Today we’d like to introduce you to Cathy Manning.
Thanks for sharing your story with us Cathy. So, let’s start at the beginning and we can move on from there.
The inspiration for most of my photography came during my childhood. My grandmother was a floral designer with a “green thumb,” and as I browse the countless images taken over years, flowers have always played the lead role. My start in serious photography began on the sidelines over 20 years ago as my three sons played a variety of sports. Rest assured, I had no training and no idea what I was doing – it was trial and lots of error. More inspiration came after my oldest son returned from a mission trip to Peru.
After returning and sharing his journal, I realized taking a similar trip could be a great opportunity to see the world, help others, and chaperone the youth of our church. With this my journey into “travel photography” began as I took mission trips to Romania, Hungary, Haiti, and Paraguay. I especially liked taking candid shots of the locals and glimpses into their everyday lives. I then began to venture out on my own and with groups to India, Morroco and western Europe. Stateside rural Texas provided opportunities for great photography as did 30+ summers spent in Colorado photographing endless landscapes, fields of wildflowers, misty early morning sunrises and golden sunsets at day’s end.
While it is impossible to choose a favorite, flowers have always spoken to me. Each has its own personality, the twists of the stems, the variation of colors in the petals, the flaws and the perfections. Just like humans; the same but different. Presenting the flowers in new and creative ways keeps me engaged, focused and always learning. Trying interesting perspectives using different lens and techniques adds to the creative flow and process. The art of photography freezes a moment in time and that particular moment can elicit many emotions taking one back in time, allowing a smile to creep in or giving the viewer permission to be in the moment. Each of us needs an outlet – one that brings us joy & sets us free. My story is a simple one. Find what brings you joy & happiness & pursue it with all your heart. Hopefully, the images I create solicit those emotions.
We’re always bombarded by how great it is to pursue your passion, etc – but we’ve spoken with enough people to know that it’s not always easy. Overall, would you say things have been easy for you?
Making a real living in the creative arts world is difficult at best, and limited to a few. The competition is fierce, and beauty is in the eye of the beholder. Creatives must think outside the box. Set their work apart. Collaborate and support other like-minded souls. Keep an open mind. Personally, my experience has been that women are very good at and willing to support each other. Remaining focused on what you feel you do best and continuing to be true to yourself will eventually pay off. Struggle? Yes, isn’t struggle what propels us forward and makes us better?
We’d love to hear more about CManningImages.
My creative focus continues to be on flowers, whether in the studio or in their natural environment. I venture from that genre occasionally as I travel, or life throws an interesting opportunity in my path. Photography is my creative outlet, but certainly not all that defines me. I try to live a balanced life – family – faith – friendships – giving back to the community – kindness – striving each day to be a better, more well-informed and educated person.
So much of the media coverage is focused on the challenges facing women today, but what about the opportunities? Do you feel there are any opportunities that women are particularly well positioned for?
Life isn’t fair. The sooner one learns and accepts this fact, the easier it will be to navigate the ups and downs. There are countless opportunities if one focuses on the positive. Do women face more challenges? Sure. Are women stronger than they give themselves credit for? You bet. Women make the world go-round. We do our best to keep all the balls in the air and a smile on our faces. Women are strong, a force to be reckoned with. In today’s world, hopefully a woman can do and be whomever she wishes. She may have to dig deeper and fight harder to get there, but women don’t give up the fight easily.
Contact Info:
- Website: www.cmanningimages.com
- Phone: 214-766-2661
- Email: info@cmanningimages.com
- Instagram: @cathymanning
- Facebook: @cmanningimages
Image Credit:
Profile photo by Teresa Rafidi
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