The Beauty of Light, Part 1

I was reminded today of the simple beauty of life and why I explore the world with my camera.

I was also inspired to pen some words:

t h e g r e a t d i v i d e
there is a part in each of us
that is neither here nor there
that wants to be, but can't.
when in the presence of another
this part becomes a whole.
we become whole.

"friendship is a single soul dwelling in two bodies" //Aristotle

It's About the Parents... Los Angeles Popular Music Photographer

It's the end of the semester, which means final projects and exams. The Popular Music Performance program here at USC has final exams... aka final performances. These shows are two hours of some of the best live music I have ever heard. The talent level on these kids is ridiculous- many of them could be signed today.

As the official photographer for the Pop Music Program, that means that I'm photographing all of these events. Many kids' parents come in for the final and I get to meet them.

There's nothing better than having a parent come up to you and say, "I really LOVE what you do. I really appreciate you", or simply, "you're the best photographer!" I am so humbled and touched by these words. Because at the end of the day, it's not just about the picture. It's about the music. The passion. The person performing: their heart and soul. And if I can use my gift of photography to capture and express the story of what happened onstage while parents were in other cities across the country and make them feel like they were there watching their child be a rockstar... Mission accomplished.

Photographically yours,

Kylie

Daily Wrap Up: Orange County Photo Summit

In the past 24 hours I have completed and turned in a 25 page group research paper, photographed a concert, attended a music party and attended my first full-scale professional photography conference. Pretty cool, eh?

I found out about the Orange County Photo Summit through a tweet from the fabulous photographer Jasmine Star.

Free?! I'm a college student, so anything with the word Free on it and my ears instantly perk up. Jasmine is one of the top 5 wedding photographers in the world, and she was speaking for free an hour from me. Moreover, this conference was featuring other professional speaks as well as attracting a crowd of fellow photogs from all around the area. I was in.

I've been doing a lot of music photography lately and I'm constantly inspired by watching my music friends do what they love. Recently I was talking with a music friend about how much I love photography and seeing him push forward his music career inspires me to do the same with photography. So I did.

On an impulse, and without knowing much else about this summit, I booked a zipcar for the day, got up at 6 am and drove to Saddleback Church in Orange County where this thing was being held.

THE DAILY WRAP UP

Jasmine Star reminded me to focus on my unique personality when creating my brand. So watch out, you're gonna be getting a lot more blog posts about me and my antics. I also shared with her my work with the Pop Music department and she assured me that I could continue to make this a career for myself. Yay passion.

Allen at the Sandisk booth hooked me up with free memory cards-- including my first CF (compact flash) card. Score.

Andrew Abajian  taught a workshop on natural light photography, particularly wedding photography. He's a photojournalist/ documentary/ humanitarian photographer. Piper and her husband of 2 years (happy anniversary this Monday!) were so patient in posing for all of us photogs who were snapping their picture. Thanks, you two! Here they are:

Joe Barnet taught a workshop on outdoor portraiture and light. Having trained under 20 master photographers, he still credits God with his skills and successes, teaching workshops like this for free as a part of Saddleback's PICS ministry. 

This was a day full of inspiration, connection, as well as a reminder that you can't do it on your own. People are necessary to accomplish anything. I'm so grateful for this opportunity.

Photographically yours,

Kylie

Senior Portraits 2014 Los Angeles USC Portrait Photographer

SENIORS!
I am photographing senior portraits yet again! Last year I had the pleasure of photographing several wonderful people and cannot wait for portrait season this year.
Some of last year's favorites:

Contact me for information. I look forward to working with you!

Photographically yours,

Kylie

IMAGINE DRAGONS at the Forum. Inglewood Los Angeles Concert Photographer

My Valentine's Day was EPIC. I spent it photographing the Imagine Dragons concert at the newly renovated Forum in Los Angeles (technically Inglewood neighborhood). I was up against the stage in this giant arena. Not only are Imagine Dragons insanely talented, but their music is inspirational, emotional and uplifting (as well as danceable). Definitely a refreshing sound in the music world.

Here's the text of the reporting I did for Neon Tommy, USC's digital journalism outlet:

To quote Imagine Dragons, "the last year has been a wild ride".

The Grammy award-winning band took the stage at the newly renovated Forum in Inglewood, California on Friday.

The band came out with lots of energy and the crowd went wild. The musical performance was stellar, and it was accompanied with a lights and multimedia display. The band was humble and appreciative of the crowd's support; this was stated directly by frontman Dan Reynolds as he thanked Los Angeles for always being a home to him.

The Las Vegas native repeatedly gazed out at the audience in what appeared to be gratitude and disbelief. Dan's reaction to the crowd and reception of praise made my night.

The band maintained its energy throughout the night. Reynolds made repeat visits to the crowd on both sides of the stage and hopped down into the pit during "It's Time". Balloons filled with confetti were thrown into the crowd during "On Top of the World", which were subsequently popped by Reynolds or audience members. They closed the show with Radioactive.

The Naked and Famous opened for Imagine Dragons. Alisa Xayalith's vocals were spot-on, as were Thom Powers' as well as his guitar playing. Nico Vega opened before The Naked and Famous.
Imagine Dragons formed five years ago in Las Vegas, Nevada. They put out two EPs before their current album, which has skyrocketed on the charts in the past year and given them rise to their current fame. During Friday night's show, they played a song, "Cha Ching," that they wrote during their first year together as a band.


I have photos of Nico Vega and The Naked and Famous as well. Stay Tuned!

Photographically yours,

Kylie

A Weekend Away & Some Nature Photography

It's been a joy being at a friend's home for the weekend. Here are some pictures I took on a walk today while location-scouting for my cinema class. Enjoy!

A weeping-willow-like tree with pods.

Some yummy looking berries.

 The AT&T bars in tree form.

I LOVED the natural light coming through these leaves! Look at that contrast and the way it brings out the veins. 

And a little abstract impressionism for you.

Photographically Yours,

Kylie

Malia at Tommy's Place Los Angeles Concert Photographer

Last Friday, I had the immense pleasure of photographing the beautiful and talented Malia Civetz at the USC performance venue Tommy's Place. Malia is a powerhouse vocalist. Her energy onstage and funky grooves had the crowd dancing and singing along through her set. From Stevie Wonder and MJ to some extremely catchy originals (that could easily go Top 40 if released), the song choice was as prime as the performance. Enjoy some photographs below!

 Justin Klunk kills it on the sax, while Jonathan Sim holds it down on guitar.

 I love the streams of light in this image!

Malia was backed up by her equally talented and rockin' band consisting of Karina DePiano, India Pascucci, Rowdy Kanarek, Jonathan Sim, Casey Barth, Danny Wirick, Michael Armstrong, Justin Klunk and Gabe Martin. Each of these musicians is talented, kind, and a joy to be around. Keep doing what you love!

Speaking of love, I absolutely love the song, "End of the Road" written by Casey Barth and performed by Malia. She sang it at this show and I haven't been able to get it out of my head since. Watch out for this upcoming songwriter.

Peace, love & photos,

Kylie