MILENA KRAVETZ
(aka KATASTROFFFE)

Photographer | Creative Director | Educator | Sustainable Fashion Advocate
I’m Milena Kravetz, a photographer, creative director, and educator based in Lisbon.
My work moves between fine art, documentary storytelling, and fashion, always driven by curiosity and a love for raw, unscripted beauty.
With a Master’s in Fine Art and Sculpture from ADA in Florence and a decade of teaching experience, I bring both artistry and insight to everything I create. My lens has captured stories for UNESCO, backstage moments at high fashion shows, and experimental editorial projects like Mortal Casting and Fashion Showcase at Pla Arte. In 2017, I was awarded for my cinematography work on Learn to Play the Game.

Beyond photography, I’m deeply involved in sustainable fashion through WHAT A WASTE Association I founded, a project reshaping how we think about style and waste. I also mentor emerging artists, guiding them in art start-ups and creative thinking.
My work has been exhibited internationally and featured in over 50 publications. Right now, I’m expanding my creative universe—producing photography books, and consulting as a creative director for brands that challenge the ordinary.

Phone: +351912477632
E-mail: katastrofffe@gmail.com

Photographer | Creative Director | Educator | Sustainable Fashion Advocate

I’m Milena Kravetz,
a photographer, creative director, and educator based in Lisbon.

My work moves between fine art, documentary storytelling, and fashion, always driven by curiosity and a love for raw, unscripted beauty.
With a Master’s in Fine Art and Sculpture from ADA in Florence and a decade of teaching experience, I bring both artistry and insight to everything I create. My lens has captured stories for UNESCO, backstage moments at high fashion shows, and experimental editorial projects like Mortal Casting and Fashion Showcase at Pla Arte. In 2017, I was awarded for my cinematography work on Learn to Play the Game.

Beyond photography, I’m deeply involved in sustainable fashion through WHAT A WASTE!, a project reshaping how we think about style and waste. I also mentor emerging artists, guiding them in art start-ups and creative thinking.

My work has been exhibited internationally and featured in over 50 publications. Right now, I’m expanding my creative universe—producing photography books, and consulting as a creative director for brands that challenge the ordinary.

PHOTOSHOOTS PRICES
300 €
Private / Fashion photoshoot
These photoshoots prioritize creating a comfortable and intimate atmosphere where individuals can relax and express themselves naturally or/and also focusing on showcasing garments or accessories in visually striking ways. The photographer works closely with clients to understand their vision and bring it to life through careful planning, attention to detail, and effective communication. Locations may vary, home studio, rented studios, outdoor settings, or specific venues chosen to complement the theme or aesthetic being showcased.

500 €
Group photoshoot groups equal to 3 people or bigger, includes fashion shoots and artistic catalog shoots.
It's a private/ fashion shoot but including more people, so group photoshoots require coordination and planning to ensure that everyone is included and that the desired outcome is achieved. The photographer may provide direction for posing and composition to create visually appealing images that reflect the dynamics and relationships within the group.
1500 €
Here my services encompass comprehensive Creative Direction for your project. This includes the development of an original idea and concept, meticulously crafting it into a strategic plan. I will conduct thorough research to identify the most suitable locations, models, and professionals required for the project. Additionally, my services extend to photography, capturing the essence of your vision. Beyond the creation process, I also offer the added value of submitting the final work to media outlets, including magazines, thereby enhancing the visibility and impact of your project.
Example

HOW I DO IT?

Consultation
Before booking your photoshoot, we’ll discuss all the details to ensure the experience meets your vision. Every project is unique, and I tailor my approach to your needs—whether it's creative direction, styling, or final deliverables. Let’s align on expectations, locations, and any extras you may need. To book your date you pay 50% off the price and can reschedule date only three times in timeframe of two months.


Location
The setting shapes the story. Whether in a studio, an outdoor space, or a carefully chosen venue, we’ll select a location that fits your concept. If a studio rental is required, this will be factored into the cost.

Model Release
To keep things clear for both of us, we’ll sign a model release agreement. This outlines the terms of image usage and ensures a smooth creative process.

What You Get
  • 15–20 fully edited and retouched images (for a 1–2 hour session)
  • High-resolution digital copies for personal use, plus permission to share on your website and social media
  • Printing rights, so you can produce prints whenever you like
  • Optional privacy – If you prefer your images to remain private and not be shared, this can be arranged for an additional fee (otherwise, as the photographer, I retain copyright)
What’s My Story?

My journey in photography is a passage through the world—through people, places, and fleeting moments. I was born with an innate love for art and a deep curiosity about what lies beyond the visible. Over the years, I’ve traveled extensively, and each city, each encounter, has left an unforgettable mark on me.
For 10 years, I moved from one country to another—35 in total—working in documentary film and photography with UNESCO. These years taught me to find beauty in the most ordinary moments, to capture reality as it often slips by unnoticed.

At one point, I stepped in front of the camera, working as a photo model for creative and sports projects. That experience changed my perception of photography. It taught me what it feels like to be on the other side of the lens—to understand that a photograph is more than an image; it’s a conversation, a collaboration, a story unfolding. Authenticity became my foundation.
I never formally studied photography, but I learned by working alongside incredible photographers. They showed me that photography is not just a craft—it’s an art form, a powerful way to express emotion, perspective, and truth. My background in visual arts and sculpture shaped how I see form and light, giving my photography a distinct artistic depth.
Traveling the world has given me not just knowledge, but a profound understanding of life’s complexity and the remarkable people who shape it.
My life has always been about experimentation—in art, in photography, in the way I experience the world. I constantly seek new forms of expression, and that drive for innovation runs through my work. My photography isn’t just about capturing images; it’s about preserving raw moments, honest emotions, and untold stories.
I want my work to help people see beyond the surface—to witness depth, soul, and the essence of each moment.

Why Black and White?
Black and white photography is not the absence of color—it’s the presence of something deeper.
For me, it has always been a way to strip away distractions and focus on what truly matters. Light, shadow, contrast—these elements take center stage, shaping the story without unnecessary noise.

I spent years modeling in Poland, Germany, and Italy, and my journey into expressive poses and provocative imagery began at parties, where my friends and I photographed each other in raw, unfiltered moments. The energy of those nights—flushed faces, sweaty skin, the blur of movement—was often overwhelming in color. Black and white cut through the chaos, revealing the essence of each scene, each emotion.
I’ve never been drawn to excessive retouching or the pursuit of artificial perfection. Imperfection is beauty. Rawness is honesty.
Black and white photography allows me to tell stories more powerfully, more sincerely. It lets me remove the unnecessary, leaving only the truth.
So Who Am I?
I’m a photographic artist who captures more than just images—I capture stories, emotions, and raw truth. My work balances aesthetics and honesty, where every frame is a mix of art and reality.

What I Offer
My creative practice is divided into two parts:
🔹 30% of my time is reserved for commissioned photoshoots, creating striking, authentic visual narratives for my clients.
🔹 70% of my work is dedicated to personal artistic projects, including:
  • Unique, high-quality prints
  • Postcards featuring my photography
  • Limited-edition photobooks
  • Exclusive Polaroids
  • Canvas prints
My Approach
Photography isn’t about freezing a moment—it’s about unlocking something real, something unspoken.
What makes my work different?
Authenticity First – I capture raw emotions and unfiltered moments. No artificial perfection, no forced poses—just the essence of who you are.
Portraits That Speak – Every image holds a story. While my work carries the refinement of a fashion editorial, its soul lies in truth and emotion.
Collaboration Over Control – The best photos happen when there’s trust. I create a space where spontaneity thrives, allowing each person’s unique energy to shape the final image.

Who I Work With
I photograph people of all backgrounds, but I connect most with those who:
🔹 Dare to experiment.
🔹 Reject stereotypes.
🔹 Embrace self-expression in its purest form.

The Art of Co-Creation
Stories deserve more than a surface-level telling. I help individuals and brands uncover new depths in their narratives—transforming them into something bold, unexpected, and lasting.
For me, creativity is an exchange. It’s about vision, trust, and the energy we bring to the process. Without that, there’s no art—only images.
I don’t just take pictures. I create moments that resonate. Let’s make something unforgettable.

Nudity & the Human Form
For me, nudity isn’t a style—it’s nature. And it's never a goal. The human body is an architectural masterpiece, a vessel for emotion and experience.
Nudity is often mistaken for sexuality, but I see it as something deeper: a moment of freedom, a space for honesty. It can be liberating, intimate, or even unsettling. I don’t photograph bodies to provoke—I do it to celebrate the simple fact that we are alive. Our skin, bones, blood, and breath—they shape how we move through the world.

My Values
I only work with people I genuinely want to collaborate with.
🔹 Authenticity & Sincerity
I capture real moments—raw, unfiltered, and deeply human. The goal isn’t perfection; it’s truth.
🔹 Aesthetics & Depth
Beauty alone isn’t enough. An image should stir something, evoke emotion, make you pause. Every frame I create carries meaning beneath the surface.
🔹 Empathy & Respect
A safe space is essential. When people feel free, when they let their guard down—that’s when the most powerful images emerge. Trust is everything.
🔹 Individuality & Self-Expression
No two people are the same, and my work reflects that. I highlight what makes each subject distinct, capturing their spirit in an honest, striking way.
🔹 Social Responsibility
Art has power. I use my work to explore and amplify conversations around gender, sustainability, identity, and the shifting landscapes of our world.
🔹 Experimentation & Boldness
I don’t believe in playing it safe. I push boundaries, question norms, and take creative risks—because that’s where the most exciting work happens.
🔹 Collaboration & Co-Creation
Photography isn’t a solo act. It’s a partnership. Together, we craft something unique, something that reflects not just my vision but yours.
I’m not just a photographer. I’m a collaborator, a storyteller, a seeker of the unseen. Let’s create something unforgettable.

🚫 Who I don’t work with:
  • Unreliable or controlling clients
  • People who violate boundaries or micromanage
  • Those who lack respect for the creative process
  • "I don't take 'chi’cks and beatches’—in other words, superficial, pretentious people. They won’t feel comfortable with me, because I look for honesty, simplicity, and realness. That’s not their world."

Who I love working with:

  • Clients who trust my vision and are open to artistic collaboration
  • People who respect the process and bring positive energy to the shoot
  • Those who understand that great work comes from shared creativity, not just technical skill

Comfort is key. Without it, there are no real moments, no honest images—just empty visuals. I don’t just “press a button.” I create.

I’m also feeling inspired when photographing people in their natural environments. Sometimes studios feel too sterile—I thrive on the character, imperfections, and authenticity of real-world settings.


Why Work With Me?

Photography today is shifting—people crave something real, something that feels intimate and alive. If you’re looking for images that tell a story, spark emotion, and leave a lasting impression, you’re in the right place.

For years, my models have told me that many photographers barely communicate during shoots—they just stand there, clicking silently. To me, that’s unacceptable.

A photoshoot is a dialogue.

It’s a collaboration.

It’s about understanding each other.

No matter how introverted you are, if you work with people, you’re responsible for making that connection. Otherwise, it’s just a cold, mechanical process—and that’s not what I do.

I am based in Lisbon, Portugal and open to cooperate with people and companies all over the world.
Phone: +351912477632
E-mail: katastrofffe@gmail.com
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