Women of Courage - Kim Branagan, photographer & educator
- About Kim's World -
What is your profession?
I am the owner and principal photographer of Kim Branagan Photography. I photograph intimate weddings, floral workshops, and am an educator as well.
I also started a project called "The Maker Series" that takes me around the country photographing and documenting the reemergence of the modern female artisan in their workspaces.
You have been selected as our “Women of Courage” this month. Can you tell us what Courage means to you?
Courage to me means being scared or feeling vulnerable and yet still pushing on or moving forward. It’s facing something that you’re uncomfortable with, scared of, or insecure about, and choosing to take that next step and do what needs to be done.
Where did you grow up?
We moved around a lot for my dad’s job when I was growing up but North Carolina has always felt like home. It was a beautiful place to grow up surrounded by the mountains, the beach, and the piedmont. It’s where I graduated high school, went to college, and met my husband so North Carolina definitely holds a special place in my heart.
What is one of your favorite childhood memories?
My favorite childhood memories involve trips to Walt Disney World! We started going on yearly family trips down to Florida when I was just 3 or 4 years old and Disney has continued to be a staple in our family. It has always been a place full of joy and imagination for me and I can’t wait to take my son for the first time!
I had my first child last summer - a boy named Roman. I found Tracee Nichols Jewelry as I was looking for a necklace that I could add to my heirloom collection in honor of Roman!
What is one of the biggest challenges you face and what gives you the courage to face that challenge?
Right now the biggest challenge I face is raising a child in the midst of an ongoing pandemic while still keeping a business profitable and moving forward. There are so many challenges that come with having a baby even when you’re surrounded by friends and family who are able to help, but this is a unique time to say the least, so we’ve certainly experienced extra layers of challenges. My husband and I have leaned on each other and God more than ever during this time and we continue to find courage, hope, and joy in the midst of the craziness!
Words to live by:
“One must from time to time attempt things that are beyond one’s capacity.” - Renoir
If you could change one thing right now, what would it be?
I believe I speak for most people when I say that right now, if I had the power to change anything, it would be for this pandemic to be a thing of the past. I dream of the day when we are able to gather together for meals and not think twice about it. To give each other hugs and be able to share my son with friends and family seem like such basic things but those have come to mean the most and be the things we’ve longed for the most.
What is your favorite “go to” on social media?
Social Media can be a stressful place and is mostly work related for me but for fun on social media I actually love watching people decorate cookies and cakes! It sounds funny but it’s oddly so satisfying and super beautiful! @sweetambs and @whippedcakeco are some of my favorites!
- Kim’s Style & Beauty -
What Inspires your style?
I like very clean lines and simple looks, often with a masculine feel - I lean towards solid colors mostly black, white, gray, and denim. I’m also a major hat person! I love my hat collection and always feel like a hat is the finishing touch to my look.
What's your favorite family heirloom?
My dad’s wedding band
What are your everyday jewels?
I’m pretty minimal when it comes to jewelry, mostly rings, and each piece that I do wear daily has sentimental meaning for me. I wear my wedding bands that connect me to my husband, a silver and turquoise ring my parents gifted me when I was young, my dad’s wedding band that connects me to him, and my gold Roman Courage necklace that connects me to my son (whose name is Roman!).
Biggest fashion splurge?
In general in my life I prefer to have fewer items around me but I like for each item to have meaning or be something that will stay with me for a long time. My Roman necklace is a great example of this. I love the idea of this necklace that I wear every day in honor of my son, Roman, being passed down through our family becoming more and more special.
What is your daily uniform?
My daily uniform currently is jeans with a tailored sweatshirt and white Adidas tennis shoes or my gold Birkenstocks when the weather is warmer! Simple and transitional. If I need to dress it up a bit I can change into boots and add earrings and a hat!
What’s next for Kim?
My husband is in the Army which moves us around quite a bit. Currently we are preparing for a move from Virginia to North Carolina in just a few weeks! I’m looking forward to settling in to our new home and getting to connect with fellow creatives in our new area!
Favorite TN piece?
The Roman Courage necklace - it’s simple enough to wear every day yet has personality and for me a lot of sentimental meaning.
Check out some of Kim's work below.
You can find Kim on social: @kimbranaganphoto
Her website is: www.kimbranagan.com
