Check Out Austin Keith’s Story

Today, we’d like to introduce you to Austin Keith.

Hi Austin, thanks for sharing your story with us. To start, maybe you can tell our readers some of your backstory.
I’ve been a professional barber for nearly 10 years.

I started my career in Los Angeles in 2015. After 5 years of cutting hair, I decided to pivot and begin my work as a professional photographer. From 2020 – 2023, I lived in my vehicle. Traveling all across the country to both rock climb & develop my professional photography portfolio.

In 2022, I spent 6 months living in Washington DC. During that time, I was able to assist other photographers, develop my understanding of light, and learn more about the business of photography. I also had the opportunity to work with some fantastic photographers.

Now that I’m living in Denver permanently, I’ve been able to more sustainably build up my photography business. These days, I take on editorial & commercial photography jobs. As well as continuing my barbering business.

It’s a little eclectic, but so far it’s been a nice balance. There may be a day when I own a barber shop and continue my photography as a full-time endeavor.

We all face challenges, but looking back would you describe it as a relatively smooth road?
The road is never smooth!

I’m a huge believer in setting a general plan for your future while also making sure you’re open-minded to any opportunities that you come across. Living on the road full-time was a very obvious obstacle for my photography business.

That’s where the idea of moving to Denver full-time came from. There is a balance of work and life that’s more easily found in a city like Denver.

Appreciate you sharing that. What else should we know about what you do?
I work as a portrait & lifestyle photographer. Originally, it started with shooting my friends while they were rock climbing.

Eventually, I figured out that I enjoy interacting with a subject to get the best possible image. Leaning more into portraiture has also expanded my potential client base. Rock climbing is still pretty niche to make a full time living from. Not that it’s impossible!

My favorite images are environmental portraits. I love bringing an entire concept together.

Is there something surprising that you feel even people who know you might not know about?
My last name isn’t actually Keith…

Keith is my middle name, but it’s much easier to remember than my actual last time, so that’s what I’ve used professionally.

Contact Info:

• Website: Austinkeithphoto.com
• Instagram: @Austinkeithphoto