Today we’d like to introduce you to Katherine Malay.
So, before we jump into specific questions, why don’t you give us some details about you and your story.
My first camera I had ever gotten was in middle school. It was a tiny, orange, digital point and shoot and at the time I was super careless with it and I tragically lost it when I had it in the pocket of my pants and washed my camera with my laundry. From then on I’ve had the privilege to own five cameras throughout my life so far. My mom from the point of my adoption in 1998 up until now has always managed to sneak in a photo whether it be at a family gathering or casually during an afternoon walk. I guess I was exposed to photography early and never even noticed how beneficial or how important it would be to me now. I was heavily exposed to photography while I was dating a photographer my senior year of high school. At that time, I was more of a muse than I was the photographer and occasionally I would use his camera to take a photo of him. Maybe a little under a year down the road of dating I had acquired my own camera as a Christmas gift from my family. Photography was definitely a hobby; something to do when there was nothing to do. But my love for art has always been strong. Besides photography, music, poetry, and painting hold an equally important place in my heart. It was clear that I used art as an escape because just like a lot of other people, I battle a lot mentally and art was my only way to relieve stress.
After I graduated from high school, I was convinced I wanted to be an engineer. I went to Kennesaw State University for Civil Engineering, and that epically failed. Sometimes, I find that my greatest daily battle is trying to convince myself to commit to things, but I’ve learned that if I cannot mentally commit, it’s because my heart isn’t there and I follow my heart everywhere. I was seeing more and more advertisements for art schools on tv than I normally was. Pop-ups on my laptop all the time. So I decided to bite the bullet and tell my parents about dropping out (which is always so fun to tell your family) and answer my signs. I ended up leaving KSU and started attending The Art Institute of Atlanta as a photography major. I had already had ties with the school because my brother had graduated from their culinary arts program, so I figured since I was already well rounded with the school that it would be a nice fit. My parents have always been very supportive of all my decisions and helped me get into the school that I am still attending today.
I’ve hit some bumps in the road being a student and living independently in and out of Atlanta. I dropped out for the second time a year ago trying to gain more control over my anxiety and mental health. But I built up the strength to return back to school and finish what I’ve started. Art always saves me and is always my answer. Through all the rough times, I always have a camera, or somewhere to write or vibe out to some music. But above all I have my family, friends and community, that inspire me every day and ensure me that I’m doing the right thing.
Overall, has it been relatively smooth? If not, what were some of the struggles along the way?
I believe my success and struggles as an artists stems solely from me. It helps to have outside support, but when you struggle to support your own art is when being creative can get tricky. Being fully dedicated to your craft is essential when you are trying to make a career out of it. Finding time is always an issue being in school and also having a job. The biggest struggle is just day-to-day life, but I am incredibly blessed to have friends that are artists of all sorts. So they understand the same struggles and we all keep each other in check, support, and motivate each other when it’s needed. I’ve found that in my most questionable and difficult times, that simply talking to any of my friends, the conversation alone inspires me to keep working. Most of my best work was made in the hardest times of my life, and that’s okay with me because it’s all part of the process.
We’d love to hear more about your work and what you are currently focused on. What else should we know?
Making a name for myself is a work in progress. I treat photography more as a pass time or hobby, rather than an actual business or job. But that’s not to say I don’t take what I do seriously. I went to school for photography, because I really wanna make sure that I am qualified in all aspects. Getting a diploma and being able to say I completed photography school, would be a monumental moment and huge milestone. And that milestone is expected to be made by May 2020 if all goes well. But I am a firm believer that you do not need school, as long as you put in the work to accomplish your goals. It’s all possible if you’re dedicated.
In the meantime, I promote a ton of my work on Instagram and VSCO. I am fortunate enough to have a ton of photogenic and beautiful people in my life who are always ready to be creative. And with their support combined with my dedication to my craft, the process has been very smooth. But at the moment I do majority of my work for free, which I guess is probably what sets me apart from a lot of people. I’ve just always said that my time will come and it’s very hard for me to charge people for something that I love to do. This career just has never been about money to me. If anything, I’d hope people would see my work and say “hey, she’s good,” but most importantly just allowing everyone to see the beautiful people in my life and wanting to be a part of it as well.
Any shoutouts? Who else deserves credit in this story – who has played a meaningful role?
Above all, my parents have done everything and anything in their power to make sure that I am set on the right path and they have my utmost respect for supporting me through thick and thin; I love you Harriet and Thomas Stenzel. I don’t even know where to begin when it comes to all my friends who support me because there’s just endless names and I’d hate to miss anyone. Lashea Popehn, for being my oldest and one of my biggest supporters and truest friends since kindergarten. Sarah Stell for being a kickass teammate on and off the soccer field. Two years ago, we said “we’re moving out of our parent’s house and moving to Atlanta,” and we really did it and it still amazes me. Kaileb Webb for being the sole reason why I cannot go anywhere without a camera and for also bringing Kasey Pierce into my life.
Kasey Pierce for being my backbone and therapist. Wouldn’t want the roof to the house caving in on anyone else but you and me girly. Jackie Robinson for being a huge light and support system in my life. Lauren Muccino, Valeria Perez, and Jasmine Janai for making sure I never stop dancing on weekends till the sun comes up. Belle Francisco for being my plant mom and spiritual healer. Kentorey Johnson, Alan Love, and Mike Manning of UND on Youtube. Y’all always show love and every time we work together it’s always a success. Y’all will always have a friend and supporter in me. Yalls tour will be epic! Carliegh Johnston, Tamia Campbell, Kimberly Diaz, Nyasia Blanco, Erin Patterson, Artimio Black, Cam Harris, Juls Freed, Jade Lugo, Victoria Staley, Lillie Stitley, and ALL of my amazing, supportive, and beautiful friends, I love you and don’t know what I would be without you.
Contact Info:
- Email: katherinemalaystenzel@gmail.com
- Instagram: instagram.com/katherinemalay
- Other: vsco.co/katherinemalay
Image Credit:
All photos taken by me (Katherine Malay). Model name: Lauren Muccino, Braxton Prince, Nyasia Blanco, Lillie Stitley, Kentorey Johnson
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