tara raftovich

— a photographer and visual artist whose work explores perception, memory, empathy, and the psychological dimensions of observation.

Through documentary, portrait, and conceptual practices, she uses photography as both a reflective instrument and a means of connection—examining the ways individuals relate to themselves, one another, and the environments they inhabit.

Education & Background

—MFA Photography with Distinction — Ulster University / Belfast School of Art

—BS Photo-Illustration — Kent State University

Raftovich’s work has been exhibited in the United States and internationally, including exhibitions at Belfast Exposed Photography Gallery and Ulster University. Her practice spans fine art, documentary, editorial, portrait, and commercial photography.

artistic practice

Her work frequently examines the relationship between seeing and being seen, questioning how images shape emotional cognition, memory, and human connection in an increasingly image-saturated world.

Drawing from both lived experience and observational practice, Raftovich approaches photography as a form of inquiry—one capable of revealing subtle psychological and social dynamics often overlooked in everyday life.

Teaching & Collaborative Practice

Alongside her artistic work, Raftovich has taught photography at Kent State University and served as lead educator for the Fuji-sponsored Photography Works program at CEPA Gallery in Buffalo, New York.

Her teaching practice emphasizes visual literacy, storytelling, and the relationship between photography and empathy—encouraging students to engage critically and emotionally with both image-making and observation itself.

Current Practice

Based in Cleveland, Ohio, Raftovich continues to develop long-term photographic projects while working across portrait, editorial, and commercial commissions. Her work bridges fine art sensibilities with contemporary visual storytelling, creating imagery that feels both emotionally resonant and visually refined.

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PROJECTS

initiatives

  • As an educator, I emphasize not only technical skills but also a profound appreciation for the narrative potential in each image. My teaching philosophy extends beyond technicalities, exploring the intersection of art and empathy, urging students to view photography as a tool for fostering understanding in our diverse world. Through dynamic discussions and engaging workshops, I am committed to nurturing a new generation of photographers, instilling both a deep love for the art and an awareness of its transformative potential.

  • Participating in the Think Tank at the Museum of Contemporary Photography in Dublin, I delved into the challenges posed by image saturation, emphasizing the impact on emotional cognition and empathy. This perspective, presented at the "Healing Through Photography" conference hosted by Belfast Exposed, underscores the pivotal role of imagery in mental health and wellbeing, promoting a broader conversation on the intersection of mental health and photography within the community and industry.

  • My photographic journey has been marked by significant exhibitions that showcase the depth and diversity of my artistic expression. Notable among these is the impactful "Mint Condition" at the William Rupnik Gallery in Cleveland, Ohio; the "Storytelling" exhibition at Peninsula Art Academy. Internationally in the "Idiolect" exhibition at Belfast Exposed Gallery and "Synthesis" at Ulster University reflects my commitment to engaging with global artistic conversations. Additionally, my work has been showcased in the "Members Show" at the Center for Exploratory & Perceptual Arts Gallery in New York.

  • Recipient of several accolades, including the Beard Scholar Award and the Peninsula Art Academy Storytelling Award, my work was also featured in Creative Quarterly Journal 43 and I received the distinguished Santander Scholarship. These honors, coupled with my academic merit, as evidenced by the Kent State Trustee Scholarship, showcase my dedication to advancing the art of visual storytelling and my passion for pushing creative boundaries.