I'm Katja –
I chase moments. I’m always hunting for the perfect image
that will distill the energy of a live event.
I chase the real moment – the glance,
the sweat, the energy, the truth.
I work across live music, festivals, dance, theatre, cultural and corporate events throughout the UK and Europe. My background is in photojournalism and street photography. I bring that same unposed, instinct-led approach to everything I shoot – whether that be the Rolling Stones, Birmingham Pride, dress rehearsal or a networking breakfast.
For over 15 years, I’ve been documenting the electric and deeply human moments that happen when people come together to create and connect. I live in Birmingham, but my work takes me across the UK and abroad. I’m equally at home in muddy festival fields or velvet-seated theatres.
What I Do
I work best when I'm embedded. When the people I'm photographing forget I'm there. My clients include musicians, theatre companies, festival organisers, cultural institutions and commercial brands. My images have been published in Metal Hammer, Classic Rock, The Guardian, Kerrang!, NME, Rolling Stone, and The Independent, and featured in nationwide campaigns, album artwork, museum exhibitions, and press packs. Whether it's a three-day festival marathon, a portrait session, or a corporate event that needs to feel alive – I deliver imagery that's grounded, emotive, and unmistakably human.
How I Work
I observe. I anticipate. I wait for the beat drop, the breath between movements, the glance that says everything. I'm not trying to make things look like something they're not. I shoot with technical precision and creative instinct. I understand light, composition, and storytelling but I never lose sight of the people at the centre of it all. If you're looking for a photographer who understands the assignment, respects process, and delivers images that feel as powerful as the moment itself—let's talk.
Experience & Recognition
I've photographed some of the biggest names in music – The Rolling Stones, Muse, Florence + The Machine, Royal Blood, Metallica, Bring Me The Horizon – as well as emerging artists and intimate venues. I've worked extensively across UK and European festivals including Download, Wireless, Reading & Leeds, Slam Dunk, Bloodstock, and TRNSMT. My dance and theatre work includes collaborations with Birmingham Royal Ballet, Rosie Kay Dance Company, and touring productions across the Midlands and beyond. I've documented Birmingham Pride for over a decade and was commissioned to photograph cultural programming at the Birmingham 2022 Commonwealth Games. My work has been recognised by Getty Editorial Awards, International Photography Awards, and The Event Photography Awards.
Experience & Recognition
I've photographed some of the biggest names in music – The Rolling Stones, Muse, Florence + The Machine, Depeche Mode, The Who, Metallica, Bring Me The Horizon – as well as emerging artists in intimate venues. I've worked extensively across a variety of festivals including Download, Wireless, Reading & Leeds, Slam Dunk, Bloodstock, Creamfields and many more. My dance and theatre work includes collaborations with Birmingham Royal Ballet, Rosie Kay Dance Company and touring productions across the UK. My work has been recognised by Getty Editorial Awards, International Photography Awards, and The Event Photography Awards.
I first met Katja many years ago as I wanted a photographer to capture the feel and essence of Bloodstock. Her work continually blows my mind and her ability to capture a feeling in a photo is incredible ! Katja has become family and I genuinely get excited to see her photos after every festival.
Vicky Hungerford
Bloodstock Festival
Katja is one of the best photographs I’ve worked with. She is professional and really easy to work with, and most importantly, the quality of the photos is right up there. Not only is Katja great at getting coverage of an entire event, but she also has an eye for catching those perfect moments, and I know that if we ever need a photo for publication, Katja is the one to get in touch with. We look forward to working with Katja for many years to come.
James Corr
Independent Cinema Office
I have worked with Katja on numerous projects. She is incredibly versatile and has delivered great shots ranging from Red Carpet events, large scale outdoor festivals, and full ballet and theatre production photography, as well as doing more behind the scenes work during project creation. Her pictures, especially production photos, always manage to capture the spectacle and often get picked up by national media. I recommend Katja as someone creative, efficient and great to work with.
Clair Chamberlain
Bread and Butter PR
Katja is always great to work with, clear communication, great company and is always flexible when working in challenging environments. Most importantly though, the quality of work speaks for itself.
Tom Rogers
Birmingham Royal Ballet
In an age when everyone with a digital camera thinks they are a rock photographer Katja is the real deal. She has an eye for detail, a rare sense of composition and essential patience that proves that while the bar to being a photographer of live music has never been lower, the art of doing it excellently requires skills that still elude most... but not her. If anyone doubts her ability they should just look on our site at her shots of Laibach at the Tate Modern (photographs that ended up being used as artwork by the group for a Mute Records release); Stockhausen's Mittwoch Aus Licht and festivals such as Supersonic and Bloodstock. She's a great phtographer and we're always really pleased when she agrees to shoot stuff for us.
John Doran
The Quietus
Katja has a wonderful eye for the 'perfect' shot and I've never been disappointed by a set of her photos - the difficulty is in choosing which ones to use, as there are so many good ones to choose from. Friendly, easy to talk to and a joy to commission. If we could clone her, we would!
Louise Brock
Metal Hammer
When it came to organising photography for our events there was only one choice and we were straight on the phone to Katja. With Katja, we can be assured of a dedicated work ethic, really enjoyable collaboration, a trust in each other’s processes and, of course, world-class results. Myself and my team could not be happier with the work Katja has captured for us as she has captured not only the visual spectacle of our live shows, but also the heart of the people behind the stage. 10/10 every time.
Grace Chapman
PRG UK
At Flatpack we pride ourselves on transforming spaces to create one of a kind experiences, something not always easy to capture on camera, unless of course you're Katja Ogrin. We've had the pleasure of working with Katja on hundreds of events over the years - from 5-piece punk puppet shows to immersive outdoor horror screenings to an audience watching a film while floating across a swimming pool in rubber rings. And Katja nails it every time. Her photographs beautifully capture the atmosphere and specialness of an experience shared, and she's an absolute delight to work with. Thank you Katja!
Amy Smart
Flatpack
Working with Katja is always a joy! Having admired her photography for years I have had the pleasure of commissioning her for a number of projects including The Everything to Everybody Project and Birmingham Festival 23. I have also worked alongside her on a number of other arts and cultural projects from dance to film to concerts. Katja is able to capture a moment be it of dancers performing or audiences enjoying themselves bringing to life exactly the experience you want to convey or remember. Easy and fun to work alongside and more than capable of bringing your brief to life, I strongly recommend Katja’s work.
Helen Annetts
Helen Annetts PR
Katja has worked with us over the course of many our projects – from large scale productions with an audience of thousands such as The Voyage, to smaller, more intimate pieces . Whatever the nature of the production, Katja's work is always dynamic, bold, engaging and captures wonderfully the mood of a moment, be that from the audiences standpoint or the perspective of the performers. The Images she has provided us with up to now, are seen by promotors and fans all around the world and we feel they represent Motionhouse's work to everyone who sees them, beautifully.
Lara Coffey
Motionhouse
Katja has consistently produced high quality photography for Capsule events, working on live shows, exhibitions and festivals. From documentation of events, live performance shoots and portrait projects to co-ordination of the photography at our annual Supersonic Festival, Katja always delivers excellent work with a professional approach. Katja's passion and investment in her subjects guarantees beautiful photographs every time.
Lisa Meyer
Capsule
Katja was the primary photographer for our major public project, PoliNations, in September 2022. The project was a conceptually rich, vibrant celebration of diversity, multiculturalism and togetherness. Katja understood this beautifully, capturing the essence and dynamism of the programme, the site, and those that attended, performed or otherwise contributed towards it. Her delivery was timely and professional, and her work provided a vivid depiction of a complex project. From site-wide shots of our pop-up super garden, to fleeting moments capturing the magic between audience and performer. She did a fantastic job.
Hatty Campbell-Taylor
Trigger Stuff
I have had the pleasure of working with Katja on several occasions, both in the studio and on stage, and I can highly recommend her abilities as a photographer. Katja has a great presence in the studio- unobtrusive, sensitive and respectful. But what she sees really can capture the essence of a live work in a single shot. We have used her images for several national press campaigns and we are very pleased with the results. Katja is adaptable, talented, versatile and easy to work with.
Rosie Kay
Rosie Kay Dance Company
Katja is always wonderful to work with. She shot me and my band at a tricky underwater shoot at Tankspace and the photos are some of my favourite ever taken. If you get the opportunity to work with her be sure to do so.
Nina Saeidi
Lowen
Katja is an exceptional photographer who truly understands how to translate your vision into a strong visual identity. She creates an aesthetic that captures your presence as a producer. Professional, intuitive, and easy to work with—we look forward to working with her again.
Craig Earp & Nathan Shwalbe
HALT
I first met Katja many years ago as I wanted a photographer to capture the feel and essence of Bloodstock. Her work continually blows my mind and her ability to capture a feeling in a photo is incredible ! Katja has become family and I genuinely get excited to see her photos after every festival.
Vicky Hungerford
Bloodstock Festival
Katja is one of the best photographs I’ve worked with. She is professional and really easy to work with, and most importantly, the quality of the photos is right up there. Not only is Katja great at getting coverage of an entire event, but she also has an eye for catching those perfect moments, and I know that if we ever need a photo for publication, Katja is the one to get in touch with. We look forward to working with Katja for many years to come.
James Corr
Independent Cinema Office
I have worked with Katja on numerous projects. She is incredibly versatile and has delivered great shots ranging from Red Carpet events, large scale outdoor festivals, and full ballet and theatre production photography, as well as doing more behind the scenes work during project creation. Her pictures, especially production photos, always manage to capture the spectacle and often get picked up by national media. I recommend Katja as someone creative, efficient and great to work with.
Clair Chamberlain
Bread and Butter PR
Katja is always great to work with, clear communication, great company and is always flexible when working in challenging environments. Most importantly though, the quality of work speaks for itself.
Tom Rogers
Birmingham Royal Ballet
In an age when everyone with a digital camera thinks they are a rock photographer Katja is the real deal. She has an eye for detail, a rare sense of composition and essential patience that proves that while the bar to being a photographer of live music has never been lower, the art of doing it excellently requires skills that still elude most... but not her. If anyone doubts her ability they should just look on our site at her shots of Laibach at the Tate Modern (photographs that ended up being used as artwork by the group for a Mute Records release); Stockhausen's Mittwoch Aus Licht and festivals such as Supersonic and Bloodstock. She's a great phtographer and we're always really pleased when she agrees to shoot stuff for us.
John Doran
The Quietus
Katja has a wonderful eye for the 'perfect' shot and I've never been disappointed by a set of her photos - the difficulty is in choosing which ones to use, as there are so many good ones to choose from. Friendly, easy to talk to and a joy to commission. If we could clone her, we would!
Louise Brock
Metal Hammer
When it came to organising photography for our events there was only one choice and we were straight on the phone to Katja. With Katja, we can be assured of a dedicated work ethic, really enjoyable collaboration, a trust in each other’s processes and, of course, world-class results. Myself and my team could not be happier with the work Katja has captured for us as she has captured not only the visual spectacle of our live shows, but also the heart of the people behind the stage. 10/10 every time.
Grace Chapman
PRG UK
At Flatpack we pride ourselves on transforming spaces to create one of a kind experiences, something not always easy to capture on camera, unless of course you're Katja Ogrin. We've had the pleasure of working with Katja on hundreds of events over the years - from 5-piece punk puppet shows to immersive outdoor horror screenings to an audience watching a film while floating across a swimming pool in rubber rings. And Katja nails it every time. Her photographs beautifully capture the atmosphere and specialness of an experience shared, and she's an absolute delight to work with. Thank you Katja!
Amy Smart
Flatpack
Working with Katja is always a joy! Having admired her photography for years I have had the pleasure of commissioning her for a number of projects including The Everything to Everybody Project and Birmingham Festival 23. I have also worked alongside her on a number of other arts and cultural projects from dance to film to concerts. Katja is able to capture a moment be it of dancers performing or audiences enjoying themselves bringing to life exactly the experience you want to convey or remember. Easy and fun to work alongside and more than capable of bringing your brief to life, I strongly recommend Katja’s work.
Helen Annetts
Helen Annetts PR
Katja has worked with us over the course of many our projects – from large scale productions with an audience of thousands such as The Voyage, to smaller, more intimate pieces . Whatever the nature of the production, Katja's work is always dynamic, bold, engaging and captures wonderfully the mood of a moment, be that from the audiences standpoint or the perspective of the performers. The Images she has provided us with up to now, are seen by promotors and fans all around the world and we feel they represent Motionhouse's work to everyone who sees them, beautifully.
Lara Coffey
Motionhouse
Katja has consistently produced high quality photography for Capsule events, working on live shows, exhibitions and festivals. From documentation of events, live performance shoots and portrait projects to co-ordination of the photography at our annual Supersonic Festival, Katja always delivers excellent work with a professional approach. Katja's passion and investment in her subjects guarantees beautiful photographs every time.
Lisa Meyer
Capsule
Katja was the primary photographer for our major public project, PoliNations, in September 2022. The project was a conceptually rich, vibrant celebration of diversity, multiculturalism and togetherness. Katja understood this beautifully, capturing the essence and dynamism of the programme, the site, and those that attended, performed or otherwise contributed towards it. Her delivery was timely and professional, and her work provided a vivid depiction of a complex project. From site-wide shots of our pop-up super garden, to fleeting moments capturing the magic between audience and performer. She did a fantastic job.
Hatty Campbell-Taylor
Trigger Stuff
I have had the pleasure of working with Katja on several occasions, both in the studio and on stage, and I can highly recommend her abilities as a photographer. Katja has a great presence in the studio- unobtrusive, sensitive and respectful. But what she sees really can capture the essence of a live work in a single shot. We have used her images for several national press campaigns and we are very pleased with the results. Katja is adaptable, talented, versatile and easy to work with.
Rosie Kay
Rosie Kay Dance Company
Katja is always wonderful to work with. She shot me and my band at a tricky underwater shoot at Tankspace and the photos are some of my favourite ever taken. If you get the opportunity to work with her be sure to do so.
Nina Saeidi
Lowen
Katja is an exceptional photographer who truly understands how to translate your vision into a strong visual identity. She creates an aesthetic that captures your presence as a producer. Professional, intuitive, and easy to work with—we look forward to working with her again.
Craig Earp & Nathan Shwalbe
HALT
I first met Katja many years ago as I wanted a photographer to capture the feel and essence of Bloodstock. Her work continually blows my mind and her ability to capture a feeling in a photo is incredible ! Katja has become family and I genuinely get excited to see her photos after every festival.
Vicky Hungerford
Bloodstock Festival
Katja is one of the best photographs I’ve worked with. She is professional and really easy to work with, and most importantly, the quality of the photos is right up there. Not only is Katja great at getting coverage of an entire event, but she also has an eye for catching those perfect moments, and I know that if we ever need a photo for publication, Katja is the one to get in touch with. We look forward to working with Katja for many years to come.
James Corr
Independent Cinema Office
I have worked with Katja on numerous projects. She is incredibly versatile and has delivered great shots ranging from Red Carpet events, large scale outdoor festivals, and full ballet and theatre production photography, as well as doing more behind the scenes work during project creation. Her pictures, especially production photos, always manage to capture the spectacle and often get picked up by national media. I recommend Katja as someone creative, efficient and great to work with.
Clair Chamberlain
Bread and Butter PR
Katja is always great to work with, clear communication, great company and is always flexible when working in challenging environments. Most importantly though, the quality of work speaks for itself.
Tom Rogers
Birmingham Royal Ballet
In an age when everyone with a digital camera thinks they are a rock photographer Katja is the real deal. She has an eye for detail, a rare sense of composition and essential patience that proves that while the bar to being a photographer of live music has never been lower, the art of doing it excellently requires skills that still elude most... but not her. If anyone doubts her ability they should just look on our site at her shots of Laibach at the Tate Modern (photographs that ended up being used as artwork by the group for a Mute Records release); Stockhausen's Mittwoch Aus Licht and festivals such as Supersonic and Bloodstock. She's a great phtographer and we're always really pleased when she agrees to shoot stuff for us.
John Doran
The Quietus
Katja has a wonderful eye for the 'perfect' shot and I've never been disappointed by a set of her photos - the difficulty is in choosing which ones to use, as there are so many good ones to choose from. Friendly, easy to talk to and a joy to commission. If we could clone her, we would!
Louise Brock
Metal Hammer
Awards & Recognition
Event Photography Awards
Winner: Cultural Events
2023
Getty Images
Entertainment Specialist Photographer of the Year
2022
Event Photography Awards
Winner: Cultural Events
2023
Getty Images
Entertainment Specialist Photographer of the Year
2022
International Photography Awards
Event Photographer of the Year
2020
Getty Images
Entertainment Specialist Photographer of the Year
2022
International Photography Awards
Event Photographer of the Year
2020
Event Photography Awards
Winner: Cultural Events
2023
International Photography Awards
Event Photographer of the Year
2020