Life & Work with Kim of New York

Today we’d like to introduce you to Kim.

Hi Kim, we’d love for you to start by introducing yourself.
I’ve been a jack of all trades working in all aspects of the entertainment industry for the last decade. I’ve gone from on-the-ground reporting with Complex Media at New York Comic Con, digital marketing for brands, and social media management for celebrity clients. I’ve used all the skills I’ve gained from my previous jobs and pivoted to chase my dreams of being a concert and live event photographer.

I’ve had a passion and an eye for photography since I was a kid, who loved to document their family parties and all the sports events in high school. I feel like I’ve taken the longest route to follow my dreams, but also thankful I pursued everything I’ve done so far because all these skills have been useful and informs how I use my photography to tell stories about live events and the people I photograph.

Most recently I have photographed performances at The Center at West Park (CWP) in the Upper West Side of Manhattan, which has housed live readings featuring actors such as Mark Ruffalo, Matthew Broderick, Casey Affleck, Aubrey Plaza, and more. In addition to the live events at the CWP, I’ve also had the privilege to photograph bands such as The Academy Is…, Joyce Manor, and Motion City Soundtrack for online publications. I’ve also documented Project Transcend NYC which was a 12-week art residency and exhibition focusing on body mapping and storytelling by transgender and gender non-conforming artists. Photographs from Project Transcend were featured at the at The Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual & Transgender Community Center in Manhattan. My photographs have also been a part of group photography exhibits with Greenpoint Gallery and Monad NYC.

I’m always of the mindset that there’s still so much work to be done, and can’t wait for what’s to come next!

I’m sure it wasn’t obstacle-free, but would you say the journey has been fairly smooth so far?
Like many things in life, it wasn’t always a smooth journey. I didn’t grow up with the intention of working in the entertainment industry especially because I didn’t grow up with people who had these kinds of dreams in my own family. I’m Filipino-American, and any dreams that weren’t going into medical, law, or engineering school weren’t welcomed or entertained. So, I feel like I’ve always had to forge my own path into the unknown for a long time. Working in social media management, though I joke that I make memes for a living, being beholden to the whims of the internet and the mysterious algorithm on social platforms can be a frustrating challenge. At the end of the day what I always go back to is leaning back on community, like showing up to local shows for local bands.

Thanks – so what else should our readers know about your work and what you’re currently focused on?
I’m a live event and concert photographer. I love making the distinction because there’s aspects of live events like plays or performance that doesn’t always center on music. I also just love attending concerts and feeling the joys and sorrows that the performers share with their own art.

I’m most proud of being able to collaborate with other artists and document once-in-a-lifetime kind of events. Part of why I love the art of photography is that it’s a reminder that the moments I get to document are fleeting, and I get to highlight another artist when they’re doing their craft and I get to capture that moment for them forever.

If we knew you growing up, how would we have described you?
Honestly was into everything! Loved being social and in every club and knowing everyone! It follows me into adulthood. I love my community and don’t like to limit myself to just one aspect of my vast interests.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://kimmakesthings.com/
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/kim.gif/
• Other: https://www.tiktok.com/@donutsinspace