Meet Kay Mercer: Photographer

We had the good fortune of connecting with Kay Mercer and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Kay, what matters most to you?
I value empowerment above all else, and aim to show that through my work.

Alright, so let’s move onto what keeps you busy professionally?
I am most proud of myself for inserting myself into the worlds I photograph in a unique way, to share what I see without exploiting my subject matter (whether it’s people, abandoned buildings, or anything else). I have been photographing since I was thirteen, and have always felt confident with my technical skill. However, the hardest part of my work has been finding a visual voice and learning how to use it. Anyone can take a cute senior portrait or capture a sunrise, but what about making images that aren’t about “beauty” as much as truth? My professors and fellow artists have been incredible sources of inspiration, and have given me the freedom and confidence to make art outside of the general viewer’s comfort zone. I have had to learn to fear no subject, photograph EVERYTHING, and be a socially conscious audience member. My job is to watch, but I give back to the community in every way I can, from donating to GoFundMe’s to just buying shots for tired performers at the end of the night. I want the world to know that my philosophy is empowerment, and I will never make anything that does not align with that theme.

Any places to eat or things to do that you can share with our readers? If they have a friend visiting town, what are some spots they could take them to?
I would start with a trip to the Botanical Gardens in midtown, and brunch at Bantam & Biddy down the street – they have phenomenal chicken and waffles, and their mimosas are only $5! My favorite afternoon pastime is browsing the shops in Little 5 Points, and for nightlife I always recommend the bars in East Atlanta Village.

The Shoutout series is all about recognizing that our success and where we are in life is at least somewhat thanks to the efforts, support, mentorship, love and encouragement of others. So is there someone that you want to dedicate your shoutout to?
I am beyond grateful to my parents for giving me the resources to be creative, even when it required more patience than they were prepared for. I also want to recognize my wonderful girlfriend for going on adventures with me, listening to all of my ideas, and generally being the best right-hand gal in the world. Last but certainly not least, my work would not exist without all of my subjects, the majority of whom are phenomenally talented drag performers in the Atlanta nightlife scene. They have been an absolute blessing in every way, from patiently letting me follow them around with a camera to donating to my projects to simply accepting a new person into such a lovely close-knit community. Thank you all so much!

Website: busybodydeer.squarespace.com
Instagram: @busybodydeer
Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/laura-kay-mercer-7706b4122/
Twitter: @busybodydeer
Facebook: Busybody Deer Photography
Youtube: Busybody Deer Photography
Other: Print shop – busybodydeer.darkroom.tech

Image Credits
Portraits of Dotte Com, Bella Trixx, TJ Maxxx, and SHI