Alright – so today we’ve got the honor of introducing you to Kathy Mangum. We think you’ll enjoy our conversation, we’ve shared it below.
Kathy, so good to have you with us today. We’ve got so much planned, so let’s jump right into it. We live in such a diverse world, and in many ways the world is getting better and more understanding but it’s far from perfect. There are so many times where folks find themselves in rooms or situations where they are the only ones that look like them – that might mean being the only woman of color in the room or the only person who grew up in a certain environment etc. Can you talk to us about how you’ve managed to thrive even in situations where you were the only one in the room?
I used to be bullied growing up because of my skin color. Kids can be ruthless when targeting things that are different to what they are used to. I believe it’s all in your upbringing. After changing schools several times in my earlier years, there were groups that embraced my different skin color. I’ve learned that no matter what skin color you’re born with, kindness almost always out wins any heart. It’s up to us as the individual to keep our chin up and choose to let our light shine.
Great, so let’s take a few minutes and cover your story. What should folks know about you and what you do?
I’m a lifestyle photographer. I started out just photographing my three kids. I didn’t have anything valuable to pass down to them but I knew that I could document their life. I learned how to use a camera and then saved up for a digital camera. I photograph High School Seniors and the importance of that is the number of kids who have no confidence whatsoever. My own Senior portraits were done in a studio at Glamour Shots. I burn every senior photo of mine that I still come across till this very day. I looked unnatural with my bangs sprayed a mile high, caked on makeup and head tilted completely sideways. My job as a High School Photographer is to help my subjects feel comfortable in front of the camera. To help them see the beauty that they can’t see in themselves. I live for the “Wow’s” and “That’s me?!” after they receive their photos.
I’m a wedding photographer because I’m a huge sucker for love and romance. The most important shot to me is when the groom sees his bride for the first time. Whether it’s during the first look or when she walks down the aisle. If there’s crying during the wedding, I’ll be there to capture that.
Lastly, I’ve enjoyed doing birth photography. I sometimes get the “What?! Why???” I think maybe people think the photographs are mostly from the doctors point of view. That is not the case at all. Each client is different in what they are looking for. Again, I’m in the background documenting the raw emotions, the strength of a woman pushing another human being out of her body and the miracle of life. The shot I live for during birth photography is when mom and child lay eyes on each other.
I live for the unspeakable moments. Moments that can’t be described into words but can only be felt.
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?
Because of my upbringing I can probably relate to people best. Be a good listener and always go above and beyond. People will remember you for your actions rather than what you say.
How would you describe your ideal client?
My ideal client is someone who wants spectacular photographs but may be too shy to speak up or stand up for themselves. I would tell them: Let me hear your story and allow me to be your safe space. We’ll talk about your vision over coffee, tea and/or junk food! Let me help you see the beauty and strength within yourself!
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.kathymangumphotography.com/
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/invites/contact/?igsh=1wmxt492x9wly&utm_content=3wfxyhw
- Facebook: https://facebook.com/kmangumphotography
Image Credits
I took all these photos and own all rights to them.
