Meet Kayla Lynn Egan | Freelance Live-Music Photographer

We had the good fortune of connecting with Kayla Lynn Egan and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Kayla Lynn, what do you attribute your success to?
As a photographer, I strive to capture the essence of energy from the musicians I photograph. Every concert is different, and I try to edit my photos to match the vibe of each concert. I take a lot of photos at concerts, I don’t have the best equipment. as I don’t charge for my photography right now, as I want to build relationships and build my portfolio, so I don’t bring any income in from it. Which is why I am working with what I would consider a basic camera, so the lens isn’t the best, and the ability to shoot indoors is not the best either, so I am constantly shooting and moving, and in the end, I get 30-70 good photos. It’s been my camera for almost 8 years. It all depends, so I always ensure I am on my feet and ready, especially at high-energy concerts, ready to capture the best images possible.

One thing I would say I am proud of is my fast editing; it is also a significant part of my photography process. I am always eager to deliver the images to the musicians, and I often stay up late to finish editing the photos and videos to get them to the musicians in 1-2 days. Hearing their excitement when they receive their images is worth the lack of sleep.

Let’s talk shop? Tell us more about your career, what can you share with our community?
I grew up with a passion in the arts. I was luckily introduced to my great-grandfather before he passed when I was about 4 years old. He was a successful signage artist in San Diego, known for his assistance in the Indian neon sign in college area, as well as The El Cortez sign in downtown San Diego. He frequently drew inspiration from my great-grandmother and drew people well. He sat me down when we met and showed me the basics. This turned me into a little artist. At every family gathering I was drawing, I was the nerdy, shy girl in school.

In high school, I began becoming influenced by the music scene. I would go to local shows at SOMA all the time and this opened the door to photography for me. I was asked by local bands and friends to take live photos for them. This was an amazing opportunity to not only see bands more frequently but also opened the door for me to photograph many bands I love, such as Bring Me The Horizon, You Me At Six, The Birthday Massacre, and more. I did this for about 4 years, freelance. I then went to college and got into a serious relationship where I lost my passion my ability to feel like doing what I loved, and I lost a lot of myself due to the person I was with. I gave up the idea of becoming a photographer and soon was in a lull for about 5 years. It was the hardest part of my life, and I felt trapped. I luckily mustered up the courage to leave this toxic environment and moved out. It took me 2 years of finding myself, counseling, and healing to get back on my feet. I decided to make a big jump and move to South Korea. I taught English there for three years, and while I was there found that love for photography and art once again. I was lucky enough to shoot a few festivals, including Incheon Music Fest in 2019, and I made friends with a few tattoo artists there, that encouraged me to start drawing again.

Sadly, COVID hit, and Korea took it very seriously; I was no longer able to photograph for the remaining two years I was there, as the country was on a fairly strict lockdown. I felt safe there but was sad that I wouldn’t have any more opportunities to photograph live music. I moved back to San Diego Fall of 2021. And instantly pushed for gigs as a photographer. I don’t ever ask for payment, even though I’d love for this to be a career because I love the essence of concerts, the passion in music, and the ability to capture the energy that artists bring to stage. I have now, through my constant communication and a balance of yes and no from press contacts, been able to photograph some amazing artists, such as The Birthday Massacre, Lacuna Coil, Justin Park, Edge of Paradise, E’LAST, Junoflo, Year of the Ox, and of course last but not least, my best friend’s band Go Scarlet. It’s been great, and I feel extremely lucky to get these opportunities. I hope with continued hard work, I can make something of myself in such a saturated industry like photography.

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?
Okay, I could do a weekend trip! I don’t have full itinerary solely for San Diego. However, if we were to mix it up and do both San Diego and LA, I could!

Let’s say they arrive Friday:

After living in Korea, I miss the night life there so much, so whenever I can, I always do what I call, ” A night in Seoul” with my best friends. We usually start with sharing multiple plates at Min Sok Chon (민속촌) , this includes Corn Cheese ( ‎콘치즈) , ‎Tteokbokki (떡볶이) with chicken, and a few carafes of soju cocktails or my favorite Maek-ju (맥주) – a mixture of soju and beer. We usually catch up and have a fun time, then make our way to Karaoke, at one of my favorite spots, Jin Noraebang (진노래방). Usually having a fun dancing and singing party together. Afterwards relax at home and watch a movie to prepare to get up the next day.

Saturday: Wake up and get breakfast and coffee, one of my favorite cafes is Communal in North Park. We’d bring my dogs, get us some Avocado Toast and lattes, sit outside, and let my dogs enjoy a pup cup. Then go for a hike or walk by the beach with my Shiba Inus. Then go home and prepare for a roadtrip to LA.

We’d first stop at an airbnb or hotel, drop of our things, and go out for food. But this is where my recommendations would end…as I am not as familiar with LA, so it would be a fun adventure for us both, discovering a new restaurant, bar, or shops.

Sunday: Day at Disney….eating all the yummy food and having a fun girl’s trip.

I usually am great at planning….when it comes to places I have never been to, but once you live in a place most of your life…certain spots become repetitive, I would almost prefer to take a trip somewhere new with my friend, so we both get to experience a new scene.

The Shoutout series is all about recognizing that our success and where we are in life is at least somewhat thanks to the efforts, support, mentorship, love and encouragement of others. So is there someone that you want to dedicate your shoutout to?
My family has been always supportive of my art and photography. My mom especially always looks for opportunities for me or thinks of ideas to showcase my talent. From entering me in a drawing contest when I was in high-school, to offering me their house to do window art, just to market myself. They always have spoken so highly of my art and photography abilities, and I will always cherish that. I am proud and thankful I have a supportive family. Also, I cannot thank my amazing best friends Elissa and Arlina. Both who always have shown support of my work.

Website: https://kaylalynnee9.wixsite.com/syphoto

Instagram: www.instagram.com/sajiin.media

Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/kayla-lynn-egan-03a157163/

Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@lee_sulin

Image Credits
All photos taken by me.