The head brag: I am a 35 year old autistic queer person. I’ve been shooting professionally full time for 14 years. I was born in Colombia and I was the first person in my family to attend university. I have a degree in Psychology — and photography, and math— from the University of Pennsylvania. You can see my work at katchsilva.com. You can see some reviews unattached to my site here.

The heart brag: Self expression and connection through art is what gets me excited to get out of bed in the morning. As trite as it sounds— because it’s true— art is about process, not product. Creative— and personal— growth is impossible without presence and non-judgment.

My quickie story: After 9 years of shooting I was “making 6 figures” and very burnt out. I was also going through a very difficult, long break-up. So I hit the road solo for 2 years, with my camera and my paints. What a cliché :D

I learned that my “self” is a moving target which I find fulfillment in continuously expressing and rediscovering.
I learned that, most of the time, what stands in my way is MYSELF, and that not taking life so seriously is an outlet I want to access often.
I learned what it’s like to be present with my insides, the dark and the light, without collapsing inward. I learned acceptance.
I learned that joy can be a far greater challenge than fear, dread, sadness, & trauma.
I began my life task of creating harmony between what Brenda wants (my brain) and what Body needs.
I decided that, if I must run, I’ll chase the fireflies, instead of running from my fears