Conversations with Kristen Wright

Today we’d like to introduce you to Kristen Wright.

Hi Kristen, can you start by introducing yourself? We’d love to learn more about how you got to where you are today?
Hi! I’m Kristen, an artist and creative, my specialty being film and photography. I’ve been shooting film since I was a kid. Some of my first memories are shooting glamour shots with my friends on disposable cameras. When I was about 15, I happened upon my dad’s old Nikon and some slides he shot of vacations before I was born. It was a magical moment, as he had been paralyzed from the neck down since I was 5 years old. Finding out that not only was he a talented photographer before his accident, but that may be where I got my eye was extremely special. I shot with my dad’s camera all through high school, earned some awards that allowed me to buy new gear and really dive into the art.

In my mid-twenties, I started working with bands as a tour manager and photographer. I loved the job as it allowed me to travel and shoot all around the world. It’s also how I met my wife. I gave up the tour life and moved to Los Angeles from Phoenix about 10 years ago and I’ve never been happier. LA is my home, and there’s nowhere I feel more myself. I have begun shooting short films along with my photographs and I feel like my art and self is ever evolving. I shoot analog mostly but love all aspects of photography. My camera is not only a tool, sometimes it feels like a magic wand. It allows me to perform and transform. The right combination of lighting and styling and you can change yourself completely. It’s truly a beautiful thing.

Would you say it’s been a smooth road, and if not what are some of the biggest challenges you’ve faced along the way?
Like everyone, I struggle with self-doubt and pressure. Society seems to equate money with success and putting a dollar sign on my vision always felt odd to me. I truly do it for the love of the art, I do it because I am not me without it. And I’ll continue to do it forever regardless of the struggle.

As you know, we’re big fans of you and your work. For our readers who might not be as familiar what can you tell them about what you do?
Thank you! I guess I am known mostly for my film photography and alternative film processes. It gives my work a super-saturated, pop-art style. I adore a pop of bright color to set something apart in a  shot. I enjoy working with vintage cameras and lighting and the surprises that come with it. The tangibility of film, the hard clack of the shutter, the pungent and tangy smell of the fixer, the surprise light leaks, film scratches, the not knowing what will happen… if it will even turn out. The force majeure of it all is what truly inspires me. In my art and my life.

What does success mean to you?
Success is loving yourself and your work wholly and truly, no matter what. Knowing your passion and talent is enough. Your art is enough. Even if no one ever sees it. Creating for art’s sake, and continually learning and growing. Success is not reaching an imaginary finish line but a constant effort and growth throughout your entire life.

Contact Info:

• Website: www.kristenwright.com
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/kristenwrightphotographs/