Meet Kayla Spaar | Music Photographer

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

Hi Kayla, how has your background shaped the person you are today?
I’m from the suburbs of Baltimore, MD, and I’ve always loved music and playing around with cameras.

Growing up I was influenced by my parents’ love of 60s-80s rock; they taught me to appreciate things like album art, and the bands with stories behind the songs. The first concert I remember attending was when my parents brought me, my brother and sister to see Carlos Santana at Merriweather Post Pavilion in Columbia, MD. At 11 I was transfixed; I remember him playing guitar behind his head, and I think I’ve been hooked since then on the energy that live music creates.

I was also heavily impacted by the dance world I was part of until college. Years of dedicating myself to training in a variety of styles fostered perseverance, as well as the ability to connect emotionally to music, and convert it into visual art.

My upbringing instilled in me that if you want to do something, go figure out a way to make it happen, and I took that to heart in terms of becoming a self-taught music photographer.

Please tell us more about your art. We’d love to hear what sets you apart from others, what you are most proud of or excited about. How did you get to where you are today professionally. Was it easy? If not, how did you overcome the challenges? What are the lessons you’ve learned along the way. What do you want the world to know about you or your brand and story?
I love to capture small details that convey the larger story, challenging myself to avoid more obvious shots. If I’m shooting a show, I also want to photograph unique features around the venue or in the crowd that communicate the feeling of the entire event. I’m most proud of moments I’ve caught that portray the raw emotion of people completely lost in the moment.

Looking back recently, I’ve realized that as cliché as it sounds, tons of tiny steps really do add up. I’ve gotten where I am by focusing on taking just the next step ahead, and not comparing my journey to others. Substantial changes don’t happen overnight, and the biggest lesson I’ve learned is simply to keep going and to treat everyone you meet with kindness along the way. Those you encounter might not remember what you say to them, but they’ll remember the way you made them feel.

I’d want the world to know that I want people to feel more loved and understood through the way I depicted them. I also want to support those just starting out, the way others helped me on my path. When I moved from the city of Baltimore to Denver a few years ago, I immediately threw myself into the music scene. I have been fortunate to find an incredibly welcoming community here, and want to provide others that same feeling of encouragement.

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.
There are endless interesting things to do around Denver! I’d take them to check out the limitless murals and people-watching in RiNo, and look for hidden gems in Cap Hill. We’d have to go on a nearby hike, maybe at Saint Mary’s Glacier or Deer Creek Canyon.

We would definitely hit some vintage stores and record shops like the Ten Penny Store and Wax Trax Records, and watch a sunset with a view of the front range. I’d make sure they indulge in some incredible food and drink, like the amazing vegan pizza at Piante Pizzeria, coffee at Hudson Hill, or cocktails at Gold Point.

I don’t think you can beat the experience of Red Rocks Amphitheatre, I never get tired of being there. Catching a show or two while in Denver is a must, at Red Rocks if possible, but I honestly love all the venues here!

Who else deserves some credit and recognition?
First I’d say a huge thank you to photographers who made me realize this avenue was possible: Anna Lee, whose killer tour photography of Walk the Moon had a huge effect on me; Adam Elmakias, a selfless source of online information and support for new music photographers; and Brit O’Brien, another massive influence who probably doesn’t remember it, but she helped me acquire my first real photo pass.

I would be nowhere without the help of Matt Seal, my friend from college who became my “fairy godfather” photographer mentor! He saw my interest and gave me the tools and technical knowledge I needed to make my dream a reality. He’s leant me gear, been so patient with my endless questions, and encouraged me from the start.

My close friends and family who have believed in me and let me drag them to so many shows (and camping queues) over the years–they’re the absolute best.

Lastly, I’m grateful to the immense number of musicians who are the motivating force inspiring me to keep creating. Particularly The 1975, who opened my eyes in a new way to how aesthetic, performance, and profound music could all intersect; and Greta Van Fleet for doing the same most recently.

Website: https://www.kaylaspaar.com

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/kayla.spaar

Image Credits
Copyright for photos belongs to Kayla Spaar LLC