Kris Graves
About
Kris Graves (b. 1982 New York, NY) is an artist and publisher based in New York and California. Graves creates artwork that deals with societal problems and aims to use art as a means to inform people about cultural issues. Using a mix of conceptual and documentary practices, Graves photographs the subtleties of societal power and its impact on the built environment. He explores how capitalism and power have shaped countries — and how that can be seen and experienced in everyday life.
Scheduled to Teach
Gallery
LACP Interviews Kris Graves
LACP asks Kris Graves ten questions about their background, career in and beliefs about photography.
Los Angeles Center of Photography: What kind of photographer are you?
Kris Graves: I am every type. Portrait, Landscape, Architecture, and Documentation.
LACP: How long have you been photographing?
KG: I picked up my first camera when I was 15. My high school had a darkroom and an old Minolta camera, and my teacher would let me in early to get work done before school started.
LACP: Where did you get your training?
KG: First in high school, then I went to Purchase College for a BFA in Visual Arts. I focused on photography, and spent all of my time in class and the darkroom.
LACP: When did you know you wanted to devote your life to photography?
KG: I’ve always enjoyed art classes more than any other, and realized that photography was a practice that allowed you to work along and make a living. I thought about filmmaking and other arts, but thought they had limited upside, especially since they required more money.
LACP: Did you ever come close to giving up?
KG: Giving up has never been an option for me. I started doing small freelance gigs during college to help pay for food and clothing and have never stopped. Fortunately I learned a specific photographic skill that clients have a need for.
LACP: Have you sacrificed anything by being a photographer?
KG: Probably memory. I rely on my photographs to tell the story of my past, for better or worse. This can alter the past.
LACP: What have you gained by being a photographer?
KG: Every piece of my life is about photography and I cannot picture an existence without shooting and helping others artists. I have gained a somewhat stable career, great friends, and once in a lifetime opportunities; all while doing positive work of my own.
LACP: What classes do you teach at LACP?
KG: This will be my first class, and I will be teaching about how to create a photobook from start to finish. Join the class and I promise you’ll learn something.
LACP: What do you love most about teaching?
KG: It’s always great to share ideas with a group and to have those concepts bounce around a room. I hope that I can relay the importance of self-sufficiency. I try to make a clear case for research and building connections.
LACP: What advice would you give someone who is thinking about making a career in photography?
KG: Practice making many different types of photography to become proficient in everything. If a client has a need, make sure you can do it confidently. Stay connected to your peers and grow your network because you never know where or who your next opportunity will come from. Never stop hustling for opportunity. There is a lot of money floating out there, and it becomes easier to get as you keep the pressure on.