UO Community
Shoots: Kat
Slootsky + Olivia
Perdoch
This month, we tapped photographer Kat Slootsky and stylist Olivia Perdoch to collaborate on a cozy, fall-inspired shoot, featuring models (and real-life couple!) Drew and Alex. Kat and Olivia planned and styled everything themselves, with the final shoot taking place at Kat's incredibly welcoming home. Scroll on to see how it all came together and to hear from Kat and Olivia about the behind-the-scenes of the undertaking.
Kat Slootsky: Photographer
Hi Kat! How did you first get started in photography?
I picked up my dad's Canon SLR when I was 11 years old and instantly fell in love with the medium. Growing up, he took beautiful candid family shots of us on a Praktica 35mm. Looking back, I realize they're exceptionally beautiful photographs. I went on to join the only art extracurricular at my math and science focused high school, then went on to get my BFA in Photography from Pratt Institute. I've been working in the industry for seven years; starting out as an assistant, then studio manager, to finally pursuing my freelance career over the past couple of years. Photography has really been my greatest love for quite some time now.
What’s your preferred method of shooting?
I prefer to shoot film with natural light using minimal modifiers/diffusers. Of course, that's not always possible, so I strive to recreate that soft type of light.
How did you initially plan out the concept for this shoot?
Olivia and I brainstormed the concept of this shoot around the location we were going to use. I really wanted to make use of many different elements of the house I just moved into. I wanted the shoot to have a very cozy, lived-in, Sunday afternoon feel about it.
You definitely succeeded. How do you like to make people feel comfortable as you’re shooting them?
It's a priority for me to have the talent comfortable being photographed. Generally, I'd say just be a nice person. It's as simple as that.
What was the best part about working with Alexandra and Andrew?
They were so sweet and so clearly into each other. It was such a joy to spend the day photographing them! They met on another photoshoot and had only started dating recently, so they really just radiated with young love.
Shop The Look
Olivia Perdoch: Stylist
Hi Olivia! Styling is such a dream job for so many people. Tell us how you got your start.
I was interning at Fader magazine in marketing. I loved the magazine and the environment but I wasn't thrilled with being at a computer all day. I was sitting with the other interns in the office one day and the Style Editor of the magazine came up to us and said, "I need a styling assistant to start tomorrow. Does anyone have a friend who might want to work with me?" He took me under his wing and showed me that styling was a job - and a very cool one. Thank you Mobolaji!
When working on a shoot from scratch, how do you decide what you want the vibe of the clothes to be?
Casting is most important because outfits should always highlight something about the person wearing them. A lot of decisions happen organically on set, working off of the energy of the models, photographer, and whatever else is going on that day.
When looking at clothing items, how do you decide what will pair well together?
I think of styling like making a collage. I first choose individual pieces that I love most and then piece them together. I believe that comfort is most important because you can always tell whether or not someone feels confident in what they're wearing. For me, personally, that means a lot of menswear, oversized and vintage. But it's unique to everyone.
We have to ask: what’s your favorite, easy outfit go-to?
An oversized vintage varsity jacket, men's Urban Outfitters sweatshirt, high-waisted Levi's and designer boots.
Photography: Kat Slootsky
Styling: Olivia Perdoch
Models: Drew and Alex