Kevin McCollister
Self-taught Los Angeles–based photographer with nearly two decades of experience documenting the city’s overlooked corners. Working in both black and white and color, his images explore themes of urban grit, Mexican culture, storefront churches, and the LA River. His work has been featured in the book East of West L.A., reviewed in the Los Angeles Times and Los Angeles Review of Books, and exhibited in shows including The Heart of Los Angeles at Union Station for the Los Angeles County Metropolitan Transportation Authority (LACMTA).
Professional Experience
- Independent Photographer — Los Angeles, CA (2006 – Present)
- Creates photographic series capturing cultural and architectural landscapes of Los Angeles.
- Exhibits work at venues including Union Station and Samy’s Camera.
- Features in publications such as Digital Capture After Dark.
- Completes commissioned shoots for model portfolios and private client collections.
- Sells and licenses images to collectors, publications, and albums.
- Delivers public lectures, including at the Los Angeles Central Library.
- Mentors amateur photographers on lighting, editing, and technical skills.
- Manages personal social media marketing to publish and promote projects.
- Keeps current with industry standards through independent study, tutorials, and research.
Exhibitions
- In the Shadow of the Zanja Madre — Featured artist, The Heart of Los Angeles, Union Station (2014–2015)
- Curated Photo Display at Samy’s Camera — Los Angeles, 2011
Publications / Books
- East of West L.A.: Selected Photographs of Kevin McCollister — IFSF Publishing, 2009
- Curated photo featured in Digital Capture After Dark — Rocky Nook, 2013
Selected Press
- Los Angeles Review of Books — “My L.A. in Four Locations: Storefront Churches,” 2018
- Los Angeles Times — “Photographer captures L.A.’s spiritual side in small-church series,” 2015
- Boom: A Journal of California — “Walking East of West L.A.,” 2011
- fototazo — “The Image: Kevin McCollister, ‘Jerome’,” 2011
- Los Angeles Times — “A Photographer Looks East of West L.A.,” 2010
- PhotoBook Journal — Review of East of West L.A., 2009
- The Contemporary Photobook Magazine — “Kevin McCollister – East of West L.A.,” 2009
Recognition and Highlights
- Featured artist for The Heart of Los Angeles exhibition celebrating Union Station’s 75th anniversary (2014–2015)
- Invited lecturer at Los Angeles Central Library (2011)