Meet Kay Mercer

Today we’d like to introduce you to Kay Mercer.

Hi Kay, we’re thrilled to have a chance to learn your story today. So, before we get into specifics, maybe you can briefly walk us through how you got to where you are today?
I’ve been making portraits since middle school, but I didn’t begin to develop a style until my first year at SCAD. I fell in love with experimental styling and lighting and decided to follow a fashion concentration in my degree. However, this never felt as fulfilling as I wanted, so I started carrying a camera to drag shows when I went out a few nights a week. Drag has given me this fascinating intersection between documentary and fashion photography, and to date, I’ve taken over 15,000 pictures at shows.

Would you say it’s been a smooth road, and if not what are some of the biggest challenges you’ve faced along the way?
I have been lucky to receive a phenomenal education and access to the equipment and resources necessary to get me this far, but I would never say that what I do is easy. Documenting such a niche community requires time to get to know the people and understand how to appreciate their work without exploiting it. Beyond the social nuances, there were also technical details for me to troubleshoot: most shows are in the near dark, and night photography is a finicky field with or without a flash. There is fast moving to be captured, and in some places, I had to back my way through crowds or fall on my knees with the performers to get the shots. Most nights, I come out with a few bruises and tired arms but feeling immensely satisfied with my work.

Thanks – so what else should our readers know about your work and what you’re currently focused on?
I photograph everything from portraits to abandoned landscapes, but my favorite subjects are definitely drag performers. These portraits have definitely given me a reputation, and I am often spotted at shows by Instagram followers or friends of performers. I am most proud of my recent series, “Persona (The Insufficiency of a Digital Audience)” because I feel that it captures many dimensions of drag artists that are not often seen by the public audience.

 Pricing:

• Studio session – $200/hr

Contact Info:

• Email: busybodydeerphoto@gmail.com
• Website: busybodydeer.squarespace.com
• Instagram: @busybodydeer
• Twitter: @busybodydeer
• Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UC_NrVZizsI3Z2bAUiGH2VBw
• Other: busybodydeer.darkroom.tech

Image Credits
Photographs by me, portraits are of Bella Trixx, Dotte Com, Thin Mint, and Molly Rimswell