Kiki Campbell is a freelance stylist and photographer based in LA. Back from a solo journey to Salvation Mountain we had a quick chat with her.

Can you tell us a bit about your journey into photography?

When I was in high school I was the friend with the camera. I started taking photos of my friends for fun, prom, events, etc. I stopped for a few years and now I have a job where I shoot weekly. I’ve worked with a lot of talented photographers, so I’m always taken aback when people bring up my work. It’s nice to know other people are noticing and it’s making enough of an impression for them to want to talk to me about it.

Do you think that self-portraits can be a means to explore your own identity?

Artists should be using themselves as a muse. You understand your ideas, feelings and emotions, the best so you should be able to translate that into your work. If you can’t do this for yourself how could you do it for someone else? I use self-portraiture to explore a higher sense of self. I feel more comfortable being in front of the lens if I’m also the one behind it… and if I’m taking my own pictures it means I will always have a model available.

Can you also tell us more about „explore a higher sense of self“?

Having a strong sense of self is really important to me. Without it, I feel lost. Passion projects, self-portraits, late nights and road trips, are all outlets that help keep me creative, current and self-actualized.

Why do you feel more comfortable – is it because you can control the situation and images?

When I’m getting my picture taken by someone else I don’t know how to act. I get very stiff and it’s like “errrr did you take it yet?” I’m not a model so I expect and need direction from someone. Even when someone does, it’s hard to trust that I will like their perception and vision of me. I guess it’s kind of ironic… my inhibition is preventing me from seeing how someone else captures my essence.

How important are likes and comments to you?

The more likes and comments I get drive me to produce more but ultimately it’s not what inspires my work.

What inspires you?

I get inspired by other artists. I love being part of projects where everyone is very passionate and working towards the same goal.