1 of 4
Stephen Montoya
2 of 4
Stephen Montoya
3 of 4
Stephen Montoya
4 of 4
Stephen Montoya
Katie Langley isn’t just another photographer with a camera slung around her neck. She’s a storyteller, a soul-catcher, and a dreamer who decided to bet it all on her passion. You’ll find her weaving through the crowds at local music venues, lens trained on the stage, capturing the electricity of a live performance. Her work feels alive — an echo of Fort Worth’s vibrant creative heartbeat.
For Langley, the journey wasn’t a straight shot. It was a winding road that saw her trade scrubs for shutters and the steady rhythm of the medical field for the unpredictable cadence of freelance photography. But every step, every detour, was a note in the melody she’s creating now.
Before February 2024, Langley’s life was a world away from the soundchecks and spotlighted stages she now inhabits. Working in a birthing center, she was immersed in life’s most primal beginnings, assisting midwives and even encapsulating placentas — a job that’s as niche as it sounds. But the call of her creative spirit grew louder, drowning out the hum of hospital machinery.
“What am I doing? I have a dream. I have a passion in my soul,” she recalls thinking. It wasn’t an impulsive leap but a deeply considered decision made with the support of her family. “After a long talk with my husband and kids, I knew it was time to go for it,” Langley says.
Stephen Montoya
Langley’s love for photography traces back to her East Texas roots, where her father introduced her to film cameras as a child. “As a teenager, I was constantly taking photos,” she says, her voice tinged with nostalgia. “I’d wander around Austin in the early 2000s, snapping pictures of everything — people, places, animals.”
Even during her years in the medical field, photography remained a quiet, persistent undercurrent in her life. But it wasn’t until she fully embraced it in 2024 that her world came into focus.
Langley has a knack for capturing the spirit of Cowtown’s troubadours, particularly rising stars like Presley Haile, a 22-year-old singer-songwriter making waves in the country/Americana scene. Langley speaks of Haile with admiration, rattling off the young artist’s accomplishments like a seasoned PR rep.
“Her songs connect with people on such a deep level,” Langley says. “Her old-soul energy and strong stage presence are captivating.”
Langley’s work goes beyond merely documenting performances; it amplifies the voices of Fort Worth’s artists, showcasing the raw emotion and authenticity that define the local music scene.
To Langley, Fort Worth isn’t just home; it’s a canvas. She sees the city’s music festivals, venues, and tight-knit creative community as integral threads in its cultural fabric. But she also believes there’s room to grow.
“There’s so much untapped potential here,” she says. “Fort Worth has done an amazing job supporting artists, but I’d love to see even more coverage in magazines and media, more stories about who’s out there and what they’re doing.”
At home, Langley is grounded by her family — her husband Brian, their blended brood of five kids, a granddaughter, and a menagerie of pets. “We love live music, hunting, and traveling,” she says. Summers are spent by Texas rivers and lakes, while winter trips to Colorado and New Mexico fuel her adventurous spirit.
This love for life’s rich tapestry is evident in her work, whether she’s photographing a musician mid-chorus or capturing a quiet, tender family moment. Her images tell stories of connection, resilience, and joy.
Looking back on almost a full year as a full-time photographer, Langley describes it as a whirlwind — equal parts thrilling and humbling. “Transitioning into photography full-time has been the best decision I’ve ever made,” she says.
With her camera in hand and Fort Worth’s creative energy at her back, Langley is ready for whatever comes next.
“The support I’ve received has been incredible,” she says, a smile breaking across her face. “I can’t wait to see where this path leads.”
