Meet Kirk Irwin | Photographer

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

Hi Kirk, as a parent, what do you feel is the most meaningful thing you’ve done for them?
I would say it is simply being able to be home and attend events. Because I work freelance, I’m able to almost always (not every time) able to attend my kids events, recitals, or just be home when they get home from school. I’m also able to pretty much always see them off to school in the morning. I think just being around to help and support them has had the most impact on them.

Alright, so let’s move onto what keeps you busy professionally?
I work as a professional sports photographer. While most of my work involves D1 collegiate and professional sports coverage, I also do headshots and portraits. I really enjoy what I do in that is a creative endeavor and is constantly changing. No two shoots are ever the same. It took years of work and persistence, as well as some very helpful mentors along the way to get to where I am today. The connections I’ve made over the years, and finding people willing to help and open doors that might not otherwise be opened has really been the biggest factors in the growth and success of my career. Over the course of my career I’ve learned that connections and conduction yourself in a professional manner every time, regardless of the assignment, are a couple of most important things one can do to build a successful career. Outstanding work is needed, but people aren’t going to want to come back and keep re-hiring you if you are a difficult person to work with; and other colleagues will be hesitant to recommend you work.

If you had a friend visiting you, what are some of the local spots you’d want to take them around to?
While I no longer live in Denver, I do return once or twice a year to visit family and with restaurants constantly changing it’s hard to say where I’d go. I’ve been to some good places in the Highlands. That being said, I always suggest people try to see a show at Red Rocks when they are making a trip to Denver. There is no better place to see a concert. And now that Casa Bonita has re-opened, how could you not take someone there. It’s such a strange and awesome place (with what should be much, much better food), that can really only be appreciated by going.

The Shoutout series is all about recognizing that our success and where we are in life is at least somewhat thanks to the efforts, support, mentorship, love and encouragement of others. So is there someone that you want to dedicate your shoutout to?
I never could have made it to where I am without the help and consistent support of my wife and family. They have supported me through all the ups and downs that come with being self employed. I have also had mentors along the way that have played a huge part in my success. From not just teaching me about photography, but also passing along work and helping me make new contacts. I also wouldn’t be where I was if it wasn’t for the editors I’ve worked with that at one point took a chance on sending work my way, and have continued to send work my way. If it wasn’t for those relationships, I wouldn’t be where I am today.

Website: www.kirkirwin.com

Instagram: kirkirwin

Image Credits
All photos by Kirk Irwin