GratiTuesday: Kate Lichter | Music. Photography. Gratitude.
It’s important that you understand, at least, this one thing about us: we are lovers of Art, in all of its many forms. As young girls our imagination was endless and if you asked us what we wanted to do when we grew up, it always had something to do with art. Art is the easiest way for us to express ourselves and we know that to be true for many others.
We first met Kate in April of last year when a friend of hers asked if she could photograph us for a project she was working on about twins. Introverted and sort of camera shy, we’d never worked with a complete stranger; Now, almost an entire year later, we are so grateful for saying yes. We had no idea we’d find a kindred spirit.
As you all know, Kate took the pictures currently up on our social media and this website. So it was a no-brainer that we would ask her to be the very first guest of our new GRATITUESDAY series. Before we sat down with her, we asked for a short bio:
I'm Kate Lichter a nineteen-year-old Music Business major and Photography minor. Originally from Des Moines, IA, I enjoy exploring the city and being out of the 'small town’ vibe. When I get the time I love finding new music, I literally will give anything a chance, and cooking food or watching food-oriented shows. You'll probably find me with a camera in hand and headphones in my ears.
Last Sunday, in a badass graffiti room with no camera, we got to know about Kate Lichter. Secretly, we’re fangirls of this young woman.
Seek and Revel: GratiTuesday will serve as a platform to introduce and celebrate creators, professionals, and friends alike through an interview format but our main goal of this series is to promote positivity and express gratitude. What does the word gratitude mean to you? What are you grateful for?
Kate Lichter: Gratitude to me is pretty much showing an appreciation for someone whether they’ve something for you or have been like a mentor or inspired you in any way. Honestly, I’m grateful for all of my opportunities, [having a supportive family and good upbringing] which is not something that I take for granted...Especially, looking back now because sometimes I sort of forget... my family is very much “do what you love” which can be hard when pursuing a career in art. Which is very cool, they’re very supportive.
S + R: So for this interview, we decided to focus mostly on the topic of photography and music. Are there any photographers and/or musicians who inspire you?
My first time seeing the 1975 in concert, it was right after my last day of high school. My friend and I literally did the trip in less than 24 hours, it was insane.
KL: I’m a big Amy-Lee Woods fan, just as far as her transition from music photographer to very specifically head portraits. Which is weird, but I just think her work is very compelling. Even though she didn’t like it [earlier work] I just sort of like that she was a fly on the wall and it makes me want to do more tour photography. Also, her work with Rolling Stone, getting studio shots of musicians. As far as music goes, I’m a big The 1975 fan. They put an image in your mind which is what I like about them most. My grandma is a really big influence into music, especially with records like David Bowie, Elvis, and The Beatles. I just love their music. I think they definitely changed what a boy band image is and rock/pop. My dad influenced me to explore music and go outside of the radio. When we were growing up the radio was like the only place to find music. Now, we have Spotify and I can’t even fathom having so much, right at your fingertips.
S+R: How do you bring your passion for photography and music together?
KL: Typically through photographing a show which is fun to do, but what I found is that you sort of miss the entire show, especially if you’re into the band or musician you’re going to see. There’s a sort of disconnect which is why I look forward to doing more in-studio shoots. But I get it, especially because I always have photo stuff on the mind all of the time but I have to remind myself “that’s not what you’re here for” and to put the phone in my pocket and enjoy the show.
S+R: Totally agree, these days people go to watch a show through their cell phone screens. The experience is so much better and we always feel ten times more inspired when we actually get to see the show. You almost remember more whereas recording on the phone it was like you were never there. Letting that moment happen and remembering the feeling is definitely more rewarding. Side Note: However, thanks to those who do film entire concerts for those of us who didn’t get the chance to go.
S+R: Both outlets are not the most stable and lucrative, how do you remain confident in your practice or pursuit of them?
KL: Well, as far photography goes...if I go somewhere with it then great, and if not then it wouldn’t be the end of the world. It’s more of a way for me to get my creativity out. I can’t draw very well and I don’t play any instruments or perform. Photography is more relaxed and a hobby which is good because it means I’m not putting too much pressure on myself. Music Business is a little more stable and there are more safe options with office jobs.
S+R: The whole idea behind Seek and Revel is that we all have something we’re searching for, whether that’s external or internal. Because we are all so human, there isn’t a person who can honestly say that they have no ‘end goal’. What’s your “Seek and Revel”? What are you journeying for?
KL: Well, nothing’s set in stone. It always constantly changes...I don’t want this to sound cheesy. So, I grew up in the same place for 18 years; never moved, never changed anything and hated it. Because I was in one place and always wanted to get out. Which is why I came to Chicago and to this school. But I know after this [graduation from Columbia College] I’m going to want to move again, “like four years, that’s good. Let’s move on.” I guess within that stationary point, I never really explored myself. I was very reserved and never share or formed my own opinions so I think my ‘end goal’ at the moment is really to find myself, which is super cheesy but I want to actually understand my brain and find my place. Which is probably why I like living in the city and why I want to travel more. I think I’m wanting to find my home aspect.
Note from Kate: My first trip out of the country to Lisboa (Lisbon), Portugal, it was beautiful. This photo was taken on my friends phone, I forgot my camera and missed out on the lovely golden hour but it was fun to be without it for the day.
S+R: I don’t think that’s cheesy at all, my “Seek and Revel” is actually figuring out how to embrace and celebrate myself. It’s actually why I have “Unravel + Revel” tattooed on my arm. We all also grew up in the same town and routine; and definitely can identify with feeling displaced and having wanderlust. So the need to explore and adventure yourself and the world feels familiar to us.
S+R: Bringing things back to photography: Do you specifically pick out what you want to focus on? Do you have a preference between landscape and portrait? Do you focus more on the aesthetic or emotional aspect?
KL: I really like photographing people. I love getting people’s eyes; they say it’s the window to the soul. So, I would say I lean towards portrait. But I like messing around with everything. I do love street photography and taking pictures of random things that I see. I’m interested more in fashion photography right now but I’m not sure how I’m going to start yet... I think the aspect that I like most about photography is changing your mindset so you’re not just thinking one way. Because if you’re thinking that same way everyone can take the same photo. I guess I just like experimenting and trying to look at things a different way. I don’t want to get stuck in one thing and have the same vision for everything.
S+R: And back to music: Are you more of a ‘listen to the beat’ or ‘listen to the lyrics’ listener?
KL: Well it depends...it really depends on the time, the situation and what I’m listening to. I enjoy both.
S+R: As writers, we find that we tend to listen more to the lyrics. But we also grew up singing and definitely appreciate the melody and how the music can heighten lyrics.
Note from Kate: Self-portrait I took at the beginning of the semester, I was crazy bored and this was the result.
S+R: [On the topic of college and career] Did you know what you wanted to do after high school? Do you remember the moment that you chose your college and major?
KL: So, initially my mom was completely against the idea. Both my parents are from Illinois and my grandparents still live in the area. But I’m the first child so she was kind of hesitant because when you’re in Iowa typically you finish HS and go to college in Iowa and you stay in Iowa and I did not want to do that. I found Columbia and I was like “cool, let’s check it out” and I actually didn't want to go into Music Business, I was thinking more of Journalism about music but found out I didn't want to do that for the rest of my life...I’d worked in a venue over the summer and figured Music Business was a good fit for me... My mom could see me being okay here, especially compared to a state school, which I still signed up for but my mom was like “you’ve never looked more miserable in your entire life”
S+R: Just to jump back into a more introspective aspect of this interview: What is one thing you’d tell your younger and older self?
KL: Confidence is key, believe in yourself, don’t hide away, and seek opportunities. Which is something I’ve definitely gotten better at. Just go for it even though it may feel really weird. Don't overthink anything. To my older self: make wise choices, don’t screw anything up, and still just go with the flow as much as you can.
