A quick snapshot: Kie Tate

With COVID-19 making a major impact this year and the whole world being on halt I discovered a hobby that I had thought about doing, but this year I really made it happen. I ordered a Nikon camera and watched a ton of photography channels just to learn the basics, and it was FUN! I really loved discovering a new way to express myself creatively. I had the opportunity to pick the brains of a professional photographer who was kind of enough to let me interview her. Kie Tate is a black female photographer who empowers people of color and the LGBTQ+ community through her photography.

Sway: What made you want to get into photography?

Kie: I have always had a camera in my hand since I was a kid. I didn’t realize it until last year but the love for photography has always been there. I can stare at an image for hours and still find ways to decipher it. When my Nikon is in my hand, I get a natural high and I feel like I’m floating. Nothing else matters or is on my mind when I focus and press that shutter button.

Sway: What inspires your photography?

Kie: My style of photography is editorial and urban and what inspires me is something out of the ordinary that catches my eye. I may see a scene in a movie or an image on social media and it sparks an idea. Just the creativity sparks the fire in my eye and it never dims.

Sway: What is your goal as a photographer?

Kie: I never have an end goal because I am always trying to accomplish something new.

Sway: Your social media presence is bold and courageous? Have you always been that way? How did you become so courageous?

Kie: I have slowly stepped into this style over the past few years. Once I became more confident in my work and my passion grew stronger, so did my content that I posted. Putting faith in myself and what I am capable of has taught me to push for what I want and the courage has just come naturally.

Sway: As a BBW woman you’re not afraid to dress the way you want. What makes you say I’m going to dress the way I want regardless of the stigma against BBWs. (I know there isn’t much of a stigma now as there once were.)

Kie: I didn’t always have this confidence to wear what I wanted. When I was younger, I tried to branch out but didn’t believe in myself at that time. The journey that I have been on has taught me to not care what others think because they will always have something to say. So why not give them something to talk about. I’ve loved fashion for a while but putting two and two together to become an inspiring content creator and fashion influencer didn’t pop up until earlier this year along with people encouraging me to do so.

Sway: When you get ready to do a photo shoot what is the one thing that stays forefront in your mind to have an awesome session?

Kie: Keeping a positive attitude and to stay calm. Nothing is really on my mind more than thinking what I have to do. As long as I’ve been doing this, I still get nervous. I make sure I am prepared and have enough time to set up.

Sway: How do you make your clients feel comfortable?

Kie: I set a vibe from the consultation until it’s a wrap. I suggest music that they like and have it playing in the background. I get to know a little bit about them during our consultation and we have a full blown conversation during the session. I am a goofball so there is no dull moment when I photograph you. This is actually my number one goal for any session. If my clients aren’t comfortable and having fun, then I am not doing my job correctly.

Sway: How do you handle your personal life, LLC, and now having three degrees? How do you manage your stress?

Kie: Honestly, I was at my wits end and my body told me to sit down just this past week. I had to take a few days off from work to just rest because my anxiety had gotten the best of me. My body kept telling me to fix my stress and anxiety. I couldn’t just drop the ball, I wasn’t done yet! Usually I take a hiatus from social media every now and then to give myself a break and I have a self care day once a week to make sure my mental and physical stays in great shape. I am slowly getting back to social media before the year ends and I am now planning my new plans and goals for 2021. On top of all of those things, I have to take time to be a mother because that never stops. Now that school has ended, I will be able to dedicate more time to creating content and distribute my self-care days more frequently.

Sway: As a black, LGBTQ+ photographer do you come across any difficulties and what are they? Also, how do you feel that your photography can contribute positively to the black community and the LGBTQ+ community?

Kie: As a person a part of the LGBTQ+ community, I have not had any difficulties as of yet and hopefully won’t. As a black female photographer, I have come across people that assume I can’t do certain things because of my gender or the color of my skin. Or I may not be able to cater to a certain group of people because I may not relate. I am easy to get along with and pretty much get along with anyone. I have an open mind and I do not judge anyone from where they come from or how they live. I have had a positive impact on the LGBTQ+ community already with the documentary I did this past summer. A few people within my community reached out to me and mentioned how much of an inspiration it was and shared it with others. I hope to continue to spread that kind of contribution as I dive more into videography next year. As a black female photographer, we are underrated and I want to be in the number that is counted as inspiring and motivating. My first publication was actually in the Black Female Photographers Magazine and that made me feel so good because I was among other great women that enjoy the same passion as I do. I try to submit and involve my work with people of color. I hope to reach Essence Magazine and others some day soon!

***If you want to see some of Kie’s work and book her yourself check out her IG and Facebook page. Her work is amazing, and she really is inspirational. I love following her on social media because she really does promote body positivity and she exudes an inner confidence that’s just radiant.