Andy Katz

Photographer Q & A

Describe the moment or event that inspired your decision to become a photographer.

My father brought home a book called Portraits of Greatness by Yosuf Karsh. I was enamored by not only the content, but the quality of the images. A light bulb went off: I was 9 years old and photography was what I was going to do the rest of my life.

What is your favorite photography tip to share with other photographers?

Shoot when the light is beautiful. Which means when the sun is rising and when the sun is setting.

Favorite photography book and why?

The same one my father brought home to me: Portraits of Greatness by Yosuf Karsh. It started my love affair with photography. Karsh was a Canadian photographer known for his portraits of iconic figures like Winston Churchill, Pablo Picasso, Ernest Hemingway, Audrey Hepburn and Albert Einstein.

Most unusual item you keep in your camera bag?

A bottle of Cabernet…

What's the best advice you ever received from a fellow photographer?

Don't get discouraged.

Name a geographical place that you'd love to return to or go to for an assignment.

Namibia. I leave for there tomorrow.

What photography project or assignment has been most meaningful for you and why?

I would have to say a project I did on "Vanishing Jewish Societies" when I spent time in concentration camps—the most evil places on earth—as well as synagogues in ruins. Similar to a Vermeer painting, I tightly composed each image in this collection and structured it around the subject of light. It was the most difficult assignment I have ever done…and perhaps the most rewarding.

If you could publish a book on any photographic subject, what would it be?

Nudes in black and white. I hope I can publish it this year.

What's the best advice you ever received from a fellow photographer?

The same advice I now give others: don't get discouraged.

What do you love about your Lowepro bag(s)?

I have used Lowepro packs for more years than I can admit. They have never failed me; I have been through every weather condition and the equipment was flawless.

Get a closer glimpse of Andy's vivid and varied work on his web site and learn more about his most recent book that depicts the drama of the season and the beauty of the wine harvest: Sonoma.

Andy Katz's Lowepro gear includes: