Kaitlyn Kilpatrick, Head on Hand (Collaborator Portrait)
Kaitlyn
Kilpatrick
Kaitlyn Kilpatrick is a photographer and filmmaker based in Denton, TX. She received her BA in Media Arts and Photography Minor from the University of North Texas in 2018. Kaitlyn was fortunate to have found her love for photography at an early age and primarily focuses on portraiture, documentary, and conceptual photography. In her film work, she strives to assist like-minded artists in developing and bringing their visions to life, emphasizing underrepresented and human-centered stories.
Instagram: @kaitlynjkilpatrick
Email: kaitlynkproductions@gmail.com
Website: kaitlynkilpatrick.com
In Light of Summer explores themes of identity, grief, and emotional transitions. Taken during the summer of 2022, it serves as a direct snapshot of the time during which it was created – the hottest summer to date. The season began with the passing of my family's beloved 14-year-old dog and ongoing struggles with both my mental health and chronic pain. In contrast, this difficult period was illuminated by several bright spots of joy: strengthening friendships, a new relationship, and opportunities to work on bigger and more exciting projects.
Through this series, I explore the spectrum of challenging and joyful experiences by capturing the tangible elements around me: my domestic space, the nature surrounding it, and parts of my mom’s garden. Taking these photographs grounded me as it brought back childhood habits of playing with a point-and-shoot camera around my parent's house. This series allowed me to capture the small moments and the familiar warmth of the Texas sun.
Crepe Myrtle. A flowering Crepe Myrtle tree at dusk. The series title, In Light of Summer, is placed on the left side of the photo in white handwritten text.
Sounds of Summer.
Audio recording of the overwhelmingly loud sound of cicadas with the occasional sound of distant cars, wind, and birds.
Shadow Portrait #1. In a spot of bright orange dappled light on a brick wall, Kaitlyn’s shadow is left of center in the frame. Her outline stands surrounded by trees and more spots of sunlight.
Workspace. A desk with a monitor setup is placed against a wall that’s filled with art prints and photos. Plant leaves in the foreground partially obscure the bottom of the desk and chair.
Entry Way. An accordion-style coat rack is laden with various items: face masks, tote bags, a colorful checkered scarf, a dog leash, and keys.
Living Room. A 70s-style lamp, a disco ball, framed art prints, and a speaker all rest on a white surface.
Prairie. The silhouette of a calico cat sits on a window sill looking at the photographer.
Dried Rose Blooms. A blush-colored rose with some dried blooms.
Driveway. A basketball hoop against the sky at dusk. The sky is a gradient of pale pinky yellow to a deep blue.
These two images are digitally composited on top of a separate background image of a hand-made colorful pint glass. This image is grainy, bright, and warm-toned.
Backyard. A tree line is blurrily obscured with a colorful film. Dark tree branches fill the top half of the photo.
Shadow Portrait #2. Dappled light comes through tree branches leaving a contrast of shadows and bright sun spots on a yellowing lawn. Kaitlyn’s shadowy head and torso are distinct from the other shadows.
Sunburst Tomatoes. A tomato plant at dusk with a mixture of ripe and green tomatoes. The plant is illuminated with the camera flash.
These two images are digitally composited on top of a separate background image of a hand-made colorful pint glass. This image is grainy, bright, and warm-toned.
Leaf Shadow. A self-portrait of Kaitlyn with the shadow of leaves across her face.
Elm Tree Leaves. The reverse perspective of Leaf Shadow. A hand holds up a green sprig of Elm leaves in front of the sun.
Shadow Portrait #3. The elongated shadow of Kaitlyn and trees can be made out in late afternoon sunlight against tall grass. The image is dark green and grainy.
This image is digitally composited on top of a separate background image of a dark canopy of trees taken during golden hour.