Katrina Joy Reyes’ Fab Frames Provide Vibrancy and Energy
Commonly, a diverse portfolio leads to a reduction in quality in certain parts of a photographer’s body of work. That’s not the case, however, with Los Angeles based photographer Katrina Joy Reyes. From creative self portraits to vibrant product frames, her work explores several areas without ever dropping in standards, that’s a testament to her skill set.
At Them Frames, we love photography that’s full of color and energy. We adore the type of work that makes the still frame feel like it’s alive and rocking, right in front of our eyes. Katrina Joy Reyes’ exuberant frames give us the perfect dose of dopamine our brains need to feel upbeat about the photography we’re viewing. They’re also slightly addictive, as we often found ourselves shouting “we want more” after spending time on her Instagram feeds and website.
Behind every body of work is the photographer who made it, and here at Them Frames we’re passionate about getting to know the photographer who creates in a manner that we love. We reached out to Katrina and locked her in for an interview, covering who she is and the work she creates.
Them Frames: What excites you the most about making photographs?
Katrina Joy Reyes: I love the ability to capture “the moment” and seeing people come out of their shells is the best part of making photographs.
Them Frames: Let’s talk about self-portraits. How do you find the process of being the subject and the photographer at the same time?
Katrina Joy Reyes: I had started self-portraits because as a photographer, I have never really had photos done how I would like them. I am just inspired by movies that I enjoyed from my childhood and music videos I used to watch. I get my inspiration from everything really, whether it would just be an old magazine ad or something out of my mind! My favorite photographers are Cindy Sherman and Nadia Lee Cohen and both are inspirational artists that transform themselves through photography.
Them Frames: Tell us about your love for film photography…why shoot film in 2022?
Katrina Joy Reyes: Film to me is like a box of chocolates, you never know what you’re gonna get! It’s very cliche but I like how film captures certain colors depending on which stock [you use]. In 2022, it does make it hard, but at the same time while it’s still here, I’m still going to shoot film for as long as I can.
Theme Frames: There are a lot of families, baby, and maternity shoots in your portfolio. What do you enjoy about creating this type of work?
Katrina Joy Reyes: I love to capture family portraits because it’s a special memory for them to keep forever, it’s something they can always look back on and say, “that’s us.” I believe it’s important to document these types of memories because not everyone is here with us forever.
Them Frames: How do you design the theme for one of your portrait and lifestyle sessions?
Katrina Joy Reyes: I design my themes based on what my client wants or what their style is like, it could really be anything from a 90’s street look or if they want to go with a favorite scary movie. Any idea is a great idea and I could make it happen with just a few simple props and lighting!
Them Frames: You have “people person” energy. What inspires you to shoot product photography?
Katrina Joy Reyes: Product photography is something I am still new at and I love the lifestyle look to it because it incorporates the setting and props. I suppose I imagine it as a magazine ad or something I could see in store, hoping it could entice the audience to want the product is the main goal.
Them Frames: Do you talk to the products to make the shoot feel less isolating?
Katrina Joy Reyes: I don’t necessarily talk to my products, but I certainly do get into the vibe of what I’m shooting. I guess you can say I just vibe with the products instead of talking with them.
Them Frames: Excuse us. That was an odd question. So, what’s your favorite film roll and camera combo?
Katrina Joy Reyes: Not an odd question at all! My favorite camera at the moment is a point and shoot, Canon Sure Shot 130u, because it’s so small and I could take it anywhere. My favorite film stock would be Kodak gold, of course, because of how warm it looks.
Them Frames: What’s one “outside of your comfort zone” risk you would like to take in your photography career?
Katrina Joy Reyes: I think any photography job is “out of my comfort zone” because it’s all just new to me! I don’t mind a little bit of pressure on any new venture, I feel like everything is a learning experience so I will take anything I can and grow from it.
Them Frames: Finally, and most importantly, you can only take one camera to an island–which would it be and why?
Katrina Joy Reyes: That’s a hard one. I think one camera I could have on an island would be one of my Polaroids only if I have unlimited amounts of film packs! It would give me something tangible and leave things behind just in case someone is out there looking for me.