Conversations with Kate Poling-Cummings

Today we’d like to introduce you to Kate Poling-Cummings.

Hi Kate, can you start by introducing yourself? We’d love to learn more about how you got to where you are today.
I started taking photos during my first year in high school. I was involved in our school’s newspaper and yearbook team and took photos to be displayed for them. After getting comfortable with the camera gear and editing software, I began to take portraits of close friends and family and created a social media platform. This helped me reach new clients and grow my interest in photography. Junior year in high school was when I decided I wanted to take photography seriously. I spent countless nights researching and learning new techniques to help my work and business grow. I decided to take fewer portrait-style photos and experiment with color, light, and concepts, but I needed to figure out how to start. Soon enough, an ad came up on my Instagram feed for a local publication looking for new photographers. I applied for the position but had a lot of self-doubt because of my age and my level of experience. Thankfully, they decided to take a chance on me, and just like that, I became a creative portrait and concert photographer for Hearts Cove. Being a part of the Hearts Cove team has taught me so much I didn’t know about photography. I learned tricks on the camera, editing styles, lighting techniques, how to story tell, and so much more. I’m grateful to learn and talk with other creatives as passionate about photography as me. Now, going into my senior year, I have finally turned my hobby into a full-time business and am eager to learn more about art.

Would it have been a smooth road, and if not, what are some of the biggest challenges you’ve faced along the way?
My photography journey has had its ups and downs. The main challenge that I’ve had to face is my age. I’ve dealt with people not believing in me or my work solely because I am 17. I also used to struggle to stand up for myself to my clients. My business had started to get taken advantage of. I was so scared of disappointing my clients that I nearly never said no to a shoot. Balancing school, family/friends and averaging 5ish weekly shoots was difficult. I was overworking myself, and my mental health couldn’t keep up. My work so consumed me that photography no longer felt so much fun. School got out, and I finally started to slow down. I began to find things to do that helped remove my stress and clear my head. I like to journal, listen to music, meditate, and go outside. As simple as these sound, dedicating some part of my day to one of these activities has helped me learn about myself and to regroup. Now spacing my shoots out more and setting aside time to relax and regroup has helped me regain my passion for photography!

Let’s switch gears a bit and talk business. What should we know about your work?
I am a multimedia artist experimenting with color, light, and concept. I specialize in creative portraits and concert photography and shoot seniors, weddings, fashion, and sports. I am proud of how much I’ve grown in recent years, learning and meeting other creatives who are as passionate about their work as I am. The movement/posing in my work and the editing styles I use sets me apart from other creatives in the field. Along with that, my passion for photography sets me apart from others.

Are there any important lessons you’ve learned that you can share with us?
The most important lesson I’ve learned in my journey is that everything people say about you isn’t true. Whether they tell you that your work is terrible, it’s not true. And if they tell you that your work is the best thing ever, it’s not true.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://katemphotog.wixsite.com/katemphotog
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/katemphotog/

Image Credits
First 5 photos are all by me: Kate Poling-Cummings Last polaroid is unnamed