Meet Hollywood Photographer, Filmmaker, DJ, and Music Producer: Catherine Ouellette

Today we’d like to introduce you to Catherine Ouellette.

Catherine, please share your story with us. How did you get to where you are today?
As a DJ, I produced remixes and wanted to promote my work visually. So, I purchased a Canon Mark 5D III to shoot music videos. I went off to the Bahamas with some friends and brought along my camera to snap my vacation. Soon enough, an acquaintance of mine whom happen to own a model agency saw my post on Instagram and asked me if I was interested in test shooting her models. From there on, I caught the bug not only as a Director but a Photographer as well.

Has it been a smooth road?
It was a lot of trials and errors. I didn’t understand my camera technically but I knew what I wanted to see. I stuck to my instincts although when you lack experience or knowledge, the process at times is slower and frustrating. So I consulted YouTube for tips, even taken a Cinematography class at UCLA. observed and studied lighting by analyzing photos that I admired, and constantly asked my Photographer friends questions. I am always learning.

When you look back, can you point to a period when you wanted to quit or a period that was really frustrating?
The career in the arts and entertainment is like a circus on rollercoaster. I definitely felt like isolating myself and retreat from the world. Hoping to disappear. I’ve often slept through summers because I felt that I wasn’t good enough. I usually seek inspiration, talk to mentors, pour my emotions into creativity. I try to remind myself to never be bitter and too hard on myself, but be better. I constantly take notes from tutorials on the internet and started taking classes at UCLA. Instead of complaining and feeling sorry for myself, I had to do something about it.

Let’s change gears – is there any advice you’d like to give?
Keep shooting and posting your work virally. Educate yourself. Make sure you build a portfolio. Provide clients and agencies something to work with.

What are you looking forward to?
I am excited about my future as a filmmaker. I’ve improved tremendously within a few years. I am currently a screenwriter for James Franco’s Evil Days. I have been selected as one of the 11 contenders of his Filmmaking Masterclass. I’ve also just passed a REDucation workshop and joined YouTube Studio LA as a DJ / Livestream Personality and content producer. As far as photography, I have a layout fashion story in this month’s LA Style Magazine and have a book cover to be in stores penned by Amina Buddafly of VH1’s Love and Hip-Hop.

Contact Info:

• Website: http://CatherineOuellette.com
• Email: info@catherineouellette.com
• Instagram: CatOuellette
• Facebook: catherine.ouellette
• Other: http://catherineophoto.tumblr.com

Image Credit:
All Photography by Catherine Ouellette. Make-Up by Antonio Cabello, Roberta Christian, Broussyea Anderson. Wardrobe Styling by Sachika, Chablee, Tricia Love Grunauer, House of Heim,