Mary Kay Kirsner

Mary  Kay Kirsner Photographer
Country: United States  | Born: 1956

Portfolio

Biography

My interest in photography began as a teenager in Madison, Wisconsin, when my parents gave me a camera. I had always been interested in graphics, especially the black-and-white photographs I looked forward to seeing in the upcoming edition of Life Magazine.

Both my father and grandfather were photo enthusiasts and influenced my early passion. During my teen years, I used my camera to make my home environment feel more novel by photographing everyday objects in the garage and basement in unique ways. But as a young adult, I realized that the most compelling photographs were those of people. As a young, shy, but adventurous woman, I felt both terrified and excited about the challenges of pursuing candid, people-focused photography.

My camera had been a companion for decades, but until 2019, my journey was solo and full of expected disappointments. Everything changed that year when I attended my first workshop and joined the incredible community of street photographers worldwide. Since that time, I have studied the work of the masters and have also been fortunate to work directly with many of the most talented street photographers alive today, transitioning my prior years of intermittent photography into a full-time vocation.

Whereas I am most excited about photographing on the streets of global cities, I have also spent three years following rodeos (the only public events to endure throughout COVID) and many more years photographing the Iowa State Fair.

A number of my photographs have been part of exhibits at local galleries, including the Des Moines Art Center, and have also been recognized as finalists in numerous international street photography festivals.

In 2025, I produced a zine titled Backstage with the Royal Hanneford Circus as a gift to the Hanneford family for allowing me to invade their personal space for three days. I am currently working on a zine about rodeo life in Iowa, and one on beach life in Siesta Key, Florida, where I have also photographed for years.

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