Meet Stacy Cox | Photographer

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

Hi Stacy, do you have a favorite quote or affirmation?
My favorite affirmation is a Zambian Proverb. In the Chichewa language it is “ukaipa dziwa kubvina”. This roughly translates to English as “if you’re ugly, know how to dance”. I came across this proverb in a language book while I was serving in the Peace Corps in Zambia. It’s as if it leapt from the page and it’s stayed with me ever since. I don’t believe it has anything to do with being ugly or knowing how to dance. It’s about finding and focusing on your strengths. It’s about not allowing a perceived weakness to keep you from finding success. I also love the looks I receive when I translate it for someone. It takes a moment to be able to look past the surface and see what it actually means.

Let’s talk shop? Tell us more about your career, what can you share with our community?
I am a photographer. Full stop. I decided a while ago that I didn’t want to have a single specialty. I’ve worked hard and studied to be comfortable with many types of photography, from portraiture to landscapes and many in between. And it’s exciting to think about all the other types of photography I still have yet to learn. I don’t know if this sets me apart from other photographers. I do know I am asked frequently what type of photographer I am, and I want other photographers that have ever struggled with trying to define themselves to know that it’s completely ok not to. We can photograph it all.

There was always at least one camera in our house when I was growing up. My father liked to take pictures. Once I was old enough to manage one on my own, I’ve had some type of camera ever since. I wasn’t serious about photography back then; I just really enjoyed the process. It wasn’t until I was in my twenties that I took my first formal course, and it wasn’t until I was in my thirties that I started to pursue it as something that could be more than a hobby. And from there, it wasn’t until my forties that I looked past the fear and found the resolve to make it my profession. I am passionate about photography. One of the obstacles I had to overcome was the fear that relying on my passion to make a living would somehow diminish it. At least that’s what I told myself. What I really feared was failure. I haven’t overcome this fear. I still fear failure, but I was able to move forward because I changed my perspective. I will always be a photographer. Whether I earn a living from it or even have one in my hand, I will always see the world as a photographer. Even if my business fails, I know I’ve already succeeded simply by taking this chance.

My photography is more than an expression of my creativity. My photography is therapy. Living on the spectrum means that the world can be incredibly loud and overwhelming. When I was a kid, I didn’t know why I enjoyed the process of taking pictures other than it made me feel better. As an adult I understand that looking through my viewfinder lets me process the world in a way I can manage, one frame at a time. My field of view narrows, the sounds grow quiet, my breathing slows, and my shoulders finally relax. In those moments I am invincible and I am calm. And those are feelings I can take with me when I return to the overwhelming world.

If you had a friend visiting you, what are some of the local spots you’d want to take them around to?
Have you been to southern Utah? It’s freaking gorgeous. When you are as south as south can go in Utah you will find Kanab. This tiny town of about 5,000 people is sandwiched between some of the most amazing National and State Parks. You can be in Zion in an hour or Bryce and the Grand Canyon in two hours. You can enter the lottery to win a permit to hike the Wave. But, truly, you don’t even have to leave town. You can find all sorts of incredible hikes within the city limits of Kanab or rent an ATV and check out the immense ATV trail system in the area. When you’re not stumbling over grandeur, Kanab his home to the most amazing taco truck on the planet, Coyote Sky Tacos. They are 100% vegan and 100% delicious. Before you head out on an adventure, you can grab a stellar cup of coffee at Taro Coffee Bar. If the need to give back arises, you can volunteer at Best Friend’s Animal Sanctuary or simply take a tour of the largest animal sanctuary in the country.

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?
My partner, John, is not only the world’s best assistant to the photographer and camera bag sherpa, he has also provided the support I needed to reach my goal of being a professional photographer.

Website: stacycoxphotography.com

Instagram: @stacycoxphotography, @misozi

Facebook: www.facebook.com/stacycoxphotography