Alright – so today we’ve got the honor of introducing you to Rebecca (monty) Montgomery. We think you’ll enjoy our conversation, we’ve shared it below.
Rebecca (Monty), so good to have you with us today. We’ve always been impressed with folks who have a very clear sense of purpose and so maybe we can jump right in and talk about how you found your purpose?
In high school, I joined the yearbook staff because I enjoyed writing. However, growing up in a small, flat Texas town, I also enjoyed looking at travel magazines and often daydreamed about seeing vast deserts and towering mountains in person. When I realized the yearbook staff also needed a photographer, I asked for a camera for my birthday. I had no idea how to use it; a manual 35mm SLR. But I was immediately hooked.
When I met with the Photojournalism department head at UNT before beginning my freshman year, he had no qualms expressing his belief that this was a career for men. Unsure, and honestly quite put off, I changed my major. The next fall, I left for Colorado.
I continued to take photos and took darkroom classes in the community, but I was flailing. One day, I went to a gallery and saw a photographic image of a person dancing in the desert printed on the head of a drum and I realized that I could be a photographer AND an artist. In a way, I found the missing piece of myself. This wasn’t exactly what I wanted to do, but it opened me up to the realization that creative possibilities are limitless.
I once heard that doing what you love allows others to do what they love, and it stuck with me. When you find something that brings joy and light to your life, you owe it to the world to share that. I feel compelled to take images of natural beauty so that the next small town kid can see that there is a great big beautiful world out there, or to provide an escape to someone who may never be able to see these places in person, or to simply remind us all what we need to conserve for future generations.
Thanks for sharing that. So, before we get any further into our conversation, can you tell our readers a bit about yourself and what you’re working on?
At my core, I see myself as a landscape photographer. I sell prints and stock images, but also functional art-bar keys, coasters, t-shirts, etc. And in recent years, I have started woodworking. I use reclaimed wood, incorporating images at times, and not at others. My business is Montgomery Photographic/Arts, The “art” varies, but the photography is always most important. And it will continue to evolve. I am starting a blog to showcase interesting small towns. I also plan to do some environmental portraiture in the near future. I have considered opening a gallery. The ideas really never stop.
There is so much advice out there about all the different skills and qualities folks need to develop in order to succeed in today’s highly competitive environment and often it can feel overwhelming. So, if we had to break it down to just the three that matter most, which three skills or qualities would you focus on?
Three important things to always keep in mind:
Always be a student. Don’t allow a lack of knowledge embarrass or stop you altogether. There is always more to learn. There is always someone smarter or more accomplished than you. Don’t let pride hold you back. Be the student. Be open to learning at all times. Stay humble. Ask for help and advice, and you will go farther faster.
Keep a positive mindset. Don’t let problems, complications, or obstacles be an excuse to give up. Look for the path through. There IS a path. It may be uncomfortable at times, but what you want is waiting on the other side. Stay focused on the fact that you will get there if you just keep going.
What you focus on, you get more of. If you want a reason to quit, there are millions. And there are many legitimate obstacles. However, if you focus on accomplishing your goals and trust that it truly is possible, you’ll keep moving toward that. If you focus on the obstacle, you’ll crash.
Awesome, really appreciate you opening up with us today and before we close maybe you can share a book recommendation with us. Has there been a book that’s been impactful in your growth and development?
Jen Sincero’s You Are A Badass series of books have been incredibly motivating and uplifting. The simplicity and directness of her message makes it easy to believe that anything is possible. A few things I refer to when I need a pick-me-up:
-The only way you can ever fail is if you quit. Everything else is just gathering information.
-What another person believes about you has absolutely nothing to do with you and everything to do with them.
-If you truly want something, you will find a way. If not, you will find an excuse.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://mo-pho.square.site
- Instagram: @montgomery_photographic_arts
Image Credits
Photo of me credit: Cait Lawson
All others taken by me.
so if you or someone you know deserves recognition please let us know here.
