About me:

Do you consider yourself a Professional/Semi-Pro/Amateur/Beginner photographer?

I consider my self semi/pro but I do have a lot to learn I mean a lot

Who are you?

I’m Katia, originally from Rome, Italy, where my love for nature, animals, and photography first began. Since 2016, the UK has been my home, and throughout the years I have balanced two careers that are deeply connected to who I am: veterinary surgery and photography. As a veterinary surgeon, I spend my days caring for and saving animals. When I’m not in practice, you’ll usually find me outdoors with a camera in my hand, chasing light, emotions, and the beauty of the natural world.

Tell us about your photography journey.

I’ve loved photography for as long as I can remember. As a little girl, I was fascinated by nature and by the emotions a single image could create. I always dreamed of learning photography professionally, but confidence and personal struggles often held me back. When my first DSLR camera was stolen, I felt incomplete, as though I had lost an important part of myself. After months of feeling lost, I decided not to give up. I bought a second-hand DSLR and started studying photography again from the beginning.

How did you find TSOP?

Almost two years ago, while considering enrolling in a postgraduate photography course, I discovered TSOP on Facebook and decided to give it a try. I thought I had nothing to lose, but it quickly became one of the best decisions I could have made. From the very beginning, I fell in love with the experience.

The monthly assignments pushed me creatively and helped me grow not only as a photographer, but also as a person. Photography truly is a never-ending journey of learning, creativity, and self-discovery.

What is your preferred genre?

I’m constantly learning and evolving as a photographer, and one of my next goals is to explore astrophotography even further. I’ve always been a dreamer, and I hope that one day my work will take me around the world, capturing stories, emotions, landscapes, and moments through my lens while inspiring others along the way.

What inspires you to create photography?

Photography is part of my identity. It’s my therapy, my inspiration, and my way of expressing emotions and telling stories through light, nature, and human connection.

Who are some other photographers you’re inspired by?

Over the years, I’ve been inspired by many incredible photographers. Franco Ferraina was one of my earliest inspirations when I was a teenager. Seeing his passion for photography left a lasting impression on me and became something I aspired to follow. More recently, Ian Sproat has been another huge inspiration. Watching his creativity and passion in action feels effortless, natural, and truly contagious.

My favourite photograph:

Describe the first photo you took during your learning journey.

I still remember the very first image I shared for a monthly assignment: a double exposure of a sunset through my eyes. Since then, so much has changed. I now shoot with mirrorless , and my work has been featured in book illustrations and seasonal local magazines. I’ve photographed Celtic weddings and empowering portrait sessions for women — experiences that allowed me to connect deeply with people, emotions, and stories.

What is your favourite photograph that you’ve taken?

I’m not sure I have a favourite photograph I’ve taken. I’m very self-critical when it comes to my work, but for me, it’s always the story behind the image that makes it special.

One picture that always makes me smile is the image of the three crows sitting on a bench. It was one of those moments that perfectly reminded me why patience is such an important part of photography. I spent so much time waiting for the right composition and the right moment, and in the end, all that effort was rewarded with a shot that felt natural, funny, and full of character.

What is the most valuable thing you’ve learned from TSOP?

The most valuable thing I learned with The School of Photography is to never give up. You need to throw yourself into it , just go for it and do it! Even if it doesn’t look good at first, it’s all experience. Make an effort with every single assignment, because that’s how you improve and grow.

What’s next for Katia?

Conclusion

No one explains things quite like Marc does. His teaching gives you the confidence to keep trying and pushing yourself further.

Where can people follow you?

My Instagram is kp_rubyred_photography

My Facebook is KP RubyRed Photography

My website is https://kprubyredphotography.com