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Feature Interview With Katleho Rathai

I had the pleasure of sitting down with a talented photographer from South Africa. Born and raised in Pretoria, this individual’s passion for photography has taken her on an inspiring journey.

Join me as we dive into Kat’s story and explore the pivotal moments that led Kat to pursue photography professionally.

As the interview commenced, I couldn’t help but notice the photographer’s vibrant energy and warm smile. With a genuine curiosity, I began our conversation.

The 54th – Hey, how are you?

Katleho Rathai – Hi! Nothing less than good.

The 54th – Where are you from and where did you grow up?

Katleho Rathai : I am from South Africa, born and raised in Pretoria, but currently based in Johannesburg.

….Delving deeper into her journey, I asked about her first encounter with a camera.

The 54th – When was the first time you picked up a camera?

Katleho Rathai – Honestly, a while ago. However, the time I decided to pick it up and do something with it was in October or November of 2022.

…My Curiosity piqued, I became eager to learn about the moment when photography transitioned from a mere hobby to a serious professional pursuit.

The 54th – After you picked up a camera, when was that defining moment where you said, “You know what, I want to take photography serious and do it professionally”?

Katleho Rathai – Ah!!, I guess the defining moment was when someone was willing to pay for my craft. It made me realize that I might just have something special going on here.

I thought, “why not offer this service at a price?” Not only could it fund other ventures I want to pursue, but it also allowed me to recognize the value of my own work.

…I delved into the realm of Kat’s photographic niche and her reasoning behind choosing it.

The 54th – What niche would you say you belong to, and why did you decide this would be your niche?

Katleho Rathai – I don’t belong to just one niche, but I have explored documentary, event, portraiture, and street photography as of late. However, my favorite niche is documentary photography.

It allows me to capture the world according to my vision, free from the constraints of rules. It’s challenging but brings out the curious side of Kat. Through documentary photography, I can seize the moments others might have missed and immortalize them. It enables me to observe and visually tell a piece of someone’s life story. In truth, I try to infuse this style into all my photography because, at its core, it isn’t so different.

…I was Mesmerized by the black and white aesthetic prevalent in Kat’s work, I probed deeper into the emotions they aim to convey.

The 54th – I see that most of your pictures are in black and white. Is there a feeling or emotion you’re trying to convey?

Katleho Rathai – Absolutely. Black and white photography conveys a sense of timelessness, if that’s even a feeling. It allows me to transcend the present moment and invite viewers to reimagine the scene, placing themselves in a different time and place. When people look at my work, I want them to engage in introspection and connect with the essence of the captured moment.

My Curiosity piqued, I sought to uncover the motivations that fuel Kat’s creative endeavors.

The 54th – What motivates you to create?

Katleho Rathai – The thought that there has to be more to every single thing. Even if I’m not creating on my camera. The people around me. School. Walking. A scripture. Something I read somewhere. A feeling. A song. A bird flying. Everything drives me to create

Seeking insight into the early stages of Kat’s photography journey, I went ahead to inquire about her first gear.

The 54th – What was the first gear you used during the genesis of your photography journey?

Katleho Rathai – It might come as a surprise, but my first gear was my smartphone. I hope the mobb doesn’t hunt me down for this one! laughs The first “official” camera I used was a Sony camera (ZV-e10) with the Sigma 50mm f1.4 lens, which I borrowed from a friend.

Don’t you worry, you are absolutely safe here, no one is coming for you laughs – I said

I was Eager to explore Kat’s current gear, so I asked about her current photographic equipment.….

The 54th – What gear do you currently use to create your images?

Katleho Rathai – Currently, I use the Canon M50 with the Canon 50mm lens f/1.8 STM. NIFTY FIFTY, baby!

Sounds like that camera is really your baby

Diving more into the gear discussion, I sought Kat’s perspective on its significance.

The 54th – Do you think gear matters?

Katleho Rathai – Yes, it does, especially in the long run. When you’re just starting out, it might not be as crucial. Shooting with a camera is different from shooting with a smartphone. Gear helps you build your skill set and enables you to experiment on a larger scale, bringing your creative vision to life with higher quality and a wider range of possibilities.

Turning my attention to the influences and aspirations that shape Kat’s artistic journey, I posed a question regarding the impact of others on her work.

The 54th – Do you have any influences? Are there any artists, photographers, or people who have made a significant impact on your work?

Katleho Rathai – Yes, I have been influenced by many individuals across different fields. They all contribute to shaping my perspective and approach to photography.

….. Skill development is an important aspect in any creative journey, I was keen to explore the areas in which Kat had honed her abilities during her creative journey.

The 54th – What skills did you have to develop during your creative journey?

Katleho Rathai – The list could go on, but some of the key skills I’ve focused on include understanding how lighting works, exploring different angles, mastering visual language, refining editing and designing techniques, color grading, learning to say no when necessary, finding my voice, managing time effectively, and developing emotional intelligence. These skills have been instrumental in shaping my artistic vision and helping me grow as a photographer.

Intrigued by Kat’s distinctive style, I asked about she approach standing out in the competitive creative industry.

The 54th – How are you carving out your own path in the creative industry? How do you ensure that you’re different and able to stand out?

Katleho Rathai – I simply show everyone what I like and maintain an air of mystery while doing so. I find beauty in ordinary moments and strive to elevate them into something extraordinary.

Curiosity led me to explore whether music played a significant role in Kat’s photography process and if it helped evoke desired emotions in their subjects.

The 54th – Does music have an important role to play when you are shooting? Does it help in getting your models to show the emotions you are looking for?

Katleho Rathai – I haven’t specifically explored the use of music during my shoots. I typically engage in conversation with my models to establish a connection and bring out the desired emotions.

However, in live events, the ambient music automatically sets the tone and influences the behavior of my main subjects.

…..Acknowledging the challenges faced by every creative individual, I asked Kat about the biggest obstacle she has encountered as a photographer.

The 54th – What’s the biggest obstacle you’ve faced as a photographer?

Katleho Rathai – Balancing my personal life, dealing with imposter syndrome, and determining the value and pricing of my work have been significant hurdles. However, I’m actively working on overcoming these challenges and finding a healthy balance.

To gain insight into Kat’s collaborative process with clients, I inquired about her approach to ensuring that the client’s vision is effectively represented in their photos.

The 54th – How do you work with clients to make sure their vision is represented in the photos?

Katleho Rathai – Communication is key. I ask for a brief from the clients, urging them to provide inspiration boards or any visual references they have in mind. If they’re unsure, I take the initiative to create my own boards on platforms like Pinterest or Milanote, capturing a visual story that aligns with their expectations.

I got Curious and it led me to ask Kat how she handles difficult lighting situations during her shoots.

The 54th – How do you handle difficult lighting situations?

Katleho Rathai – I view limitations as opportunities for creativity. When faced with unfavorable lighting conditions, I rely on other visual languages, such as composition and contrast, to create impactful images.

I see challenging lighting as a chance to improvise and make the most of the resources at hand. Since my work predominantly focuses on composition, I embrace the concept of working with what I have.

To understand Kat’s commitment to delivering high-quality photographs, I inquired about her approach to ensuring client satisfaction.

The 54th – How do you ensure that you deliver the highest-quality photos to your clients?

Katleho Rathai – I constantly strive to improve my workflow and learn from each shoot. Shooting in RAW format allows me to implement my creative style during post-production, ensuring that my clients receive high-quality images that meet their expectations.

Seeking Purpose: I inquired about Kat’s aspirations and what she hope to achieve through her photography.

The 54th – Is there something you really want to achieve in the world of photography?

Katleho Rathai – To give back. I also have a deep desire to exhibit and sell my work both locally and globally.

Recognizing Kat’s experience and wisdom, I asked if she had any advice for individuals starting out in the field of photography.

The 54th – Do you have any advice for anyone starting out as a photographer?

Katleho Rathai – Develop a strong sense of self and immerse yourself in the world around you. Take walks, engage in conversations, and capture moments with your camera. Let your eyes guide you. Share your work fearlessly, be open to experimentation, and embrace the opportunities that come your way. Continuously learn new skills, not only with your camera but also in terms of soft skills. Let your personality, character, and let smile become your brand until you establish a distinct identity. Most importantly, stay grounded in your belief system. Have faith in the worthiness of your work, regardless of external opinions or internal fears. Remember, you have the potential to grow and excel. With time, opportunity will intersect with your preparedness, leading you towards success.

As our conversation drew to a close, it became evident that Kat’s artistic journey is a captivating fusion of curiosity, exploration, and a relentless drive to capture the world through their unique lens. From her preferred niche in documentary photography to her preference for black and white imagery, Kat’s artistry breathes life into the ordinary.

With a firm belief in her vision and an unwavering commitment to self-improvement, Kat is poised to leave an indelible mark on the vibrant world of photography.