Today we’d like to introduce you to Katherine Dusza.
Hi Katherine, we’re thrilled to have a chance to learn your story today. So, before we get into specifics, maybe you can briefly walk us through how you got to where you are today?
I’ve always felt that I’m an artist at my core. For as long as I can remember, the thrill of creating and expressing myself has been something I constantly seek out. I was born and raised in Phoenix, AZ. Growing up, I played soccer and around age 14 picked up a camera on the sidelines of my brother’s games and something just clicked. From there, I was doing photoshoots with anyone and everyone in high school because I simply loved it.
I went to the University of Arizona to study psychological science and was on track to graduate a year early, but in 2023 I chose to study abroad in Rome and that changed everything. I took my first formal photography class and spent hours and days wandering around Rome cities with an old DSLR camera until I knew with certainty there was no other career for me. When I returned to Tucson, I immediately enrolled as a studio art minor and fell deeply in love with film photography, darkroom printing, and learning the mechanics. I graduated with honors in the spring of 2025 with a BS in Psychological Science and a minor in studio art. After I graduated, I knew I needed to be a professional photographer but had no idea how to get there. I decided to move back home, and began reaching out to local musicians and artists to shoot their shows and portraits. What started as cold messages and emails quickly revealed itself to be the perfect fusion of everything I love, collaborating with creatives and being surrounded by music I’m passionate about. Most recently, I had the incredible opportunity to go on my first tour through the United Kingdom, serving as the photographer and content creator for Mikayla Geier as she opened for MARINA.
I’m sure it wasn’t obstacle-free, but would you say the journey has been fairly smooth so far?
This has not been a linear path, and the world stops for no one. I have struggled with my mental health for as long as I can remember. Growing up I was very anxious, and over the years that evolved into a longer struggle with depression. This was part of what drew me to study psychology; I wanted to better understand myself and why I felt the way I did. For years I searched for something, anything, that would make me feel like myself again.
The best thing that truly worked for me was creating. It was a camera that first gave me a sense of release.
As you know, we’re big fans of you and your work. For our readers who might not be as familiar what can you tell them about what you do?
While photography is my specialty, my creative practice extends into videography, painting, oil pastels, charcoals and beyond. I am best known for my portrait and concert work, but what I am most proud of is my work ethic. Within my first year working professionally, I have shown in two galleries, shot two festivals, traveled to the UK on tour and to Costa Rica for a few projects, all while building a community of people I’m grateful to call friends.
I think what sets me apart is my openness and genuine willingness to learn. If I feel I have the technical skill to deliver, I’ll try anything once, which has led me to a wide portfolio spanning portraits, concerts, food, landscape and branding. No matter the subject, I will always show up and give it everything I have.
What was your favorite childhood memory?
I loved going camping with my family as a child. We spent a lot of time outside in nature as a family.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://katdusza.com
- Instagram: @katduszaart
- Youtube: @katduszaart
