Meet Katherine Luzny: Photographer / Creator

We had the good fortune of connecting with Katherine Luzny and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Katherine, what role has risk played in your life or career?
I cannot stress enough about taking risks. You never know your true potential until the opportunity comes your way. 2020 definitely brought me a curve ball of not being able to book photo shoots and meet with clients. I had to shift gears to survive being furloughed from bartending as well. Started an Etsy shop to sell hand made masks, hot sauce and embroidery art! It’s in my nature to be creative and open to new things. Made well over 400 masks to sell in the 3 months at home. Having the time on my hands I would binge true crime podcast and sew to my hearts content. It was a good feeling to know I was helping someone some where protect themselves.

Later in the spring I planted a hot pepper garden for my birthday. Had everything from Habanero, Ghost, Serrano and more.
Turn the fruits of my labor into hot sauce, meat rubs and canned. Think I had around 40 plants at one point! I really enjoy cooking at a hobby and it was fun to have friends and family try the creations. I eventually branded the sauce to Kat Got Your Tongue. A great friend of mine, Keith P Rein, made a labels for the bottles.

Even though I couldn’t photograph as much as I wanted too. There’s always a way to shake things up! Unlock your ambition and do that thing you thought you couldn’t. You might surprise yourself.

Let’s talk shop? Tell us more about your career, what can you share with our community?
I’ve been a photographer for many years have enjoyed the journey. Helping clients feel their best and teaching them self love. Capturing a special wedding moments between newlyweds. Took me a long time to find my style and secure myself as a portrait photographer. Love making sets or finding locations to create a style, mood, or situation. Photographing these glints in time bring me so much joy as to others.

Learned the mostly valuable lesson of you cannot please everyone. Do not over book yourself. Take time for yourself most importantly. Never forget to enjoy the process, creating new clients and friends a long the way.

I want people to embrace the fact you are capable of so much more. Never be afraid to try new things, open that Etsy Shop or try a new hobby!

Being a Jack of many trades can be overwhelming some times. This last year taught me to slow down and use my craftier side. I took a few risks and some of them sticked! Photography bookings are still currently limited at this time, but I’m hopeful for the future.

If you had a friend visiting you, what are some of the local spots you’d want to take them around to?
Back in December 2020 I moved in with the love of my love here in Athens, Georgia. This college town has always stolen my heart from the music venues, food, and artist culture. There are so many privately owned businesses that I love to support.

SeaBear is my absolute favorite oyster bar in town. It’s only a 20 minute walk from home. Their selection of oysters are incredible and I recommend the frozen Negroni or Bloody Mary Ouster shooter. For after dinner drinks it will be either Old Pal or Normal Bar. Great for a Friday night adventure. Also there are so many breweries here! Creature Comforts, Southern Brewing and Akademia to name a few are so of my favorites. If we wanted to be outdoors for the day the Broad River is a 20 minute drive. Bring a tiny cooler and float down the river. Afterwards hit Little Italy downtown for a fat pizza and $2.50 Miller Highlife. Once venues are open I can’t wait to be on the rooftop of the Athens Theater. Go see a show at the 40watt and grab a late dinner at the Grill.

Shoutout is all about shouting out others who you feel deserve additional recognition and exposure. Who would you like to shoutout?
There are so many beautiful souls to shout out at. Karinna Fischer is my kindred spirit, and I am absolutely proud of who she is. Admire her drive and self love towards others. She’s been my muse, roommate, and best gal for 10 years! My incredibly partner in life who comforts, listens, and loves me unconditionally. He is the best chef, handyman, Ralph Fiennes look-a-like.
Everyone who has supported and purchased off my Etsy shop thank you from the bottom of my heart. It was nerve cracking and stressful and I would not change a thing.

Website: https://www.etsy.com/shop/TheKatKraft

Instagram: @the_kat_kraft

Image Credits
Photographer: Maggie Nunn Hot sauce Label: Keith P Rein Model: Maggie Nunn Sieber All photographs done by self