Meet Katherine Cundiff | Photographer and Artists

We had the good fortune of connecting with Katherine Cundiff and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Katherine, what role has risk played in your life or career?
I’m a firm believer that life is short and you need to pursue what makes you happy, even if that means taking a risk. Sometimes we fail and that’s okay, it keeps us humble. It’s good to learn lessons the hard way from time to time to make the small wins feel so much more significant.

Risk has been a big part of my life. I have never chosen to take the easy path in life and feel like just about every big move I’ve made has had quite a bit of risk.

Risks have made me believe in myself more and given me the confidence to realize what I am capable of when I set my mind to things.

A big part of being any sort of creative is an enormous financial risk. Some months are great and some are unbelievably slow. That can be hard on anyone and leave you questioning if you are making the right choices.

Let’s talk shop? Tell us more about your career, what can you share with our community?
Mostly I want my followers to know that I set out to be a multifaceted artist to ensure they are getting a piece of art and not just a snapshot of that moment. I don’t just take your photos, I put them together with several different forms of media to tell a stylized story. If we don’t have a prop we need I can usually craft together random things and can customize them to fit our style or theme.

I have photographed clients at their weddings, and their children growing up, moving on to making them keepsake jewelry. Being able to preserve all those moments in between really sets me apart from other artists as it gives me a chance to really bond and get to know my clients. It’s a great feeling to bring so many forms of art for my clients to cherish for many moons to come.

I’m very proud of my versatility and ability to adapt to different styles and genres of art. I’m also really proud of myself for making it this far being only a self-taught, small town artist. I don’t have a ton of networking connections yet, but have slowly started gaining a local and more branched out following. It’s really exciting to start to see my images and interviews getting out there. Slow n steady wins the race. Being a creative is full of ups and downs. It’s been a rollercoaster of ease and hardships, but every bit has been worth it thus far.
Overcoming the challenges of all things creative is just remembering that all comes in due time and the biggest lesson I’ve learned is to stay in your own lane. It will benefit you more than anything when you stop comparing yourself to your peers.

If you had a friend visiting you, what are some of the local spots you’d want to take them around to?
I really love to grab an olive burger from Cj’s downtown before any local event, tattoo session, or an evening without the kids. They have some of the best burgers in town. Me and my husband call it one of our favorite local spots. I’d probably see if some local bands are playing and head to some local taverns or maybe even take them to Hop Station for some craft beer or top-shelf alcohol given we have a driver.

I’d likely recommend a walk at Potato Creek as well since that is one of my favorite places to take in some local nature without a ton of people around. The Indiana Dunes is another really fun location, the clay pits are a lot of fun to take people to when the weather is right.

I really enjoy a good bonfire at my own house with food and friends. There’s really nothing like those style hangouts.

I’m not one to really go out a ton as I’m a little bit introverted but do enjoy a good time out n about with close friends from time to time. A few of my local spots have closed, so I’m very much in need of a good outing to refresh some of our local hot spots.

Shoutout is all about shouting out others who you feel deserve additional recognition and exposure. Who would you like to shoutout?
My first shout-out goes to my parents for fostering my creativity, letting me express myself, and realizing that I was a little different. They helped me pursue my love for photography and encouraged me as I flourished as an artist. It wasn’t always easy, but they did their best knowing I was following my heart.

I also MUST give a tremendous amount of credit for my success to my husband, Christopher. He has been a big part of pushing me to keep going when things have gotten tough. He helps with shoots, helps me brainstorm how to make props work, and even shoots some of my images for me to make it easier. He has learned a lot over the years, and think he actually makes a pretty good photographer when he wants to. Without his support to allow me many hours in the studio, behind my camera, and at my desk, I’d NEVER be where I am today without that crucial part of success for anyone.

Next, I have to give my kids recognition for being great little models over the years. They have put up with a lot, many shoots of “just trust me” not knowing what the image would look like. I’ll never forget my youngest son when he saw one of his fine art images…. “Mommy, when did we go to the sea?” – He’s never been to the sea, but I brought the sea to him. I love bringing their imagination to life.

I really have to give a big ol’ shout-out to all my friends who have been there when I’ve needed models, people to help with shoots, and overall support at galleries, etc.

And my followers, man, I wouldn’t be here without them. They make my work seem real and worthy to share. People connecting with my art, purchasing my art, booking me, all those people really have no idea how grateful I am for them. They encourage me and I adore hearing their interpretations of my work. There’s really nothing like having people who appreciate what you love to create.

Website: www.TheYigosflower.com

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/theyigosflower/

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/TheYigosflower

Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCb4DXL0m0DHT0h6MBVTWFdw

Other: www.mindovermatter.mom https://www.instagram.com/mind.over.matterllc/ https://www.facebook.com/MindOverMatterMOMllc

Image Credits
The Yigosflower Katherine, Christopher, and Irie Cundiff