By Lily Hutcheson
Welcome to NYWIFT, Iris De Vita!
Iris De Vita is the founder of Golden Iris, LLC, where she combines her talents as a photographer and publicist to help clients shine. She also works as a talent booker for The Donna Drake Show.
Specializing in portrait and event photography, as well as PR for artists, performers, and small businesses, Iris brings a creative yet strategic approach to every project.
Iris’s work has supported films, festivals, and artistic events, drawing audiences and capturing lasting memories. Based on Long Island and in New York City, she is passionate about telling stories, whether through the perfect photograph or a compelling publicity campaign.
In our interview, Iris discusses her photography, her promotional work with artists and events, and her love of connecting audiences with art!
NYWIFT Member Iris De Vita
Welcome to NYWIFT! Please introduce yourself briefly to our readers.
My name is Iris De Vita, and I am a photographer and publicist. Through my company, Golden Iris, LLC, I specialize in portrait and event photography, as well as public relations for artists, performers, and small businesses.
My work allows me to blend creativity and strategy—capturing moments through my lens while amplifying stories through thoughtful publicity campaigns.
Iris De Vita with camera
What brings you to NYWIFT?
Becoming a member of NYWIFT has been a goal of mine since I graduated college. I’ve always admired the incredible women who are part of this organization and the way they inspire, support, and empower one another. I’m looking forward to connecting with fellow members, collaborating on meaningful projects, and contributing my skills to future creative endeavors.
Iris De Vita with television host, social media influencer, and actor Shannon LaNier
Can you share a bit about your role running your company, Golden Iris?
At Golden Iris, I wear two hats: publicist and photographer. I create publicity and promotional campaigns for talent, events, and entertainment projects, and I also photograph artists, performances, and special occasions. Whether through strategic PR or compelling photography—or a combination of both—my mission is always the same: to make my clients shine.
Iris De Vita with Alan Cumming at a book signing
In your photography, what draws you to capture important moments in people’s lives, such as birthdays and engagements?
There’s something magical about preserving life’s milestones. I’m drawn to the joy, emotion, and connection people feel during these moments, and I love knowing my photographs will serve as treasured keepsakes for years to come. Whether it’s a lively celebration, a portrait, or an intimate engagement session, I strive to capture not just an image, but the feeling behind it.
Iris De Vita at her current photo show “A Summer in Greece” at the Northport Public Library
How does your work as a publicist contribute to the success of films and other artistic projects?
Publicity is about more than just getting the word out—it’s about building excitement and drawing audiences in. For films, my PR work helps boost ticket sales and fill seats. For festivals and artist events, strategic media coverage increases visibility and awareness, which often translates into larger, more engaged audiences. The ultimate reward is seeing an event come alive with energy, knowing the promotion played a part in its success.
What has been one of your favorite experiences working in film?
One of my favorite moments is standing in a theater lobby after a screening, listening to audience members share how much they enjoyed the film. Seeing a full—or even nearly full—house, knowing that people are there because of the promotion, is incredibly gratifying. Each project has its own unique energy, but the common thread is the joy of seeing people connect with the art they came to experience.
Connect with Iris De Vita on her website goldenirispr.com, or on Facebook, Instagram, or LinkedIn.
(Images courtesy of Iris De Vita)
Lily Hutcheson
Lily Hutcheson is an intern at NYWIFT and a student at Princeton University, where she is studying English and creative writing. She grew up in Vermont, and enjoys spending time outdoors with her dogs. She loves film, television, and theater, and especially enjoys writing and directing. She hopes to continue exploring these interests post-graduation, and is excited to be a part of the NYWIFT community!
Related Posts
Meet the New NYWIFT Member: Kelli Reilly
Welcome to NYWIFT, Kelli Reilly! Kelli Reilly is a producer, director, and writer working across narrative film and documentary, based between New York and Los Angeles, and the founder of Quartermaster Creative. She studied film and television at NYU Tisch with a focus in experimental cinema and got her start working on acclaimed documentaries, including Larger Than Life: The Kevyn Aucoin Story, The Vow, and Student Athlete. Her recent producing work includes I Got You, SLICK, and The Daughter, and she is currently in post-production on the feature documentary Viva La Dita. She is also in production on the period feature The Florist and is a writer and contributor to the New York Times–recommended podcast Look Behind the Look. In our interview, Kelli discussed how she shaped her artistry, her inspirations, and her upcoming work.
READ MOREMeet the New NYWIFT Member: Kasey O’Brien
Welcome to NYWIFT, Kasey O’Brien! Kasey O’Brien (she/they) is a queer-identifying filmmaker based in Queens, working across both fictional narratives and documentaries. While she has dabbled in various positions in film production (including acting, writing, camera operation, and post-production), she is most at home directing and producing. Kasey was integral to the launch of NYU Tisch’s Master‘s in Virtual Production at the Martin Scorsese Virtual Production Center, whose inaugural cohort graduated in May 2025. She serves on the board of directors of PANO Network and is a founding member of The Garret Theatre Company. MFA from The New School. In our interview, Kasey discussed her journey to working in independent film production.
READ MOREMeet the New NYWIFT Member: Carmen Matias
Welcome to NYWIFT, Carmen Matias! A graduate of Hunter College in the 1970s, producer Carmen earned a degree in Broadcast with a minor in Theatre. Television was both an escape and a source of fantasy throughout her early life, ultimately guiding her toward a career in the medium, which she came to see as the best possible profession for her creative ambitions. In our interview, Carmen discussed her experience producing and shared her advice for young creatives.
READ MOREMeet the New NYWIFT Member: Juleyka Lantigua
Welcome to NYWIFT, Juleyka Lantigua! Juleyka is an award-winning filmmaker, journalist, and the Founder of LWC Studios, a digital media studio dedicated to creating socially conscious storytelling for rising-majority audiences. As a filmmaker, she has executive produced multiple short films and documentaries, including the Peabody Award-nominated podcast series 70 Million through LWC Studios. A Fulbright Scholar with a Master’s degree in Journalism and an MFA in Creative Writing, Juleyka brings a multidisciplinary approach to storytelling—one that blends rigorous reporting with deeply human narratives across platforms.
READ MORE
Comments are closed