Today we’d like to introduce you to Katana Manning
Hi Katana, please kick things off for us with an introduction to yourself and your story.
Hi! My name is Katana. I’m a photographer, interviewer, videographer and just overall a lover of music. I’m the founder of a music publication called, KtopiaX. I’m also the owner of my own photography business called Katana Carson Photography. My moto for my life and for Katana Carson Photography has always been, “Do What You Love and Drown In The Colors”
At KtopiaX, I interview musicians, share new and upcoming music and photograph concerts. I started as a concert photographer when I was 16 years old. I would take photos at local rock concerts in Baltimore city. While still going to high school, I would reach my goals of being a photographer. I have photographed over 50 shows in the Baltimore city, Maryland and Washington, D,C area. Including artists like, Jaden Smith, Kali Uchis, Willow Smith, Kehlani, P1Harmony, and Pierce The Veil.
I really enjoy K-pop music and learning about Korean culture. It inspired me to start my online music publication called, KtopiaX. I share music and interviews about K-pop music and Korean artists whose music I think the world should know more about. I also cover all artists and genres too, I have a wide range in music taste so I enjoy many different sounds. I have photographed and interviewed Kpop groups, indie artists and R&B musicians in Korea’s music scene. These are all artists that I listen to personally so when I prepare my interview questions it comes from my genuine curiosity as a fan and as a lover of music.
Alright, so let’s dig a little deeper into the story – has it been an easy path overall and if not, what were the challenges you’ve had to overcome?
Challenges I had faced was believing in myself and being more vulnerable. It took a lot of courage for me to just jump in and share myself and put my art into the world but once I did it, it felt nice to do.
When I interview musicians and artists, I go into it knowing that we are all the same. We all have our own unique perspective and it is music and harmony that brings us all together. Once I started viewing life in this new perspective, it became easier to connect with family, friends and fellow artists. The acceptance of unity and shared experiences is what has calmed any nervousness I had in the past about being vulnerable and sincere. One of my favorite songs is “Sincerity is Scary” by The 1975. It perfectly encapsulates how I overcame past hardships. This is my favorite lyric, “Why would you believe you could control how you’re perceived, When at your best, you’re intermediately versed in your own feelings?”
Thanks for sharing that. So, maybe next you can tell us a bit more about your work?
In addition to being a concert photographer, I have also done conceptual photography, portraits, family portraits, weddings, videography and music videos. I’m getting back into sharing the other side of my photography which is my passion for conceptual, fashion, and otherworldly landscapes in my photography. I started out with this type of photography and I will be diving in this world of creativity again.
Prices and Booking Information.
If anyone is interested in booking me for photography and videography services, I’m available for that! Feel free to email me at katanacarson@gmail.com and my prices range from $50 – $200 per hour for photography of parties, events, etc. Feel free to contact me for other types of photography and videography! My photography portfolio is katanacarson.com and my music publication is ktopiax.com and @ktopiax on Instagram, Youtube and X.
Who else deserves credit in your story?
My mom and Dad inspired and pushed me to be the person I am today. They noticed at a younger age, around middle school, that I had an interest in media. My mom suggested I join the Mass Communications program in middle school. Once I was accepted into the program, I did that for 3 years and I learned a lot. I learned how to film, edit, radio broadcast and how to create interviews. I did another Mass Communications program again in high school for the entire 4 years. I also learned the same skills but elevated. The time in these programs shaped who I am today.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.ktopiax.com/
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/ktopiax/
- Twitter: https://x.com/ktopiax
Image Credits
Personal Photo of Katana taken by Photographer, Miyokoo of Miyokoocre8tions (a photography company)
All other photos are taken by Katana Manning.
