Meet Kirsten Kavanaugh | Photographer

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

Hi Kirsten, putting aside the decision to work for yourself, what other decisions were critical to your success?
Not letting fear steal my joy. Fear is the biggest contributor in not chasing your dreams. Of course, there are some logistics to work out as far as the process of starting a business. It all boils down to your mindset. It sounds cliché when people say “stop using the word “can’t”. They are right! I can and I will. That decision has translated into all other parts of my life, not just my business. Plus, in this day and age, we have a wealth of knowledge and resources at our fingertips to guide us through the things we may not be experienced in. I know many people have expressed to me that going after what they love can feel intimidating out of fear of doing it poorly or not being successful. You won’t truly know what the outcome will be until you jump in and do it. Any photographer will tell you that they are A. Still learning every single day and trying new things to master their craft. B. The work they do is not always perfect. A person’s decision to pursue their passion, regardless of the obstacles they face, is ultimately such a rewarding experience. So to sum it all up, go do the thing, whatever it is. You have no idea how much it may inspire others to do the same.

Alright, so let’s move onto what keeps you busy professionally?
Many people do what I do. I think the market for music photography is heavily saturated but I think what sets me apart from my peers is my style and approach. I have always had a passion for cinematic work and try to share that in what I produce. That being said, there is many pieces to the puzzle or a “method to the madness” that gets me to the final result. Research, networking, marketing/managing social media, booking, travel, shooting, editing, getting the images delivered to the artist or client, and most of all discipline and sacrifice. I am proud to be a part of an ever-growing local music scene. I am blessed to also have national and international opportunities to share my art with the world.

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.
First, one of the most beautiful places in Arizona, Sedona. I would show them around all the trails. Play in the water (because it is just so hot a majority of the year). I would take them to all the fun places to buy souvenirs and eat. Second, Phoenix. Phoenix is this melting-pot full of transplants from all over the country and the world. Everywhere between some of the best restaurants in the west, to the small venues Crescent and the Rebel Lounge, to larger ones like The Talking Stick Resort Amphitheater and The Nile in Mesa. Maybe Collectors Marketplace for the geek in my life. That place is impressive. Phoenix is full of great art, music, food, and people.

Shoutout is all about shouting out others who you feel deserve additional recognition and exposure. Who would you like to shoutout?
I am so grateful for a handful of people whose support has allowed me to do what I do and inspired me so much. This might be a long one.

I want to start with my family. Without my family, I truly could not pursue this career path. I was raised by an Army vet dad who is a musician. I am blessed with the discipline to stay focused and driven. I also grew up around music and live shows. This helped me have the courage and be familiar with the industry I am involved in. Skip Kavanaugh, is single-handedly the coolest and most well-rounded human being I know and I am so lucky to have a parent like him. My mom Maria is no longer around, but she gave me my moxie. My twin sister and older brother. I am a mom of 2 young kids and they handle the wild ones, so I can continue to chase my dreams. The father of my children has also had a part in providing me with a stable foundation by doing what he can. My aunt Sheryl and uncle Tracey Ballou. I had started a graphics design business originally to save up for proper equipment. However, my equipment was fairly outdated and one day they decided to gift me with some better equipment to get me started. To this day, some of that equipment is still in my tool belt.

Some other very wonderful individuals I must highlight: Shana Backman, of Tell All Your Friends and Louis on Tour. Her and both bands have allowed me to work with them. At the beginning of my journey as a business vs a hobby, Shana and Tyler Beck have been and continue to be both encouraging and inspirational. The guys from the band Not Nearly have also given me so much support and advice that has been so valuable.

Ryan Porter (Ryan Rex Wrex from The Demo Team Podcast partnered with Ghost Killer Entertainment), for helping me navigate marketing and social media challenges and his endless kindness and knowledge.

A small fun fact about me: I am an Emo Night Phx regular. Support local! You are not strangers if you listen to the same bands. I have a group of people who have become some of my really great friends through that event. They show up to other shows I work on just to cheer me on. A warm thank you to Kit Linebarger, James Salas, Miguel Cruz, Leticia Garcia, Michael Reppenhagen, Meech Lynn (poet and artist Yesterdayssoup), Lexis Smith, Justin Koch, Maya Desiree, Michael Warlick, Lorenzo Cortez, and also Alex Gold (of 5threel photography).

Website: https://www.darkstarsmedia.com

Instagram: @darkstarsmediaphx