Creativity Over Coffee: Kjeld Mahoney
Happy Wednesday! It’s time for another installment of Creativity Over Coffee. Today I’m joined by my friend Kjeld Mahoney – he is a magician with a camera and effortlessly captures such gorgeous photographs of people and also our beautiful town. Kjeld (pronounced Kel) owns the Kjeld Mahoney Gallery in Scituate Harbor. This space is so inspiring. The walls are filled with Kjeld’s amazing photography mounted on driftwood, doors, furniture. His images are printed on glass, metal,wood. You name it! I’ve had the pleasure collaborating on a bunch of furniture with him and he also has captured many lovely pictures of my family. Kjeld is funny, talented, a great dad and husband and a good friend. I know you’re going to be so inspired by our little chat.
Grab your cup of coffee or tea and let’s begin!
Thank you so much for deciding to join me for coffee and chat about your creative process. When I had just graduated from film school in London and couldn’t find work, I found inspiration through the many biographies I read from the library. I used to go there each week and take out more.
Many people believe they are not creative. I hear this all the time. It is my hope with these conversations with my talented friends that I hope to inspire my readers to believe that they truly are creativity. That creativity is just sitting inside of them waiting to bubble over.
Creativity Over Coffee: Kjeld Mahoney
Can you tell us a little about yourself and your creative journey? How did you get into photography?
Kjeld: I went to school for fine art and design. Studied painting, drawing, design and art history. I was always interested in photography. Always wanted to own a gallery. I was laid off a couple of times so I picked up a camera and started my own thing.
Other than photography, do you have another media you like?
Kjeld: I love drawing and illustration.
When do you feel most creative or happy?
Kjeld: I feel most creative at night which doesn’t work well with sleep. I am most happy when I am with my wife and daughter and when I am putting a piece together in the gallery.
Do you have a favorite photograph that you’ve taken?
Kjeld: The ones of my daughter the day she was born.
Who or what inspires you?
Kjeld: I draw inspiration from everything I see. I purposefully try not to copy anyone. So many do and that is the easy way out. I think creativity needs to be hard.
Do you ever get in a funk? If so, how do you get out of it?
Kjeld: Yes, I just let it run its course. Playing with my daughter helps immensely!
What is your favorite color? Is there any color you don’t LOVE?
Kjeld: Green. I like all colors.
How has social media impacted your work and the art you create?
Kjeld: It has given my work an audience and it’s a great way to see if other people like what you like. It’s also a great way for other photographers to copy your work and go to the same locations!
How do you balance creativity with the need to make money?
Kjeld: It’s creativity all the time. We don’t have any other source of income other than our gallery and photography. So I balance it with family time.
What are must haves for a beginner photography? Must haves for an advanced photographer?
Kjeld: Beginners need a sense of composition and light. Some things can’t be taught. Advanced photographers need to keep hustling and have a drive to stay ahead of all the newbies out there.
Can you share a humorous story from one of your shoots?
Kjeld: There are many. I always try to have a sense of humor with every shoot. One of the funniest moments was when I was alone. I was on a jetty photographing a lightning show over the ocean. I stayed out on the jetty late and it was dark. The tide came in and it was time to go. I couldn’t see much, so when I had to get off the jetty I jumped down onto what I thought was sand. It was waist deep ocean water. Thankfully my camera was still on my tripod and I had it over my shoulder! It would have been submerged!
What advice would you give to someone who is interested becoming more creative or would like to go into photography?
Kjeld: The photography market is flooded today. Oversaturated. It is a buyers market where it is becoming undervalued and not nearly as appreciated as it was 10 years ago. My advice is unless you really have a gift and can stand out in the market don’t quit your day job.
Growing up I was a huge follower of INSIDE THE ACTORS STUDIO. At the end of the program, they would ask the interviewee these questions:
- What is your favorite word? daughter
- What is your least favorite word? drama
- What turns you on creatively, spiritually or emotionally? a good movie with an amazing score
- What turns you off? drama
- What is your favorite curse word? fuck!
- What sound or noise do you love? my daughters giggle
- What sound or noise do you hate? snoring
- What profession other than your own would you like to attempt? chef
- What profession would you not like to do? anything corporate
- If Heaven exists, what would you like to hear God say when you arrive at the Pearly Gates? you were a great dad and husband
Isn’t Kjeld’s photography amazing. I hope you enjoyed reading this little chat. A huge thank you to Kjeld for stopping by and sharing his creative process with us. Be sure to follow along with him online and if your local stop into the gallery:
Gallery Site * Facebook * Instagram * Twitter
aaaaw, love reading about a dad so in love with his daughter! and then this comment hit me and is true for so many fields now that we have so much social media:
The photography market is flooded today. Oversaturated. It is a buyers market where it is becoming undervalued and not nearly as appreciated as it was 10 years ago. My advice is unless you really have a gift and can stand out in the market don’t quit your day job.
Just checked his photography site…….FABULOUS pictures!!!!!
So enjoyed today’s post. I love photography too and you know I love Scituate. I love seeing that gorgeous lighthouse. Merry Christmas to you and your family.