Meet Chauncey Mangum

Today we’d like to introduce you to Chauncey Mangum.

Thanks for sharing your story with us Chauncey. So, let’s start at the beginning and we can move on from there.
Photography actually started as a hobby for me. I never imagined that photography could be something I do as a living. I was uncertain on pushing forward due to people I was around at the time. It is a lot easier for others to push their own insecurities onto you. I didn’t believe in myself enough at the time so I was putting photography on the short end of the stick. It was difficult at first only because I was trying to find my own style and look, and being from Mississippi made it troubling. Mostly because everyone during the time I started was doing the same exact thing with their craft. So, I found myself frustrated more than anything because I spent so much of my time comparing myself to someone else. When I needed to only focus on the lane, I was creating for myself. The process took a little longer than expected, but I figured it out. I’m a self-taught photographer, I went to college but truthfully, I learned more from real world experiences. I love shooting weddings, fashion, and portraits of others. I love the simplicity of great details in a photo and the feeling and expression each image gives off. I’ve been full time for a year now and it has been going great since I focused all my attention on what I love. If anyone is struggling with the idea of doing something they love, I simply say “start”. It won’t be easy, but as long as you have patience, and constantly seeking growth. Anything you want you can achieve. Enjoy the process and don’t ever be afraid to create your own path.

Great, so let’s dig a little deeper into the story – has it been an easy path overall and if not, what were the challenges you’ve had to overcome?
No, I almost quit so many times. I struggled of learning lighting, the camera in and out, and finding my own style. Also not believing in myself enough. I spent a lot of my time downing myself. As an artist, we go through a lot of emotions. I felt envy for other people, that I didn’t even know. I felt as if I wasn’t appreciated, but that was only because I was placing my values on “material” things. If I had this or that would make me a better photographer. once I started channeling that energy on me and directly me. It became a lot easier for me to grow and be comfortable in what I do as a creator.

Please tell us about your work.
I’m a photographer from Mississippi. I’ll take pictures of anything but, but I love weddings, fashion, portraits, and documentary photography the most. I guess I am proud of the relationships I build with people along the way. You never know who you can meet and what you can do for someone. With my style I love how film has always looked. I studied the coloring of older cameras and the tones they give off and apply that in my work daily.

Do you look back particularly fondly on any memories from childhood?
Spending time with my great grandmother. She had some of the best stories.

Contact Info:

• Website: www.chaunceymangum.com
• Email: [email protected]
• Instagram: instagram.com/chauncey.mangum

Image Credit:
Dacia Jamie, Jeffery and Shawanda Daniel, Destiny Williams, Anna Marie, Fredrick and Jailyn Rafus.

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