Kate Medley
© Kate Medley, Walker’s Grocery & Service Station
Words and Images by Kate Medley
How did you develop this series?
In this series, Thank You Please Come Again, I use gas stations as a lens for photographing the American South. In an increasingly divided America, where our politics are polarized, our economics stratified, our neighborhoods segregated, and our rhetoric strained, still nearly everyone passes through these same commercial spaces on a regular basis. We hold the glass door for one another, rub elbows at the lunch counter, share conversation and ketchup. It’s unique. And something to celebrate. In my work as a photojournalist, I regularly pass through communities that are not my own. When the hunger pangs set in, given the option of Burger King or the local gas station, I will choose the latter every time. I want to know who's doing the cooking, what's firing on the grill, who's discussing what while they wait, what is featured on the community bulletin board? These are the clues that introduce me to a place. They tell me, who lives here? What do they do for work? What do they eat? What do they believe? What is important to them?
What challenges came up during this project?
One of the greatest challenges of this project is also one of the greatest delights of my life: my children. I began this project before starting a family, at a time in my life when travel, spontaneity, and long work hours were easy to indulge. But years later, when I signed the book deal on this project, I had an infant and a toddler at home. With the help of a very supportive partner, and a patient publisher, I was able to spend several months traveling around the South to wrap up the fieldwork before we had to send the book to press. In total, I documented more than 150 gas stations across 11 states in the South for this project. Ultimately though, it’s a subject matter that one could never fully “complete.” But I like to think this book serves as a very complete introduction to the subject.
© Kate Medley, 4 Corners Chevron
Describe your creative process in one word?
Problem-solving. My creativity thrives on constraints. When I embark on photographing a new subject, I approach it like a puzzle. First: big picture, how best to communicate the story? And then solving for all the elements: lighting, composition, shifting scenes, human behavior, time constraints, etc. It can be very exciting!
© Kate Medley, Elberta Grocery
What inspires you to pursue image-making?
As a photojournalist, I personally identify as a journalist first and a photographer second. My image-making is inspired by a sense of truth-telling. I want to be the person with boots on the ground and with enough camaraderie with the subject(s) or knowledge of the issue(s) to be able to make impactful images and share those with the world.
What advice would you give to people just starting out in photography?
Take classes in the business school. No art kid wants to do it, but every photographer today needs to know how to keep their books and run a small business. It’s the first step in advocating for yourself.
© Kate Medley, Cooper’s Country Store
What is your favorite thing (podcast, album, audio book…etc.) to listen to?
Waxahatchee has been getting a lot of play lately. Katie Crutchfield got her start in Alabama’s punk scene years back, and has drifted more toward an indie country rock sound over the years. It’s beautiful stuff.
How do you take your coffee?
With lots of cream. I used to drink my coffee black, but I’m softening.
Purchase her book here and see her website here.
© Kate Medley, Bruce Store
