All images by Katie McCurdy. Used with permission.
The warm tones and soft contrast first drew me to Katie McCurdy’s portraiture. Sitting with her work felt peaceful, almost grounding, and I found myself staying with each frame longer than expected. But as I spent more time with her portfolio, it became clear that what McCurdy offers goes far beyond my initial attraction.
Katie McCurdy (Photo credit: Cali Sherman).
People change when there’s a camera in the room. An environment that feels relaxed and candid can quickly become tense and performative once it’s time to create. McCurdy, however, seems to have found a way around that shift. The ease with which her subjects pose suggests the camera barely registers in their mind.
Of course, it does.
From children to celebrities, McCurdy’s work reminds us that no matter our background or status, we share at least one thing in common: we’re human. Her portraiture strips away system-made titles and pedestals, arriving at something more honest and individual. In doing so, her images feel both humanizing and quietly liberating.
I caught up with her to learn more about her creative process, the work she creates and her life as a photographer taking high-profile gigs for brands such as Ralph Lauren, Uniqlo and more…
Them Frames: Hey Katie – please, tell us a little about your personality, how you are with other people and how it all plays into you becoming a portrait photographer.
Katie McCurdy: I’m pretty outgoing but I also really enjoy quiet moments and reflection. I think It’s important to be able to ‘read the room’ when you’re creating an environment on set.
I always try to match the energy of whoever I’m photographing so that we can build a collaborative space. I was a waitress for almost a decade which helped me learn how to interact with different personalities.
The goal for me is always to meet the subject where they’re at and try to pull that emotion out of them. Everyone has a story, and I feel fortunate when I get to help tell that story.
Them Frames: I love the gentleness of your images, and there’s an element of candiness to them. How did you develop this style and why does it work for you?
Katie McCurdy: I’m always sensitive to the person in front of my lens and I try to be disarming. Having the trust from the person I’m photographing allows room for candid moments and play.
I want to connect as much as possible to let their personality come through so it feels intimate and special, those are always my favorite images.
Them Frames: You’ve worked on a range of projects. Whilst I’m sure you apply yourself fully to all of them, what type of brief really excites you and inspires your creative side?
Katie McCurdy: I love projects that feel human. I’m always drawn to stories that reveal something real about people, their beauty in the in-between moments. I get most inspired when there’s emotional honesty.
I think that’s where photography feels most alive, when you can sense the trust between subject and photographer, and that shared intention to tell something true.
Them Frames: You’re no stranger to working with high-profile brands and celebrities. Does this add pressure on you, and is it something you thrive off? Tell us what type of experience you tend to have emotionally and creatively.
Katie McCurdy: I’m always excited when I have the opportunity to photograph an artist I admire. Working with actor Jemima Kirke for almost a decade has been incredible. She is truly herself and invites you to be the same, It’s pure artistic freedom. It’s been cool to see how our portfolio of projects have evolved over the years, maybe one day we’ll make a book.
I also really loved working with actor Sadie Sink. We’ve shot for magazines and brands together but when I approached her about working on a personal project and she said yes, I was so thrilled to create with her one on one.
We photographed her in her hometown with her family, it was lovely. Sadie is extremely confident in her craft but also brings a level of vulnerability, it’s a wonderful combination. Working with other artists I’m a fan of is always a dream, especially when it’s just us or a very small crew.
Them Frames: Some of your work involves children. What type of challenges does that present when trying to get the shots you want and what are some of the perks of working with a younger generation?
Katie McCurdy: I absolutely love working with younger generations. They are always the most excited to be photographed. They want to be involved, they ask questions and they are so happy once you show them the photos you’ve made.
It’s a collaboration that reminds me of my initial obsession for image making. Of course, there is always a challenge working with children because it can be unpredictable but it also leaves room for candid and unexpected images.
Them Frames: If you could blend a song or album with your portfolio, which would it be and why?
Katie McCurdy: I’ll stop the world and melt with you by Modern English. Which seems self explanatory in the song title. I’m trying to constantly hold on to time and memory, frame by frame.
Them Frames: Finally, please finish this sentence: I need photography in my life because…
Katie McCurdy: It’s a reflection of who I am and what I love.
You can enjoy more work from Katie McCurdy by visiting her website and Instagram.
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