Meet Hussein Katz | Photographer

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

Hi Hussein, what was your thought process behind starting your own business?
I think being that photography was all I wanted to do from an early age, being my own business was always a part of that equation. I learned from the beginning that an independent contractor life was congruent with my habits.

Alright, so let’s move onto what keeps you busy professionally?
I am most inspired by subjects that I feel have a story that needs to be told. It is why some of the projects I have been passionate about are The Water Protectors of Standing Rock trying to stop the Dakota Access Pipeline in 2016. I spent a week in the Standing Rock Reservation documenting the protests and life in the camp. The leaders that came together to form the Gang Truce in South L.A. in 1992. I spent a year working on a documentary on the subject and photographing the key figures and community members of the various housing projects around Watts, CA from 2017-2018. My latest personal project about Women Bronc Riders. I’ve spent the last four years traveling to different rodeos around the U.S. photographing the incredible athletes who are breaking ground in a sport that historically women haven’t competed in or even been allowed to. They are an inspiring & pioneering group of women.
Those projects offer me a truly immersive experience with my subjects which is why I love making photographs.
I appreciate balance and achieve that with my commercial clients. It is much more of a collaborative process working with Editors, Art Directors, and Producers. The experience of traveling, photographing, and thinking on the fly are all part of the excitement of that work. I have been on stage with legendary musicians, in the homes of major celebrities, offices of high level politicians, and business leaders.
It has not been easy but nothing worth achieving ever is. I think the key is to always take pictures. It’s crucial to developing your eye and style. Developing good personal relationships is also important. We all want to work with people who respect us and we them.

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.
This is a tough question to answer because we have so many options in L.A. Each person is different and what I would do with them would be tailored to that individual. Some of my favorites are Griffith Park, Venice Beach Canals, Downtown L.A., Dodger or Laker games, and shows at The Hollywood Bowl or Greek Theater. As for eating and drinking you have to experience Korean BBQ in L.A., Taylor’s Steak House, Musso and Frank Grill, and Yamashiro for the excellent view. I will also take them to a different Taco spot each day because there are too many good ones to try only one. Having drinks here is also extremely varied but some standouts for me are Bar Stella, La Cita, and Hotel Erwin all of which are great for a visitor to experience.

Shoutout is all about shouting out others who you feel deserve additional recognition and exposure. Who would you like to shoutout?
I am fortunate to have an extremely supportive family who always believed in me and my talents. They have been my main support system. Along the way I have been helped/mentored by photographers I assisted as I was starting out. I think community is important and I am fortunate to be involved with wonderful photography communities here in L.A. as well as N.Y.

Website: www.husseinkatz.com

Instagram: @husskatz

Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/hussein-katz-533a58b/

Twitter: @hoosekatz