Kat - ROCKOGRAPHER
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Kat - ROCKOGRAPHER

Always been a rocker but got involved in the band scene in 1989. 

Started with the Ajax Puppy Grinding Company and it's gone downhill since then. 

Just kidding.

Been everywhere from basements to stage shows and on the buses meeting concert folk. 

Fav meeting had was with Pete Fredette (Kim Mitchell) when he was touring with Gowan. 

Funnest group of guys was April Wine (must have met em 8 or so times). 

Best concert is a cross between Metallica and Aerosmith. 

 



 

Trained and graduated from the New York Institute of Photography. 2001-2002 

Course one – cameras and lens / Course two – film, exposures, and filters / Course three – light / Course four – portraiture / Course five – photojournalism, fashion, & macro / Course six – glamour, advertising, & architectural

Interviewed and featured on the official NYIP website when they found out that I was using my training for band photography. 


After graduating I tried working in studios but was told that if I work for them, they own me and my work.  I would not be allowed to photograph freely and would have to refer any clients to the studio.  If I ever wanted to freelance I would have to buy myself out because they would consider that they on-the-job trained me.  When I found out that they retain all credit and copies of my work it was the last straw.  

I decided to freelance. 

Have taken every kind of photograph request.

Family and portraiture were most common.

I've done people's pets, stills of ownership (cars, boats, homes, etc...), paintings for local artists, events (Official opening ceremonies for downtown developement board, Peter Pan play production, Pow wows, etc...).  Even climbed a crane to photograph the city of Brandon which the city bought from me and has used publically to promote Brandon.    

Decided to work within my field and got a job in a photolab.  I took advantage of the time by training myself on every camera on the market.  I eventually purchased 3 cameras and a plethera of equipment and supplies.  


The majority of my freelance work involved weddings.  I would cover the entire event which would take the whole day.  Covering preparation, formals, ceremony, and group portraits of guests at the social. 

BUT...quite frankly.  I wasn't satisfied. 

The photography I was doing was typical and profitable but that's not why I got into the business.  The people I worked with would brush me off like a servant. 

Photography can be of anything.  I decided to go with what I know.  Rock and roll!  Nobody bothers with up and coming bands.  Nobody is willing to work the late hours for the shot.  It's something I believe in, know about and appreciate.  I decided to give local bands a hand.   


I was freelancing and posting shots til May 2004.  F.U.G.R. (Fat Ugly Guys Rock) were the first band to professionally hire me.  They knew me through word of mouth and I didn't have to prove anything.  As Chris said "Your pictures speak for themselves." 

They each pitched in a couple of bucks and got a loyal supporter to this day.  My first shots were my favorites.  Gotta love those hats! 

With my photos as proof that I knew what I was doing, more bands saw the potential offered for band promotion and began to use my services.  Supporting Rock and Roll spawned the name ROCKOGRAPHER.

Then local band 18 RABBIT needed shots for an album release.  With a chance to get artistic we shot the group within an afternoon.  The results impressed.  18 Rabbit not only were the second band to hire me but also became what I consider great friends.

More bands were getting to know that they had this resource on hand.  Always with respect to bands I would do my best with my training to show Brandon what the music scene had to offer. 

There were a few who at first wondered my motives but quickly found out my professionalism and dedication to the bands.  I had truely given up everything to promote what I believed in.

 

 

I have been to every ROCKFEST in Minnedosa since the first years except for 1 year.  We were on our way out there and a moose stepped onto the highway.  I regret more missing the bands then I do losing the vehicle. 

I gathered my courage and walked into the main office to introduce myself.  What was I thinking!  4 days of coverage followed by a week of working through the 1000 or so photos taken preparing for presentation.  I wouldn't change a thing.  I have worked for Rockin The Fields Of Minnedosa as their photographer every year since.  A dream come true.  Much appreciation goes out to Vaughne and the RFM crew for the opportunity.  

 


From then on I have covered any event that has .....est, or .....jam, or band..... 

KX96's Frank and Lyle have been promoting the intown Ridgefest of which I am proud to have been a part of every year.

And so it goes.  Anywhere where there's live music being played, I take shots.  The work is demanding with usually low light and fast movement.  The work continues into the next few days after coverage to produce and present the final shots.  It's all worth it in the end.

There are many bands in Brandon (and Shattered from Estevan) which are considered bandland members.  Bands come and go but the preformances will be documented as long as I'm around.  The people I've met and worked with are the best kind of people around.  I'm am treated with the same dignity and respect that I give out. 

Beginning with an interest in photography and becoming the ROCKOGRAPHER was a fantastic journey so far.  To those that supported this dream, I express my sincere thanx. 


As Always

"SUPPORT LIVE ROCK AND ROLL"