Today we’d like to introduce you to Katie Langley.
Hi Katie, it’s an honor to have you on the platform. Thanks for taking the time to share your story with us – to start maybe you can share some of your backstory with our readers?
My love for art has always been at the forefront of my life ever since I was a little girl. Whether it was photography, painting, film, I grew up watching a lot of silent films and old black and whites. My dad introduced me to film photography at a very young age and then as I got older a girlfriend and I would go around Austin and just take pictures of anything and everything. I would take a camera with me as a little girl when we would visit East Texas and take photos of my grandparents houses, land, animals, people. Just anything that meant something to me. Now that I am older I think photography for me is the most beautiful way to capture the stillness of a moment….a memory in time.
My journey as a professional photographer though, really wasn’t until February of last year that I started to take it more seriously and not just a hobby. I have worked in the Medical field the last 10 years and most recently left my job at a Birth Center to become a full time photographer. My husband and I went to a show one night and the music moved me so much that I went home and told myself….why wasn’t a photographer there. My head just kind of started spinning in that very moment. The thought of photographing shows and different artist wouldn’t leave me alone for months and months following that night and I just knew what I wanted to do and that I wanted to make a name for myself. Whatever that meant. I was determined. And what do ya know, a year later I am that musicians photographer and we have done so many cool things together. Single art, EP art. Shows, Promo stuff. She’s become a great friend. When I finally picked up a camera and started to shoot shows, people, did a little birth photography, that I had this epiphany for my life. Why I wasn’t more self aware of what I have always truly wanted to do. It took me about 8 months to leave my job after having this burning desire for photography and once I started doing more and more and getting asked to go int the studio, festivals, just different types of stuff that my husband supported me and we made an executive decision that this is what I would do. I was getting really good at it and I could feel it in my soul that this is where I am meant to be. I was getting more clients and things were starting to truly come together. Fort Worth Magazine also did a piece on me last year and its these types of things that remind me I am exactly where I am suppose to me and I don’t take it for granted for a second.
All my life I just wanted to be an artist. When I was in High School, I would dream of being a photo journalist for rolling stone. I loved the medical field and will always advocate for Midwifery and women’s care but photography is my heart and soul. I dream of doing really deep, exceptional work where people can look at my photos and feel something. I mean, that’s what life is all about. We all just want to understand the meaning and feel. Being an artist, is about connection and I love connecting with people and I just hope one day for my work to be able to connect with people and let it speak for itself on a really high level.
I want to be able to provide photos to families, women, musicians, artists of all kinds and be able to have work that will hold meaning for lifetimes to come.
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?
I mean, I wouldn’t say smooth. I think with anything, especially when you’re starting your own business there are all kinds of things that come up that you didn’t understand. Learning, there is always always something new to learn. Getting your feet on the ground, building your clients, finding your niche and what moves you, also finding what doesn’t move you. Having your highs and then also having your lows. Really just navigating and learning. You’re gonna hit brick walls, some of your photos may not turn out the way you hoped, some editing times may take a bit longer than expected. Your camera may malfunction, your files may corrupt. Then also there is the aspect of investing in yourself and having the finances to be able to get all the equipment you want and or need. It hasn’t been easy but I have been very blessed to be able to be busy enough to be able to have the things that I have and put it back into my business.
I think a big thing about starting your own business though is being personable and being kind and just being yourself. Selling yourself. Making sure you’re giving 110% and making sure your clients are absolutely satisfied at the end of it all. If you can sell yourself and people can speak highly on your name, you’re doing something right. Just be kind and show people love and gratitude. Do honest work and genuinely care about your clients and or projects your working on.
Can you tell our readers more about what you do and what you think sets you apart from others?
I am a professional photographer and learning videography. Mostly working in the music industry but love doing portraits, promo photos, campaign shoots and more! I also am a Placenta encapsulation specialist but photography is my full time.
I am known for my music and portrait photography.
I am most proud of my portrait photography, being hired by Larry Joe Taylor himself as the official photographer for his Music Festival he does every year. was really really fun. Photographing Robert Ellis, Hayes Carll, Presley Haile, Nick Brumley, Kensie Coppin, Wade Bowen, Shelby Stone, Casper Allen, Erick Willis, Summer Dean, Ty Myers, Hudson Westbrook, William Clark Green, Randy Rogers, Courtney Patton, Kerri Lick, Tejas Brothers, Esther Rose, Jack Barksdale and many more. I did a really special maternity photoshoot last year that I still dream about all the time. I love when my friends call me and just wanna create really cool visions.
I am not sure what really sets me apart from others. Maybe it’s my style, maybe it’s the way I am with people. I don’t know. I have met a ton of really cool photographers out there who are absolutely rockin it!
Who else deserves credit in your story?
My husband has been my number one supporter! He has helped me and believed in me so much. I could not do any of this without his love and support. My kids, my family. I have a great support system.
My friend Erica was the first one to push me and I will never forget her telling me “do what makes your heart sing!” THAT hit me.
My very good friend and client Presley Haile, she has always believed in me from day one and has helped me create some really magical work. Any vision she or I have, we come together and amplify it each time. It’s been really special.
Also, my friends Kerri Lick and Taylor Pena. They have always been so good to me and helped guide me with questions I had when first starting out and creating boundaries and reminding me of who I am and how good my work is & always creating really fun work with them.
I cannot forget my friend Kensie Coppin, we have known each other for over 10 years and we now have worked together on some really cool projects and it has been really special to have her choose me and believe in me & see our visions come to life.
Just the people who have helped me start my career and believed in my work.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.katielangleyphoto.com
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/katielangleyphoto/
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=61567568042327
Image Credits
I took all of these photos so the credit is to Katie Langley Photo. However, artists photographed should be credited if possible.
Photo #1- Jack Barksdale
Photo #2- Kensie Coppin
Photo #3- Summer Dean
Photo #4- Hayes Carll
Photo #5- Presley Haile
Photo #6-Casper Allen
Photo #7-Kensie Coppin
Photo #8-Presley Haile
