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

Hi Kristin, why did you pursue a creative career?
Truthfully, I wasn’t sure if I wanted to. Being told all the time it won’t get you anywhere kind of hurt my drive. But, then again, I wanted to prove them wrong. It started as a way for me to control the story I was telling. Later on it became much more than that, I just wanted to do it all the time. After working so many dead-end jobs, working for horrible people, and making less than I could live on…what did I have to loose? I could choose who I worked with and what I wanted to portray in my work. No one can tell me what to do and being your own boss is an amazing feeling.

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.
It wasn’t easy, but I wanted this so bad. I don’t know why I didn’t jump into it sooner. I thought the “big studio” job was going to be my ticket, but it just held me back. It’s scary financially because your leaving a secure job to go fend for clients and work. I did all that just being me, and showing others that I have more to my art. Growing up, my life wasn’t easy, I use my art to tell my personal stories. You can’t see that when you first look at my work. Unless you know me personally, no one will be able to spot it. I tell my stories through means of fashion, digital art, historical references, and fantasy, but it still tells something about me in the process. I do have to say I didn’t really have to do much, people started coming to me after I kept staying true to my art and my concepts. They wanted to be a part of, then their friends did, and then theirs. It was really all word of mouth, and once others got an idea that I provided concepts that were unique and personal to me, they wanted to be a part of that.

Any great local spots you’d like to shoutout?
I’d get in tourist mode and just take some long hikes in Sedona, do a picnic up on a mountain, and check out a yoga studio. Then hit up downtown phoenix and try new coffee shops. I’m a coffee addict so it has to be in the plans. I’m not a drinker or into alcohol, so I wouldn’t say I know many bars or clubs. But truthfully, my best friend and I have kids, so it may end up being playdates at the park, or going to an arcade. Still fun for adults! We would have to choose a place the kids would eat as well, maybe a new local burger shop or pizza place. In the long run, I may not be great at knowing all the “hot spots”, but if you ask me the best places to photograph that may be a better list!

Who else deserves some credit and recognition?
Oh, wow, so many people! I would not be doing this without the help of many friends! I want to thank everyone who has worked with me and trusted my vision and process. Being a part of my work is much more than just standing there and taking a photo, your helping me tell my stories. But most importantly I want to thank Lea, she has believed in my work and willingly goes for whatever I throw at her! I also have to thank my good friends Mary, Tyler, and Natalie. I just love them! I appreciate all the things they have done for me. They wake up 5am in the early mornings, take long drives to Sedona, and if I need them they are there and down for whatever I need. Lastly I want to thank my best friend, Maggie. She has been there since the beginning, always has been supportive and endearing to my passion and dreams. I’m so thankful and grateful for this woman!

Website: https://fyiphotokristin.wixsite.com/kristinmcfarland
Instagram: Kristin.mcfarland.photography
Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCDqav39UiV3js-S6o_xAXXA

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