Meet Kristen Wright | Visual Artist & Creative Photographer

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

Hi Kristen, why did you decide to pursue a creative path?
I began a career photography by accident actually. After I graduated from high school I decided, with help from parents and school counselors, that it was unrealistic to believe I would have any success as a photographer. So I actually enrolled in hair school. This was a creative field I was also interested and seemed to have a talent for as well so, I put my deposit down. About a week before classes began, I got a call from my high school photography teacher. He was always the biggest supporter of my photography, and unbeknownst to me, submitted some of my work to a photo competition. Turns out I won the grand prize. I realized this was a sign I was looking for, so forfeited the deposit at hair school, got all new gear with my winnings and the rest, as they say, is history.

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 have been shooting film for basically my whole life, and I am proud of that. It wasn’t the easy road, and for awhile there weren’t a lot of people who would hire photographers that shoot film. I gave in and bought my first digital about 4 years ago. Now I can appreciate the beauty of digital in certain scenarios.
I know now that I was standing in my own way a bit, as now I am branching out in my visual arts and producing and directing music videos and shorts with my Canon 5D. It has opened a world of creative possibilities for me. It’s a lesson I learned that I will never forget. Don’t ever close yourself off artistically! If you are scared of something, figure out why. Always investigate your fears.

Let’s say your best friend was visiting the area and you wanted to show them the best time ever. Where would you take them? Give us a little itinerary – say it was a week long trip, where would you eat, drink, visit, hang out, etc.
When I am on a vacation it is always about the drinks, the stay and the food. I’d start the morning with a croissant from Proof and a matcha from Maru. I’d get the cheese and sausage platter from the Red Lion Tavern and wrap up the night with a makers on the rocks at the Cha Cha Lounge.
I’d definitely stay a night or two in the Hollywood Roosevelt Hotel. There’s so much history there. You can feel it vibrating in the walls.
I would make sure to book a reservation for the most amazing brunch at Lingua Franca in Frogtown and round it out with the best sandwich ever, the Ira Glass, at Wax Paper, down the road.
I’d also make sure to fit the Broad and LACMA, but also just a walk around Echo Park Lake.
There’s so much going on here you really never need a plan. Just walk down the street in LA and you will find yourself entertained in one way or another.

Who else deserves some credit and recognition?
I would literally be a hair stylist if it wasn’t for my amazing high school photo teacher, Edward Uzemeckis and teachers in general. Mine believed in me enough to submit my work to a photo contest even after I graduated! He appreciated my talent when no one else did, he made me realize what I was meant to do, and I will be forever grateful to him for that.

Website: www.kristenwright.com

Instagram: http://instagram.com/kristenwrightphotographs

Image Credits
Alanna Pearl Sid Greene Chad Kidd Heather Matarazzo Jessamyne Rose Nadia Pryor