Today we’d like to introduce you to Liam Kaiser
Hi Liam, please kick things off for us with an introduction to yourself and your story.
I first picked up a camera from a foreign exchange student that my family hosted around early middle school. I had no idea then how much it would shape my path.
I was privileged to grow up in Northern Michigan, in a community that valued the arts and had the money to fund it. I was lucky to have mentors who saw something in me before I did. They gave me opportunities, let me tag along, and through that mix of guidance and trial and error, I found my rhythm with the camera. I brought it with me everywhere I went ( a good piece of advice for anyone looking to advance their skillset).
From there, it was about chasing light, saying yes to things I probably wasn’t ready for, and learning by doing—by failing, by trying again. The road has been anything but straight, more of a winding, unexpected trail with moments of doubt and moments of pure wonder. And through it all, I’ve been grateful—for the people, for the places, and for the luck that’s carried me here.
Where I’m at today? Shoot, it feels like I’m just getting started. This career is about the long game. Always learning, finding new ways to manipulate light. Building relationships and new connections. I’m making a career in the world of commercial photography, making still frames for brands that aline with my interests (mostly in outdoor-lifestyle sports world).
We all face challenges, but looking back would you describe it as a relatively smooth road?
Put me in touch with whoever said it’s easy, I’d like to ask them a question or two! All jokes aside, there are certainly struggles that come with making a career as an artist and photographer. But that’s life, ain’t it? It’s filled with it’s ups and downs, wiggles and wobbles. It’s a bumpy cluster f*#@ sometimes. But, through all the chaos, there’s some really beautiful moments. I think anyone who’s in my line of work can due with a reminder of how lucky we are to do what we do, even with the struggles we face. Not everyone gets to wake up and do what they love for their careers.
One of the biggest struggles when I was first starting out was as simple as paying my rent. It’s a grind, and although I wouldn’t want it any other way, it’s worth recognizing. In the beginning work is scarce, and you might go weeks or months on end without work. You’re often chasing down paychecks and invoices. It’s tricky in the beginning, but not impossible. The financial aspect of working for yourself takes some getting used to. Healthy insurance, taxes, and all that other adulting stuff takes some time to figure out in the beginning.
Work hard, show up, be a good person, act with conviction, and you’ll get there. Having a side hustle helps get you through the slow periods.
Can you tell our readers more about what you do and what you think sets you apart from others?
I guess to simplify it, I specialize in capturing moments. My work revolves around lifestyle and adventure— taking pictures of people and the world that surrounds us. I tell stories through light, composition, and human connection in the world.
I’m most proud of the projects that push me out of my comfort zone, where the outcome feels like a true reflection of the people and places I’m working in. I’m also proud of the relationships I’ve built along the way—whether it’s with clients or the subjects of my photos. That’s always the core of my work, building trust and capturing genuine moments.
What sets me apart? I think it’s a mix of things. Every photographer brings their own background, personality, and experiences to a project. Naturally, it’s our experiences in he world that set us apart. Honestly, there’s another 100+ photographers that can take a better photo that I can. For me it’s about relationships. Having fun. Making work that we feel passionate about and sharing that with others. I approach my work with a sense of curiosity and a willingness to say yes to opportunities. I’m not afraid of failure as I know it’s part of the process. And at the end of the day, I’m drawn to finding moments that often get overlooked in favor of the bigger, louder scenes. The in-betweens. Staying curious is a fundamental attribute to the journey.
How do you think about luck?
Luck is the quintessential force that every creative has, consciously or not, benefitted from.
Hard work and hustle is a requirement for my line of work. Being a good person is, too. But at the end of the day, making a career with a camera takes a lot of luck and it takes a lot of privilege. From the communities we grow up in, to the help we receive along the way.
There are moments when it’s all about being in the right place at the right time, where an unplanned connection or a random encounter turns into a door opening. Maybe it’s a mentor who believes in you when you’re not sure of yourself, or an unexpected project that pushes you to grow. Or, perhaps it’s simply the fact that we have access to tools, networks, and education that others don’t. We can’t forget how much of this journey is shaped by chance—the timing of when we make the right move or meet the right person.
Of course, hard work matters. It’s what keeps us going through the ups and downs, it’s what turns an idea into action. And being a good person keeps those doors open. But in the end, building a career in this field also means recognizing that a fair amount of luck and privilege have played a part in it. The opportunities we’ve been given, the places we’ve been, and the people we’ve met—none of it is solely the result of our effort. We’re all part of a bigger, often unpredictable web that shapes how we navigate this creative world.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://LiamKaiserCreative.com
- Instagram: @LiamKaiserCreative
