can instantly stop time, and I believe that is something magical. 

Photography for me is not looking, it’s feeling. If you can’t feel what you’re looking at, then you’re never going to get others to feel anything when they look at your pictures.

Do you specialise in any particular work at all? 

I mainly specialise in lifestyle and editorial work. However since being out in the big wide world, I found editorial work doesn’t get you far. Therefore, I’m not completely changing it but slowly pushing towards the advertising and commercial direction. 

Given complete creative freedom (and a large budget!), what would you take pictures of? 

Oh gosh! That would be amazing. I’m a huge fan of Tim Walker’s work. I think I would try and pull off my own set with all of these magical props and tell a story through fashion.  

Out of all of the pictures you’ve ever taken, which has been your favourite? 

Ah, I don’t have a favourite. But if I had to choose then hopefully the one I’m going to take tomorrow

How important are programmes like Photoshop in your work? 

Not very. I am a true believer in not over editing your work. If you have to post-product it so much it tends to lose it’s value and feeling. 

Of course, I’ll make small touches but nothing too much!

Knowing all you know now, what advice would you give to yourself when you first started photography? 

Ha, probably to have confidence in yourself. Go out there and ask for that stranger for a portrait. 

I didn’t really believe in myself, and always had in the back of my mind the thought of not succeeding in photography. 

What are your long-term plans/goals/ambitions with regards to your photography? 

Err, It’s so hard to say right now. I have so many options right now and different paths to go down. Currently I am studying a Masters in Advertising and Marketing with Falmouth for more options. Of course, I would love to stay in the creative industry but I am more open to other creative opportunities! 

Finally, if you could photograph in any city for one week, where would you go?

Somewhere with mountains. I absolutely love mountains so somewhere in Canada is a good shout…Vancouver maybe?

Fantastic choice. Thank you for chatting to us Katie!

Check out Katie’s work here.

Stay tuned for our regular ‘Featured Artist’ item. A different artist, illustrator, photographer or designer each week. Fancy becoming featured? Get in touch!

Feeling inspired?

Whoever you are, we’ve got something for you. With free delivery on all UK orders, why not give Print on Paper a go today? From desk to doorstep, we’ve got you covered.