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MY NAME IS KIRSTEN

I’m a travel photographer based in Los Angeles! I’ve worked in more than 50 countries on 6 continents but I’m not done traveling yet. The biggest passion that drives me is using my skills to tell visual stories that are socially conscious and environmentally responsible. Learn more…

Whether he is an artist or not, the photographer is a joyous sensualist, for the simple reason that the eye traffics in feelings, not in thoughts.

– WALKER EVANS

Instagram Kirsten Alana

Follow my daily posts to see where I am and what I’m currently working on! I also provide travel tips and historical details in my captions so you can use my feed like your own personal guide book.

I’m sorry that the way I communicated made anyon

I’m sorry that the way I communicated made anyone feel bad due to the caption of my last post. I meant to be there for those who are struggling and feel they are doing so without adequate support. To, for a moment, consider the high, heartbreaking costs that we’re paying for any benefit of any size that this time might bring [to the planet, to human connectedness et al].
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I also seemed to fail in making it clear that I am in support of beauty, humor, hope, of staying busy - if that’s what works for you. We all handle difficult times differently. So many human beings needs these things to cope. I need these things to cope.
.
Who are you following online right now that’s providing what you need? And what are they doing that helps you?
.
I’m signing off from posting to my feed for a bit. This week and my own sickness — which may or may not be COVID-19 because there are *still* not enough tests here in LA for me to qualify to take one — took so much out of me that I feel more broken than ever. I tried to rest yesterday, and it wasn’t enough. I will still be here for anyone who needs me in DM. Especially those stuck in domestic abuse situations or who feel they don’t have support anywhere else.
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Much love to all of you ❤️ Please #stayhome and stay safe + healthy.

I find it difficult to post as a travel photograph

I find it difficult to post as a travel photographer right now. A strength of travel is that it can be something which helps us grow. But it, and social media, have an ugly side right now that I wasn’t fully aware of till I began to have deep conversations with followers this week.
.
They pointed out that many creators are focusing heavily on traveling again someday when someday isn’t guaranteed since people are dying. Others are pivoting towards focusing on this as a great opportunity for massive productivity, coming from a place of unacknowledged privilege. It’s triggering, depressing. It’s causing struggles with suicide. Because a few are now trapped with domestic abusers. Or are staying home with multiple kids while having to continue to work demanding jobs on top of now homeschooling. Some send partners who work in healthcare out the door, not knowing if they’ll come home. I’ve cried alongside followers who have already lost loved ones. I’ve heard from those who could be evicted in a few days because of a lack of income directly related to this. They don’t think any of this is an opportunity.
.
These followers say it’s hurtful to read tips about working from a home they may lose, workouts in a room filled with toys/laptops/school supplies/pets/laundry that’s not yet done. Or recipes to make with only what’s in a pantry when they’ll be lucky to manage boxed mac n cheese.
.
Yes it helps others to cope, focusing on productivity. But when the primary focus of that message appears to be for more likes or site traffic… when it appears to disregard the desperate hardships people are facing… the thousands dead and millions that might still die… when it seems to be portrayed as a staycation not a fight for lives… the Q has been asked, are we doing something wrong? Is what people need right now, to feel they are valued no matter what? Irregardless of how much they accomplish. Even if they don’t get off the couch or wear pajamas for a week or their kids watch TV instead of finishing math lessons.
.
I’ve erred too. I can do better. I am starting with this post: to say if you’re struggling, YOU ARE NOT ALONE. And it’s ok that you are struggling. You are loved anyway.

So this staying at home thing isn’t easy is it.

right before covid-19 began in earnest to spread t

How are you all doing? Are you staying healthy? Sa

“What’s the greatest lesson a woman should lea

On March 1 a new @thefrancophiles newsletter went

Because of personal and professional events, I’v

Because of personal and professional events, I’ve managed to schedule almost two months of time in Europe late this Spring and into early Summer starting with a visit to the country featured in this photo, the Czech Republic. It’s a prospect that fills me with such joy that sometimes it, plus an upcoming return to Scotland, are the only things I need to keep going in a day. Knowing these trips are on the horizon. The last time I was able to do more than a month at a time abroad was pre-2013, when I was still nomadic. I still have almost a month of time to finish scheduling and I don’t know what Europe will even be like with virus news and an EU in the throws of Brexit and just, you know, life. It’s actually a ways off and making plans this far in advance for the first time in this long, can be frightening. But I’m taking the leap all the same because the one thing I believe more than anything in 2020 is: nothing is ever guaranteed. Take the leap anyway, work hard to make things happen believing that hard work will be rewarded. Sitting at home and worrying just won’t help or change a single damn thing 💥

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I’m sorry that the way I communicated made anyon

I’m sorry that the way I communicated made anyone feel bad due to the caption of my last post. I meant to be there for those who are struggling and feel they are doing so without adequate support. To, for a moment, consider the high, heartbreaking costs that we’re paying for any benefit of any size that this time might bring [to the planet, to human connectedness et al].
.
I also seemed to fail in making it clear that I am in support of beauty, humor, hope, of staying busy - if that’s what works for you. We all handle difficult times differently. So many human beings needs these things to cope. I need these things to cope.
.
Who are you following online right now that’s providing what you need? And what are they doing that helps you?
.
I’m signing off from posting to my feed for a bit. This week and my own sickness — which may or may not be COVID-19 because there are *still* not enough tests here in LA for me to qualify to take one — took so much out of me that I feel more broken than ever. I tried to rest yesterday, and it wasn’t enough. I will still be here for anyone who needs me in DM. Especially those stuck in domestic abuse situations or who feel they don’t have support anywhere else.
.
Much love to all of you ❤️ Please #stayhome and stay safe + healthy.

I find it difficult to post as a travel photograph

I find it difficult to post as a travel photographer right now. A strength of travel is that it can be something which helps us grow. But it, and social media, have an ugly side right now that I wasn’t fully aware of till I began to have deep conversations with followers this week.
.
They pointed out that many creators are focusing heavily on traveling again someday when someday isn’t guaranteed since people are dying. Others are pivoting towards focusing on this as a great opportunity for massive productivity, coming from a place of unacknowledged privilege. It’s triggering, depressing. It’s causing struggles with suicide. Because a few are now trapped with domestic abusers. Or are staying home with multiple kids while having to continue to work demanding jobs on top of now homeschooling. Some send partners who work in healthcare out the door, not knowing if they’ll come home. I’ve cried alongside followers who have already lost loved ones. I’ve heard from those who could be evicted in a few days because of a lack of income directly related to this. They don’t think any of this is an opportunity.
.
These followers say it’s hurtful to read tips about working from a home they may lose, workouts in a room filled with toys/laptops/school supplies/pets/laundry that’s not yet done. Or recipes to make with only what’s in a pantry when they’ll be lucky to manage boxed mac n cheese.
.
Yes it helps others to cope, focusing on productivity. But when the primary focus of that message appears to be for more likes or site traffic… when it appears to disregard the desperate hardships people are facing… the thousands dead and millions that might still die… when it seems to be portrayed as a staycation not a fight for lives… the Q has been asked, are we doing something wrong? Is what people need right now, to feel they are valued no matter what? Irregardless of how much they accomplish. Even if they don’t get off the couch or wear pajamas for a week or their kids watch TV instead of finishing math lessons.
.
I’ve erred too. I can do better. I am starting with this post: to say if you’re struggling, YOU ARE NOT ALONE. And it’s ok that you are struggling. You are loved anyway.

So this staying at home thing isn’t easy is it.

right before covid-19 began in earnest to spread t

Load More... Follow on Instagram

Get social by following me on these platforms but make sure to engage so I can get to know you back!

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January 30, 2020

7 Reasons to Visit San Francisco in 2020

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November 30, 2019

Small Business Saturday: What and Where to Buy

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November 6, 2019

Dia de Muertos: what it is and how to experience it in Los Angeles

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November 2, 2019

A Guide to Visiting Franconia

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October 7, 2019

Yosemite and Sequoia: Tips for Visiting these National Parks

See where I’ve been, where I am and where I’m going next…

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DISCLAIMER | PRIVACY | WEBSITE BY FURTHER BOUND | Portraits of Kirsten by Danté Vincent | COPYRIGHT © KIRSTEN ALANA 2008-2020