Meet Kaylee Garrett | Professional Concert and Portrait Photographer

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

Hi Kaylee, why did you pursue a creative career?
Personally, I think I always knew that I just didn’t fit the nine-to-five job type. I didn’t know what kind of creative I would be until after I finally bought my first DSLR at eighteen. At nineteen, after shooting my first live concert for my close friends in PCL, I knew that being a concert/touring photographer was exactly what I was meant to do. I can tell you the exact moment I knew too. I was standing out in the crowd, I lowered my camera from my face, feeling the drums replace my heartbeat, and watching my friends pursuing their own dreams on stage, and I was lucky enough to capture it. I had never felt anything so fulfilling in my entire life, a job that joined all of my favorite things together: taking pictures, live music, and close friends to share those memories with. I’ve been working towards that goal ever since.

Let’s talk shop? Tell us more about your career, what can you share with our community?
I may only be a few years into my professional career, but the immense amount of growth I have made in that short amount of time is incredible and something I am very proud of. I believe what sets me apart from others is my dedication and amount of love I have for this craft. I never see my work as something I HAVE to do, but something I GET to do. This creative journey hasn’t been easy, but it has been the most rewarding. The biggest lesson I’ve learned I would say is to be patient. I can’t force others to love every photo I take, I can’t force others to hire me to do work for them, and I can’t force others to be inspired by me. By putting pressure on your work to be adored by all, or to be the photo that convinces someone to hire you, or for it to inspire millions, you only hinder your own capabilities. In short, be passionate about the work you’re creating and if you love what you’re creating, that is all the reassurance you need. Everything else will follow. I want the world to know that the love and appreciation I have for the photos I create shines through my work. That I pour my entire soul into every shoot because I’m so excited to see the outcome myself. That I want anyone I work with to see what I see in the photos I take of them. I want the world to see my passion, my determination, and my growth as a woman in the music industry.

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.
There are so many places and people that make me love Los Angeles. I’d take them to the Crave Cafe because it’s open 24hours and I’ve spent so much time eating and editing shoots there. I would take them on a drive down PCH to Neptune’s Net because the drive is beautiful, the sunset by the ocean is incredible, and the Neptune’s is just one of those iconic places everyone should go to. But honestly, anywhere in LA can be a great memory when you’re surrounded by a close group of friends.

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?
There are so many people I am lucky enough to have in my life that absolutely helped me along this journey I am still on. My sisters, Madison and Morgan for shooting with me a countless number of times that helped me build my style. The boys in PCL: Jesse, Kyle, Jake, Ben, and Rob for being the first band I ever worked with who. helped me discover my dream job and have been great friends to me over the years. I could go on and on about these boys, but I’ll keep it simple. Freddy, in Gravesend, for always reminding me to keep going because he knows I’m meant for this career. Tabitha, the first friend I made in LA who is now a sister to me and helped me get through so much but also shared so many great memories with me. I love them all!

Website: kayleegarrett.myportfolio.com

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

Twitter: https://twitter.com/realkayls

Other: Print Shop: realkayls.darkroom.tech