We caught up with the brilliant and insightful Katy Gish a few weeks ago and have shared our conversation below.
Hi Katy, thanks for joining us today. Can you open up about a risk you’ve taken – what it was like taking that risk, why you took the risk and how it turned out?
Last summer I spent a month learning abroad in Ghana with the University of Utah. Living in another country for that long, let alone a third-world one was taking a risk, but little did I know that it would improve my life. Even though we had no hot water, no stable internet or service. I knew there were stories to tell, and people to meet. I brought all my camera equipment with me for an adventure of a lifetime. There were some of us who spent our days researching broken smiles, but we learned firsthand the joy and power such a simple act brings to a child. The children in Ghana are so full of life, joy, and pure happiness. I literally “found love in a hopeless place”. Each photo I took tells a story; from almost getting trampled by an elephant to a little girl being told she couldn’t go to school due to the protesters. The risk I took was the best decision I could have made, not only did it further my understanding and love for other cultures, I got to take home the memories through photography. Every day I smile a little kinder and love a little harder because of my experiences in Ghana.
Awesome – so before we get into the rest of our questions, can you briefly introduce yourself to our readers.
Katy Gish is an accomplished travel photographer based out of Utah. She spends most of her time and money on traveling to the most beautiful places in the world. Photography has always been a hobby and a side job for her but in recent years it has been more of a priority in her life. The calm of the art is healing and making people laugh to get their true reaction is an amazing feeling. The joy on others’ faces, when they realize how beautiful they are, warms her heart. Currently studying at the University of Utah, Katy spent her summer in Ghana and brought home stories of the African people. She hopes to depict the kindness, poverty, and life in her work and to bring joy or even a sense of place to those around her.
What do you think is the goal or mission that drives your creative journey?
I have always had an enthusiastic fervor for trying new things and aspire to dive straight into uncharted territories without any hesitation or fear. I have a few goals when it comes to my photography; have a nonjudgmental attitude toward the unknown, learn as much as possible, and strive for the impossible. You never know what stories you can see and tell with just a little bit of patience and kindness.
For you, what’s the most rewarding aspect of being a creative?
The stories and mysteries behind it. Everyone has a story to tell and I love telling them. By looking into the eyes of a portrait, what can you tell about them? Are they sad, motivated, or enraged? You can make up a million small stories to go along with a photo. It’s intriguing. 
Contact Info:
- Website: https://katygish.picfair.com/
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/katygishphotography/
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/katygishphotography/