KAITLYN BOSNJAK: CREATING ART FROM BEHIND THE LENS
In the vibrant world of photography, few stories are as heartfelt and intricately woven with personal history as that of Sydney-based photographer and dear friend, Kaitlyn Bosnjak. With a deep-rooted passion for film, Kaitlyn’s journey began with a treasured legacy from her grandfather, whose influence remains a guiding light in her work today.
Kaitlyn’s artistic vision and dedication to capturing moments are not just a profession but a profound expression of her connection to her past and her evolving present. In this interview, we explore what inspires her to pick up the camera, the joy she finds in the art of film photography, and the elements of her personal and professional life that fuel her creativity. Join us as we uncover the essence of Kaitlyn’s journey and the boundless possibilities she envisions for the future.
What inspired you to get into photography? In particular, what attracts you to film photography?
I grew up around photography, as my Grandpa was a photographer, so I latched onto it at an early age. He taught me pretty much everything I know about film photography and even bought me my first camera. Even now, most of my kit is cameras he’s bought me over the years! I have a very special connection to shooting film through my grandpa, so it’s something I enjoy doing for him, and myself.
As an art form, what part of photography do you find most fulfilling?
Seeing your story come together - after all of the hard work of planning, putting a team together and collaborating; it’s great to see the finish product and sharing that with others, and seeing/hearing their response to it.
Kaitlyn photographing a RUUSK editorial at Coogee Beach.
What are some things, places or moments, or who are some people that you are inspired by?
There are a lot of people and places I’m inspired by, and for different reasons. To outline one recent moment: A while ago I listened to a Team Deakins podcast (Roger Deakins who is a great cinematographer) - Him and his wife interviewed actor Bill Hader, and the conversation was around Bill’s career. It outlined him working hard, and doing the small jobs to build his way up in the industry, and that really inspired me. He was a production assistant (worked gruelling hours), was rejected from film school, and constantly searched the papers for assisting jobs; I can imagine all of his hard work and hours put it made it that much more rewarding for when he finally created and directed his show Barry.
For myself, I can get rather lost and anxious thinking I should be further than I am, so hearing conversations on the note of never giving up on something you really want makes me stick it out even more, and the possibilities are endless, and age doesn’t matter!
With photography as well, watching people like Annie Leibovitz shoot large celebrities with a very simple light set up, also makes me feel better about not really shooting with elaborate light set ups (I shoot mainly natural light) so stories like Bill’s and photographer’s like Annie really inspire me and my trajectory.
Very minimal - I wear my necklace that has my heart charm that is engraved with the name ‘pop’ (from RUUSK), and my letter B charm I’ve had for years (never leaves me, I’m always wearing it). I’ll also wear my signet ring that Tania made me that has my grandma’s birthstone it. All my pieces are very special to me and have great meaning.
Kaitlyn's Oval Signet with a Marquise-cut Tanzanite + Heart of Gold Necklace with laser engraved 'pop'.
There is so much to look forward to! I think, mostly, I’m looking forward to traveling more for work and shooting in new places. I’ve also been shooting more video and I’d love to explore it more with making short films. I’ve also launched VOWE with my friend and fellow photographer Johnny Diaz - It’s our wedding photography business; so I’m looking forward to seeing where that takes us!
