My name is Kate Ladera and I am a self-taught photographer from Harlem, New York City. After graduating from the University at Buffalo with a B.S. in Psychology, I spent a few years in research and was close to applying to medical school until I realized that I wasn't passionate about studying in the healthcare field at all. Taking a chance, I applied and got accepted into a fashion design program at Parson's School of Design, where I found a passion in editorial and portrait photography. I have always admired the creative and artistic work put into the editorials displayed in fashion magazines like Vogue, but felt as though these types of photoshoots were selective towards celebrities and models who fit into a societal standard of beauty. I wanted to give these types of creative, effortful and researched photoshoots to people we see in our every day lives. Everyone has such beautiful, unique qualities about them and I wanted to use this medium to express my appreciation of those differences. I want people of all sizes, gender identities, sexual orientation, physical ability, and social experiences to feel celebrated through my art.