We recently got the chance to do a virtual sit down with Kristin Richardson, owner of Kristin Kay Photography, based out of Los Angeles. Check out what she had to say about her inspirations, favorite kinds of shoots, and her epic answer to our infamous jelly belly question.
Can you start off by telling us a little about how you got into Photography?
When I was 15 years old, I took a photography class where we learned how to process our own film and use the darkroom to develop our prints. I found it fascinating. Eventually, I became the teacher’s aide and found myself entering local competitions. However, I discovered dance shortly after that and found I did not have the time to commit to both, and I chose dance. I didn’t pick up a camera again, until I was on tour with Cher in 1999 and was inspired by the beautiful images all over Europe. That is when I shot one of my favorite photos of bikes at a train station in Amsterdam. But once I got off tour, I discovered the world of acting and put down the camera again. And then just a few years ago, I decided to take some photography classes out here in Los Angeles, and it seems to have finally stuck. But my biggest influences have been my high school teachers, Mr. and Mrs. Bolton, and my college professor, Mike Tsai, for sharing their knowledge and giving me their encouragement.
According to your website it says you specialize in documentary and journalistic photography. Can you briefly describe those for those who don’t know the difference?
Basically, I just enjoy trying to convey a story through my photographs. I am not one to do a traditional portrait shoot. I like hearing about what a subject has going on in their life and what they want to portray, and then we sit down and brainstorm on different ideas of how to do that. My dream photo shoot would be to follow a subject around for a while and capture bits and pieces of their everyday life. I call that documentary photography. Currently, I often shoot a burlesque troop called Cherry Boom Boom out here in Los Angeles. The work I do with them is documentary style in nature. We show them from the dressing room transforming to the show up on stage in front of an audience. Documentary photography can end up in galleries, coffee table books and magazines. Journalistic photographers do the same thing and are usually hired out by newspapers and magazines. It would be a dream to work for a publication like National Geographic or Rolling Stone. I am currently brainstorming ideas for a series of work that I hope to eventually show in a gallery.
What is it about photography that excites you?
My teacher in college taught me that to be a photographer, you are essentially a problem solver. In every shoot there will most likely be an obstacle you must overcome. And you have to think fast, remain calm and find a way to move forward. And, I have to say, he was completely right. So, I find I am never bored. There is always more to discover and explore in the world of cameras, lighting, editing, etc. It is a great feeling when someone sees a piece of your work and wants to hang it on their wall. Or they relate to the image and the emotions. I also enjoy directing my subjects, which I believe comes from my acting background. But the best part is to watch people’s reactions when they see the captured image. They don’t usually realize how interesting they are or how great they are doing, and it surprises them. I really love that part.
Looking through your photos on your website, I noticed that you do a lot of action shots, instead of poses. Is there something you prefer about catching the perfect action moment in a single shot?
I love shooting movement, which I believe comes from my dance background. I feel like it has given me the ability to understand the timing in capturing those great moments. In fact, I often find myself breathing with my subject. I find those shoots to be great fun,
Many people may know that you are also an actress. Do you have a preference between acting or photography?
It would be like comparing apples to oranges. Both are amazing art forms that come with struggles and rewards. They are freelance/self-employed careers that come with a lot of hustle and rejection. But, the rewards when you do work are above and beyond amazing.
Where do you draw inspiration for your photo shoots? Is it something you see that triggers it, or do you constantly have new ideas popping into your head that you are looking for a backdrop for?
I am most inspired by my subjects. I have also been inspired by other photographer’s images.
Now you are also a wife and mother on top of the acting and photography. Most know that your husband is also in the entertainment business. How do you juggle the business side of life, seems those two professions are very time consuming, and still balance time for the family? Every mother/wife wants to know your secret J.
That is a question in which I don’t think I will ever find the answer. Can you really do it all? I always say, “Hell, its worth a try.” However, it does seem as though something always suffers a bit, and when you fix that thing, it trickles down to something else. If your career is great and your husband and child are happy, then most likely, your house is a mess. You clean your house, and you get behind on your work. You catch up on your work, and your family feels neglected. I think you can just do your best and know that, in the end, everything is going to be fine and everyone is going to live. It’s all good. I am sure most people in the same situation would agree, the biggest pitfall, is neglecting your self. It’s hard to remember to take care of you too. I have to work on that one.
For someone wanting to hire you to do their pictures, is there a price guideline or does it just depend on what they want, the number of outfits, travel, etc?
It really depends on the type of job and what exactly is going to be required. I have produced bigger shoots with assistants and catering down to simple headshots that have only taken an hour. For me, the hardest part and biggest time commitment usually comes in the editing process. So I can give a general idea, but the exact price is determined by what the job requires.
Taking a quick step away from the photography for a moment, are you still taking acting jobs as well or are you concentrating on the photography portion of your career right now? Can we expect to see you grace our televisions again sometime soon?
I loved my acting career and feel very lucky for all the opportunities I’ve received. Due to certain circumstances in my life, I took a break from it for a while and am currently trying to figure out if it is something I want to pursue again. The acting business gets harder and harder for women as they get older. Unfortunately, that is just how the industry works. Even though, I love the craft, I often get frustrated with the business side.
One of your supports/fans sent us over a question. This is from @SwayShay on twitter. What was the very first kind of camera you got and do you have a favorite subject to take photos of?
My first camera was a Pentax film 35mm. I only had one lens for it, but I loved that camera. Unfortunately, I lost it in a cab in Europe. I am terrible at leaving things behind. It’s been a lifelong curse. Then my best friend bought me a Canon Rebel 35mm film camera that I still have. I then moved onto digital and bought a Pentax K10D and a couple of lenses, which is what I used while going through school. Now I shoot with a Canon 5D Mark II. I have a zoom lens and a wide angle and hope to get a 50mm fixed lens next. This camera also shoots amazing video, which I hope to utilize in the future. I would love to shoot a short film with it some day. But, I have to emphasize to @SwayShay and everyone who is interested in photography to always remember, its not the camera which makes a great photo, it’s the eye behind it.
This will be our last question and is one we are known for asking all of our guests. It’s a bit goofy, but it’s fun to hear what people come up with. So here it goes! If you could be any flavor jelly belly, what flavor would it be and why? (Feel free to make up one. We have had many weird ones in our day – grandma flavored was the worst.)
I can see how Grandma flavored would be confusing. It could either be warm cookies and milk or mothballs.
I asked my husband his opinion, and he said Popcorn. What is that supposed to mean?
Lets see…that is a tricky question. I would be busting to get out of the confinements of that little jelly belly body, and claustrophobic up against all those other jelly bellies. And probably figuring out how I could be the best Jelly Belly I could be, so I would probably be something like Sun Burst. Or…wait a minute…maybe that is Popcorn.
Thank you so much for taking the time to talk with us and time out of your extra busy schedule. We wish you the best of luck and we will be looking forward to seeing what you come out with next.
Thank you. I appreciate your interest and support.
Take Care and Happy Holidays,
Kristin
Please swing over to Kristin Kay Photography on Facebook to check out some of her work and information on how to contact her. Also make sure to follow her on twitter @KristinKayPhoto to keep up with what she is up to.
