We recently connected with Kirsten Cohen and have shared our conversation below.

Alright, Kirsten thanks for taking the time to share your stories and insights with us today. We’d love to hear about a project that you’ve worked on that’s meant a lot to you.

The most meaningful projects to me are those that combine my photography, art direction, technical skills, and people skills to help promote an artist or band. When I get to use all of my skills and get paid for them, it’s a totally satisfying feeling on multiple levels. In addition, I am helping to amplify that artist and hopefully reach people who have not heard of them before, or reach those who know and love them and then see them through the lens of my camera in a new way. It’s really cool being a music photographer in Colorado because we have such a vibrant music community and there are multiple avenues for creative work. 

I recently got the opportunity to do another great promotional band shoot and those are really fun, because I’m getting to choose the best lighting and locations – unlike live music where I’m not in charge of those elements. ( ps, I love venues and bands that have a good lighting crew!)

I also recently had Sierra Ferrell use one of my images to promote her new single- that was just a thrill and totally worth the contract negotiations with her managers and record label!

This past year I showcased some of my work in an unique way by selling some signed photographs of The Velveteers at one of their shows. It was really mind blowing to see the fans who were waiting in line just to grab photos of their favorite band- signed by all the band members. They loved it. It was so cool to promote my work and the band at the same time!

A few weeks ago I photographed a live set in Fort Collins of an artist I just love who’s somewhat new to the scene –  Madeline Hawthorne. She played with a full band backing her- and they made people so happy! It’s so great to see and feel people’s reactions when I’m in the crowd taking photos. I also recently photographed the band Kiltro at a show in Denver. Such a great show, their music is so unique. 

I’ve photographed bands all over- Boulder Theater and Fox Theater in Boulder are 2 of my favorites- but Red Rocks is a special place to see a show. I’ve been lucky enough to be there multiple times this summer and fall; I never take it for granted when I’m there!

Great, appreciate you sharing that with us. Before we ask you to share more of your insights, can you take a moment to introduce yourself and how you got to where you are today to our readers.

I’m a photographer who specializes in music photography, band & artist promotional photos and portraits. I got into this world by combining my love for photography and love of music into one path. It was through some intense personal exploration that I discovered I wanted to combine the two.

I grew up surrounded by music, so that’s just a primary part of who I am and what I love. I’ve also always loved taking photos and mixing the creative and technical parts of photography. Music photography started when I had some friends in a band, and I asked if I could get a photo pass, they said yes, and I was hooked from then on. Then soon after that, I had an opportunity to enter a Rolling Stone photo contest – which I won! The contest had three rounds, each of which I won, and as a result I had some of my photos featured in a Rolling Stone magazine ( in print & online), and they flew me to New York City to photograph a band from Austin, TX – White Denim at the Bowery Ballroom in NYC. I felt like that was the universe saying out loud “yes, keep going down this path”. So I have!

I love capturing those incredible fleeting moments in live music – the artists, bands, and their unique vibe. I offer band and artist promotional photography, as well as portraits. I think what sets me apart is my ability to capture in photos what I’m feeling the music generate in my head & heart, as well as what the crowd is responding to. I also have a unique set of skills that combine my experience in clinical social work to help people relax and feel less intimidated about taking photos.

Is there a particular goal or mission driving your creative journey?

I have a few central goals in my creative journey in photography, First, I continue to be fueled by capturing people in their creative element. One of the reasons I love music photography is because it does just that! My goal is to capture those moments that are so fleeting and try to capture something that only happens at that particular time and place. Music photography is truly a multi-sensory experience of sound, light, and vision that provides a rich and never ending source of fascinating moments. I am always drawn in, appreciative and respectful of the creative process taking place.

I’ve found myself increasingly drawn to capturing women in music. There are a lot of incredible music photographers in Colorado, and only a handful of them are women. I think it’s important to support each other behind & in front of the lens. I have a goal to collaborate with women artists that are making an impact now – or who are up and coming that most people don’t know a lot about just yet. I’m excited to see where this will lead my creative work in the near future.

In your view, what can society to do to best support artists, creatives and a thriving creative ecosystem?

I believe in supporting fellow artists and creatives in Colorado. I think building community and supporting each other is a good thing. That’s why this past year I joined forces with Sonic Guild Colorado as a business partner and member. Sonic Guild’s goal is to bring together music lovers, industry experts and community leaders from across Colorado’s Front Range to celebrate and elevate our local musicians through grants, mentoring and access to national networks. It’s an exciting opportunity to actually do something tangible to help fuel creativity in our music loving State. Check them out here: https://www.sonicguild.org/about/#mission

Contact Info:

• Website: https://kirstencohenphotography.com/
• Instagram: @kirstyphotog
• Facebook: https://m.facebook.com/KirstenCohenPhotography
• Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/public-profile/settings?trk=d_flagship3_profile_self_view_public_profile

Image Credits
All images are credited to me – Kirsten Cohen Photography