Q&A: Kai Kostner makes pictures come to life
- Elisa Reamer
- Mar 7, 2021
- 5 min read
“Look to your left, stand tall, perfect!” *camera flashes* Kai Kostner has been a photographer for three years now, taking pictures of nature, abandoned buildings, people, anything he can make pop with his camera and editing skills.
Dreamereamer Blog: What made you want to become a photographer?
Kostner: It started when I was younger. I had always wanted others to see what I saw. Being 20/100 in my left eye, I always have been, literally one-sided. If you notice, my photos aren't completely level or they have too much of one area. This is to show that difference. I also always get the compliment, "you have an eye for your work/photography/art!" I think this is funny as I am basically half-blind. I also couldn't find my talent in sports, other arts, or musically. After trying so many different ways, I finally decided to stay with photography and videography. As I continued to show more people this one-trick-pony talent I had, I kept getting compliment after compliment.
Q: Did you always photograph people, or did you start with nature and move up?
A: I started with a wind-up disposable camera. If you remember as a child, having one of these either 12 or 24 images, you might remember all the thumbs and blurriness that got into these photos as a waste of time. As I got older, I started to realize that the photos I take are meaningful and that I needed to take my time to understand what it is I want. As for my first camera, I had a Canon Eos Rebel XT. This camera was a hand-me-down from my father and my first photos came from St. Joseph, MI. I soon got to use the camera again on a trip to New York, taking photos at Niagara Falls and the Big Apple itself. Looking back 7 years ago, I can still see that I was on the right path of creating professional-level photos. I started to use the camera again that year in 7th grade with the Technology Club. Which within the next year collaborated with Yearbook Club.
Q: What is your favorite age group to photograph?
A: Honestly, do I have a favorite? Yes and no. It depends on my subject. Kids are sometimes the dearest things, however, in other events are the toughest to handle. People my age are high school or college students, so (they’re) busy all the time or can't afford to do anything. Then as for older, I really haven't worked with anyone, however, those that I have, have been tough to handle as I may not know what they are comfortable with, what can be sarcastic about or just basic small talk. Which is sometimes awkward. However, I tend to make sure whoever I work with always feels welcomed and satisfied.
Q: What is the most expensive camera you own?
A: Currently, I use a Canon T7i. I have a Canon EF-S 10-22mm f/3.5-4.5 USM SLR Lens, which is my favorite. My Canon EF-S 18-135mm f/3.5-5.6 IS STM Lens is great for normal events. The Canon EF 50mm f/1.8 STM Lens comes in handy for distance and dark blurred backgrounds in portraits. As for the Canon EF-S 55-250mm F4-5.6 IS STM and Canon EF-S 24mm f/2.8 STM Lens I don't use it as often. For nighttime pictures of the moon, I use the Canon EF 70-300mm f/4-5.6 IS USM Lens. Roughly this has been more than $3500.
Q: How about your least expensive?
A: If I was to be joking around, my least expensive device with a camera would either be my Kindle Fire, from 2013 or my 3DS XL. However, if we are talking about equipment, I would always bring with me, I would have to say my Samsung Galaxy S20 Ultra is my least expensive device with a camera. This device is $1500.
Side note: I am currently looking into a new camera called the Canon Eos R5 Mirrorless.
Q: Would you pursue photography as a career?
A: Yes, I would pursue photography. I have been working on branding myself more and more. I currently have my own business called BreakStill, which I am the owner and creator of. Though it is just myself, I love to collaborate with new peers and create a new style of art each time.
Q: I’ve noticed you photograph cosplayers; how did you get into that?
A: My friend Margaret was the first to reach out to me as she knew I did photography. She wondered if I could snap a few pictures as she and our other friend were to pose and act as characters from a video game, tv show, movie, comic, etc. It is always fun to mimic the ways of the art style and recreate something in real-time.
Q: What has been your favorite location to shoot at?
A: There was this one place near Elgin (IL), which I called the plane farm. As you are already wondering, yes, there was an airplane on this huge plot of land. I had stumbled upon it as many others had, and I went there a total of four times before, finally, word got out and the houses, barns, and the plane itself started to be destroyed and spray painted. It was sad to let this place go and to hear how angry the previous property owner was getting, threatening about calling the police and even shooting trespassers. Without ever knowing if those rumors were true, it is to say that the plane farm has seen better days.
Q: What draws you into abandoned buildings?
A: As I just mentioned about secrets and keeping places how they are found, I have enjoyed finding these amazing lost treasures. It is exciting to explore an unknown place but is giving a heart-pounding spooky scene as well. For example, on the plane farm, I had many weird encounters: a drone flying overhead from other explorers, a deer sneaking up on me, and not to forget, the electricity still turning on one light.
Q: Any advice for people who want to pursue being a photographer?
A: Do your research on what type of camera you are going to use. Look for Sony, Nikon, or Canon, as professionals tend to use these. It is okay to not always use your iPhone, Samsung, or other devices, however, if it is a quick moment and you don’t have your regular camera in handy, start to ease yourself into looking for a good moment to start capturing and always use burst shoots to get any sudden differences. To name a few: blurriness, quick change of expressions, or photobombs. I personally look over all these small moments and pick which is best. Always have your eyes with a creative tone, sometimes editing may be necessary. Once you learn how to take normal JPEG images, look into taking RAW files, as these are not adjusted by the camera, and have a more natural and manual feel. I then use Adobe Bridge and Camera Raw to edit and sort my edits.
If anyone has any questions that I may have not answered they may contact @breakstill on Instagram. They may also look into booking and rates.
Currently, www.breakstill.com is under construction of a new design and should be updated soon.
Thank you for reading and thank you, Kai, for answering my questions,
Elisa Reamer
“I am A bold Masterpiece, I am A work of Art That deserves Love And Adoration.”- The Fates Will Harmonize For You, RH Fowler
Comments