Today we’d like to introduce you to Kat Swansey.
Hi Kat, so excited to have you on the platform. So before we get into questions about your work-life, maybe you can bring our readers up to speed on your story and how you got to where you are today?
“I got my start with photography at the ripe old age of 13. My paternal grandfather was a photographer and always had cameras and film laying around his office. I used to sneak in to touch his cameras, even though I knew they were off-limits. My grandfather died when I was 11, but I never forgot how much I enjoyed cameras and I was finally gifted one for my 13th birthday. I’ve been obsessed with photography ever since.
Though my paternal grandfather is the reason I got into photography, much of my inspiration comes from my grandparents on my mom’s side. I spent most of my childhood running around their farm or cruising the backroads of the small town I grew up in. Hearing my grandparent’s stories of what life was like ‘back in the day’ inspired me to focus my photography on rural and forgotten communities, and now I spend most of my free time exploring abandoned places across Texas and the southwestern United States.
Though some might think once you’ve seen one small town you’ve seen them all, I truly believe there is more than meets the eye. Some of these towns are thriving, some are struggling to survive, and others have been completely abandoned. The stories of generations past and seeing remnants of how life used to keep me inspired to document past and present-day Texas. So many rural, small towns are fading and I care deeply about keeping this part of history alive, even if only in a photograph. ”
Alright, so let’s dig a little deeper into the story – has it been an easy path overall and if not, what were the challenges you’ve had to overcome?
My biggest hurdle with photography has been finding the funds or resources. I work in the travel industry by day and I have been extremely fortunate to have a job that allows me time off for photography adventures as much as I want. However, 90% of my travels are done solo and the rising cost of film and gas has cut into my road trip budget quite a bit. I’m still doing my best to get out and hit the road as much as possible, but my travels have slowed down over the last year. On the bright side, having more time at home has opened the door to me to work on other projects. I’m working on self-publishing my first hardcover book and I’m excited to release that later this year.
As you know, we’re big fans of you and your work. For our readers who might not be as familiar what can you tell them about what you do?
I am a documentary and landscape photographer with a focus on capturing the essence of rural and abandoned Texas. My approach to photography is unique because all of my work is photographed on 35mm and medium format film. In addition to being a film photographer, I think what sets me apart is that I am a woman traveling alone to the forgotten corners of the southwestern United States. Most photographers exploring abandoned places are men and many of them are making fantastic work. However, I think there is something special about seeing places deemed potentially unsafe through a woman’s perspective, and I think it allows me to connect to these places in a softer way and really bring that tenderness to the forefront.
Do you have any advice for those just starting out?
My best advice for photographers just getting started is to not be afraid to put yourself out there or to experiment with different styles and visual elements. I’m a self-taught photographer and the people I’ve met in the photography community have been invaluable to me. I’ve learned more through other photographers than I ever could have learned on my own and that ony happened because I put myself out there. It’s also important to experiment and get a grasp on what feels good creatively. Some folks feel good photographing anything, but others may feel best with landscapes or portraits. It’s ok to not love your photos 100% of the time and it’s ok to switch gears if you feel drawn to something else.
Contact Info:
- Website: katswansey.com
- Instagram: instagram.com/katswanseyphoto
- Facebook: facebook.com/katswanseyphoto
- Twitter: twitter.com/katswansey
- Other: tiktok.com/@katswanseyphoto
Image Credits
Portrait: Eliza Marie Photos – instagram.com/elizamariephotos All other photos taken by me – instagram.com/katswanseyphoto
