A magazine cover features a women standing in a outdoor setting wearing a long black coat. — Rivka S. Katvan by photographer Carol Weinberg

A black-and-white portrait of a model sitting down while getting her hair done, wearing a necklace. — Photo by Rivka S. Katvan

Rivka S. Katvan’s artistic journey extends beyond publications, with a notable presence in various gallery and museum exhibitions. Rivka's exceptional talent for capturing the vibrant life on Broadway behind the curtain has earned her widespread acclaim and recognition. In acknowledgment of her talent, she achieved the esteemed First Place at the 2008 International Photography Awards for her remarkable piece titled "Bridges." This accolade is a testament to her skill in capturing not just images but emotions, stories, and the profound connections that bridges can symbolize.

Throughout her decades-long career, Rivka S. Katvan has consistently demonstrated a mastery of her craft, leaving an indelible mark on the world of fine art photography. Her dedication to her art and the ability to weave narratives through her lens continue to inspire and resonate with audiences globally.

A black-and-white image shows a large crowd of people with one finger raised, all pointing in the same direction. — Photo by Rivka S. Katvan

What attracted you to photography and why did you make the professional transition from jewelry design?From my earliest days, the allure of capturing moments through the lens held a profound fascination for me. A serendipitous encounter at school forever altered my path when I passed by a photo critic class. The discerning professor, catching sight of me at the doorway, extended a spontaneous invitation to join. This singular experience became a transformative juncture, igniting an enduring love affair with the art of photography.

What made you want to stay in the city after graduation?
The boundless artistic tapestry of New York City became my muse, offering an expansive canvas for my exploration of photography.

A portrait captures an individual performing a split on the floor while other people are seen moving around her. — Photo by Rivka S. Katvan

Were you interested in theater apart from shooting backstage on Broadway?
Theater, a realm I have cherished since time immemorial, took on new dimensions when a dear friend, an actress, invited me to witness her performance. As the curtains fell, I ventured backstage and bore witness to the intriguing duality between onstage brilliance and the unfiltered reality behind the scenes. It was in that instant that I resolved to make this stark contrast the focal point of my thesis for my final year at the School of Visual Arts (SVA).

Describe the artistic and professional relationship between you and your husband, and how do you navigate your personal relationship with him versus your professional role?
My husband and I met in photography class at SVA. However, we took different directions. Each of us possesses a distinct artistic vision, style, and mode of expression, and on select projects, our paths converge in collaboration.

A black-and-white portrait features a person with bold makeup sitting while drinking water, shirtless and wearing lace-up leather boots. — Photo by Rivka S. Katvan

How do you think technological advancements in photography have affected the craft?
Technological strides have undoubtedly facilitated the journey to the final image, yet amidst these advancements, the paramount importance of one's personal artistic vision and creative input and interpretation remains unaltered.

Do you believe a person can be deemed a photographer if they shoot with a smartphone?
The instrument or device wielded to capture an image pales in significance; it is the culmination. That final result takes precedence.

A black-and-white image showcases an individual wearing a hat and leather jacket, with a large image in the background featuring a close-up of a human nose and a fly resting on the lip. — Photo by Rivka S. Katvan

Do you think the role of a photographer is to capture a scene as it is or can the work be manipulated to tell a specific story?
Anything that serves as a conduit for genuine artistic expression holds merit and validity.

What is one piece of advice that shouldn’t be followed?
Resist the allure of indulging in technology for its own sake; instead, shoot with the synergy of your heart and mind, for therein lies the true essence of meaningful photography.

A black-and-white portrait captures an individual in a cap standing close to another person, their bodies touching as they pose together in front of a fence. — Photo by Rivka S. Katvan

A portrait captures two individuals on a stairwell, with beams of light shining from above and tall walls surrounding them. — Photo by Rivka S. Katvan

A black-and-white portrait captures an older man's face with his eyes closed, alongside the shadow of a person standing in a brightly lit doorway. — Photo by Rivka S. Katvan

A black-and-white portrait features an individual with partially wet hair looking downward. — Photo by Rivka S. Katvan

A portrait features an individual wearing a hat standing in a sprinkler-like water area. — Photo by Rivka S. Katvan

A black-and-white image features two young girls wearing dresses; one is captured in motion while the other spins. — Photo by Rivka S. Katvan

A black-and-white photograph captures an elephant walking along a city sidewalk beside a musical building. — Photo by Rivka S. Katvan

A black-and-white close-up portrait features an older man with white hair and a white beard, covering his mouth with one hand. The background displays the words "AGHAST," "OFFENDED," "AMAZING," "APPALLED," "ASTOUNDED," and "AWESTRUCK." — Photo by Rivka S. Katvan

A portrait captures a women standing outside while wearing a long navy coat over a red turtleneck sweater. — Rivka S. Katvan by photographer Carol Weinberg

Interview by Sneha KC, Contributor, PhotoBook Magazine
Tearsheets by Chenglin Qu, Graphic Design Intern, PhotoBook Magazine

Rivka S. Katvan: Fine Art Photography