Meet Rick Feldman | Photographer

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

Hi Rick, why did you decide to pursue a creative path?
In 2010, I lost my oldest son Zac, and it completely shattered me. I was drowning in grief, trying to find my footing again. At the time, I had just started a new path in real estate after spending 16 years DJing and managing nightclubs. I’d always been connected to the arts—playing drums in my teens, capturing moments with my first 35mm camera when I was just 10—but it never really occurred to me that photography could be more than a hobby. It didn’t seem like something I could do professionally.

A few years into real estate, I started photographing my own listings to stand out. That’s where the spark reignited. I dove into learning real estate photography, and eventually launched my media company, SoCal Home Photography. Before long, I was shooting for other agents and building something of my own.

By 2020, I realized my heart just wasn’t in selling homes—it was in creating. That same year, I began exploring fine art and glamour photography through workshops, and it completely lit me up. That inspiration led me to start a second photography brand, Black Kat Studios (blackkatstudios.com), where I could fully embrace and express the artistic side of my work. Editing those sessions became a series of “wow” moments. I’d find myself staring at an image thinking, I actually took that. It brought back the same feeling I used to get behind the drums—when everything clicks and you’re in perfect sync with the music. That creative flow is powerful. Since launching Black Kat Studios, I’ve been honored to have my work featured in Victoria Magazine, UnTold, SHADES, LeDesir, and The Social Pin Magazine. It’s been humbling and surreal—and a reminder that art can be both healing and transformative.

Can you open up a bit about your work and career? We’re big fans and we’d love for our community to learn more about your work.
What sets me apart from others.
My journey into photography started as a way to cope with the grief of losing my son—it was a deeply personal outlet that helped me heal. Over time, that passion grew into two distinct brands: SoCal Home Photo, where I provide high-quality media for real estate professionals, and Black Kat Studios, where I get to explore bold, expressive fine art and glamour photography. Blending technical precision with emotional depth is what drives me. Not many photographers move between those two worlds, but for me, they both come from the same creative heart.
What I’m most proud of or excited about.
Personally I’m most proud of my son’s and their successes and compassion as human beings. Professionally, it’s really hard to choose. My problem is fall in love with all my shoots, its like trying to pick your favorite child, Unless they’re completely evil you can’t. My first publishing in a magazine, first cover maybe? I got to shoot at an amazing outdoor studio called Weese’s Piece’s. That was fantastic! I’m excited about the next shoot and proud of them all.
How did you get to where you are today.
Trial and error and surviving constructive criticism. That’s rough because I’m a sensitive guy.
Was it easy.
No it hasn’t been easy. Overcoming the challenge’s has taken me 10 times as long because of dealing with my grief. I’ve had to take breaks when the “waves” hit and learn how to be compassionate with myself.

Let’s say your best friend was visiting the area and you wanted to show them the best time ever. Where would you take them? Give us a little itinerary – say it was a week long trip, where would you eat, drink, visit, hang out, etc.
If my best friend came to town for a week, I’d take them on a true SoCal experience—equal parts creative, soulful, and iconic. We’d start local with breakfast at Molly’s Souper in Upland and explore the charm of Claremont Village before heading into Los Angeles to dive into the arts. We’d hit The Broad, wander through a Kusama Infinity Room, and snap some photos at the stunning Disney Concert Hall.

We’d grab tacos at Grand Central Market, check out the Arts District, and have drinks at Angel City Brewery. Dinner? Matzo ball soup and a corned beef sandwich on rye at Canter’s Deli. Another night, we’d dress up and go full vintage glam at Delilah.

A night on the Sunset Strip is a must—drinks at The Rainbow Room, live music at The Roxy or Whisky a Go Go. We’d catch sunset at Griffith Observatory, stroll Venice Beach, hit the Hollywood Bowl if a great show’s in town, and spend a day shooting out in Joshua Tree. I’d even bring them into Black Kat Studios for a session—because nothing’s more fun than creating art with friends.

By the end of the week, they’d get why I love it here. There’s a creative current running through this place—from the mountains to the music venues—and I’d make sure they felt it too.

Shoutout is all about shouting out others who you feel deserve additional recognition and exposure. Who would you like to shoutout?
All the photographers on forums who coached and criticized my early Real Estate photos with compassion, Dan Hecho who organized the first fine art workshop I attended, Marissa C. Boucher who’s coaching program I was a member in for boudoir photography and for cheering me on for my unique style of shooting and editing. All the amazing ladies both professional models and clients who trusted me to make art with them. Most of all my wife who has supported me and cheered me on through it all.

Website: https://www.blackkatstudios.com/

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/blackkatstudios/

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/socalhomephoto

Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@socalhomephoto

Other: https://socalhomephoto.com/

Image Credits
All photos taken by me as Rick Feldman Photography, Black Kat Studios, So Cal Home Photo