Today we’d like to introduce you to Kyle Munson.
Thanks for sharing your story with us Kyle. So, let’s start at the beginning and we can move on from there.
The reason I bought my first camera was because I lost/broke a few phones with memories of my daughter that were gone forever. I had no idea it would become my full – time job four years later. I slowly started following other LA photographers on Instagram and was amazed at the different editing that people would do to their photos. I worked in a restaurant in the evenings so I missed the “golden hour” a lot, so I started waking up for sunrises multiple times a week to get those types of shots. I actually fell in love with sunrises because its one of the only times LA feels empty, it’s super peaceful being up at that hour. I started doing brand work in exchange for free products just to build up my portfolio and practice more and sold a few prints that I would get made at Costco to sell for 10-20$ each. My brother does art as well, and he makes his own wooden canvases, so I learned a little bit about how he does it and incorporated my photography into it.
I’d go to Home Depot and have them cut pieces of wood, which I would sand down paint, glue, and seal my photos onto, then sell those. I knew I was getting somewhere when I would drop off a print/piece, and the buyer would call me after, and say “Hey, I need you to sign this.” So I would go back just to sign it. Slowly, the free work becomes paid work and the 10$ prints led to selling custom pieces that paid off my rent for a few months. I’m super grateful for the people/brands I’ve gotten to work for (Popeyes, Netflix, Lonzo Ball, Manssion, Katin Surf; just to name a few). One thing photography taught me is to take action even if you don’t have a plan. Some of my best photos were taking at times where I had no plan or no expectations on what I would get. Just being out and doing will always be better than sitting back and thinking too much.
Overall, has it been relatively smooth? If not, what were some of the struggles along the way?
For the most part, it felt like a smooth road, there was a period when I quit my full-time waiter job to do this full-time where I was trippin on not getting shoots but everything worked out if you’re patient and do the footwork, everything always works out eventually.
We’d love to hear more about your work and what you are currently focused on. What else should we know?
I’m a photographer from SoCal, I’m known for my landscapes and lifestyle photos. My inspiration is a mix between street photography and sunset/wanderlust style photography, so I find my style in the middle of that. I love the beauty of California and the lifestyle that comes with it.
What is “success” or “successful” for you?
Success to me is doing something you love doing and getting paid for it, if you like what you’re doing and you’re happy with it, that’s success.
Contact Info:
- Website: kmuns.com
- Email: kmunsphoto@gmail.com
- Instagram: @kylmnsn
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