Meet Kirsten Chandler | Photographer

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

Hi Kirsten, why did you pursue a creative career?
I decided to pursue a career in photography because I fell in love with the art form. I picked up a camera for the first time at seven years old and I got so much joy from it. I knew from a young age that I did not want to hate what I did as a job, so I ensured I did something I loved, and for me that is photography. So after high school, I went I college and studied photography. My love for the art form has only grown the more I got into it. It is my passion, what brings me joy and happiness. I always tell people I am so lucky that I get to do what I love everyday.

Can you open up a bit about your work and career? We’re big fans and we’d love for our community to learn more about your work.
I always push for perfection in anything that I do, but especially in my photographic work. I always ensure that the people in front of my camera are comfortable, they love their final product, and that they had an enjoyable experience being photographed. What makes me continue to love what I do is seeing people get excited and realize how beautful they all are, seeing a person smile or feel confident after seeing my work, brings a smile to my face everytime. I am most proud of how much I have grown, I have seen my work grow and get stronger since I’ve started. I am very proud of the confidence I have gained in my work and I am excited to see how my work gets better in years to come.

I got to where I am today from the teaching of two different schools. I started my photographic schooling at the Art Institute of Las Vegas and met some really incredible people that helped me push my creativity and also taught me my foundations of photography. My other school, were I have now graduated, was the College of Southern Nevada. This school is the one that really made me grow the most. The assignments challenged me and I learned so much from all my instructors. The friends I also made from this school have also challenged me to work my hardest because they are all so talented. My work improved drastically by attending this college and I am so grateful for everything I learned and all the people I met.

I have learned a lot in the last few years from posing people better, to getting the best quality of light, to learning different editing styles. It was never easy, lots of trial and error occured but that is all apart of the process. Failing is not a bad thing, you learn from your mistakes and failures. We humans don’t grow unless we fail.

Any places to eat or things to do that you can share with our readers? If they have a friend visiting town, what are some spots they could take them to?
Living in Las Vegas means there is always something fun to do, whether it’s going to a show, a club, a casino, or even just going down Fremont Street. Vegas has a lot to offer on the strip and even off the strip. I love going to Red Rock and taking picutures of the beautiful scenery, and when I want to escape from the Vegas heat going to Mt. Charleston.
Some of my favorite places to eat are North Italia, 18bin, and Kokoro Ramen, Las Vegas has so many places to go and eat that there will be something for everyone.
The Mob Museum is a really cool place to check out, it gives a history or how Las Vegas came to be and had some fun attractions inside. Fremont Street has really good food and lots of amazing street performers. Las Vegas really is just a fun place to come and visit.

Who else deserves some credit and recognition?
My dad was my biggest supporter from day one. He always made sure I had everything I needed to do well and helped me along on the bad days. He was there for to remind me I was going an amazing job, all the stuggles of me not feeling like I was good enough, and he helped me with every project. I don’t know if I would be where I am today with my skills if it wasn’t for his support and reminding me to continue chasing my dreams. I would not be doing this job if it wasn’t for his constant love and support, so thank you Dad.

I am also super grateful for my boyfriend and his family who modeled for me a few times and also were my first paid job. Him and his family’s support also made pursuing my dreams so much easier. They all have cheered me on since I met them and I can not thank them enough for all they have done for me.

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/kcphotography______/

Image Credits
Kirsten Chandler