I'm Kristen, the photographer behind the lens

I'm based in Connecticut, But Available Anywhere My Work will Take me.

The photographer (Kristen McNevins) surround by plants in a New York City photo studio

If there's one thing that has been a constant throughout my life, it's an unwavering love for everything about the arts - not just the process of creating, but also the rich academics that underpin artistic expression. I firmly believe that a strong educational foundation is crucial to developing a well-rounded and impactful art practice.

I've dedicated well over a decade to honing my artistic craft while simultaneously immersing myself in the scholarly study of the fine arts. From earning my Master of Fine Arts in Photography from the acclaimed Savannah College of Art and Design, where I delved deep into the theoretical and historical contexts of visual arts, to cultivating hands-on teaching experience in a wide range of educational settings. My multifaceted journey has imbued me with a profound appreciation for the power of creative self-expression. With this robust academic background, coupled with my practical artistic pursuits, has fostered a holistic understanding and passion for the arts that I'm eager to share with others.

Pink balloon in tree with white floral buds.

Close up detail of a pink ribbon on a pink scarf

Photograph of light streaming through curtains

Top photo alt text: Top of a tree visible behind a wall
Bottom photo alt text: Light shining on a photograph hung on a wall

Selected images from my 2015 MFA thesis solo exhibition, Out of Habit.

My journey into the world of photography began unexpectedly during the final stretch of high school. It was the one art class that had somehow slipped under my radar all those years. You see, I was the quintessential quiet, artsy kid, always doodling in the margins of my notebooks and losing myself in my sketchbook. Traditional mediums like drawing, painting, and dance were my creative outlets, my sanctuaries.

Photography, however, was an entirely new realm that I hadn't yet explored. It wasn't until I started using my magazines as reference for my artwork that the idea of capturing my own images took root. What if, instead of borrowing someone else's perspectives, I could craft my own through the lens of a camera? With that realization, I decided to dive headfirst into the world of photography, eager to supplement my existing artistic practice with a fresh set of eyes.

I didn't initially start out with portraiture in my photography journey - I was way too painfully shy for that. Instead, I was drawn to capturing light and shadows, stripping down photography to its most simplistic form. Those early days were spent endlessly experimenting with still life setups, trying to master the way rays of light danced across mundane objects and brought them to life. Photography proved to be a uniquely meditative artistic medium, allowing me to freeze fleeting moments and play with light in captivating ways. These early photographic explorations really made me realize how spiritual and profound the creative process truly is - something I dug deeper in for my MFA thesis work at SCAD.

As you know by now how deeply I value and cherish education, but my formal studies are not the only well from which I've drawn wisdom over the years. At my core, I consider myself a lifelong learner, constantly absorbing new insights and perspectives from the world around me. Some of my most formative lessons have come from the least expected places.

Teaching art to young elementary and middle school students unveiled profound truths about creativity, curiosity, and perceiving the world through a fresh, uninhibited lens. This seamlessly intertwined with my involvement in various non-profit art organizations, where I witnessed firsthand the transformative power of infusing art into community spaces from multifaceted perspectives. While my personal practices of yoga, dance, and meditation, centered on embodying the present moment and tapping into the mind-body connection, served as an endless well of inspiration for my photographic work.

Even the most seemingly unrelated experiences have contained seeds of knowledge that blossomed into aspects of my artistic voice. Whether guiding young students, collaborating with local artists, or quieting my mind on the mat, every encounter held the potential to become an enlightening lesson in my eternal journey as a lifelong learner. I've come to realize that artistic growth extends far beyond the boundaries of a classroom or curriculum. It's an eternal journey of awakening your senses to the subtle miracles and revelations that life has to offer, if only you remain receptive.

I am so grateful for finding photography when I did because what a life it's been! It's given me countless opportunities to step beyond my comfort zone and continually challenge myself. From those tentative first steps into the world of inanimate subjects, I've been able to weave my passions into a beautiful life of art, beauty, connection, and deep service to others. Little by little, my confidence grew, and I began venturing into the deeply personal realm of portraiture, while still infusing my photographs with that same sense of light, shadow, and spirituality. Except, this time, my camera wasn't just capturing objects - it was a portal into the human soul, an avenue for storytelling and emotional expression.

From timidly experimenting with still life scenes, my journey has blossomed into a fulfilling career where I can combine my love for the technical aspects of the craft with my desire to connect with people on a profound level through my portraits. Each new subject, each new face, offers a fresh canvas for me to weave light, shadow, and emotion into an indelible image that communicates the essence of that person's spirit. It's an incredibly humbling and rewarding experience.

My Approach

My work is rooted in natural light, quiet details, simplicity, and human connection. I’m drawn to what often goes unnoticed and to the beauty of everyday moments. I believe everything and everyone is worthy of being photographed. If this resonates with you, you’re in the right place.

Close-up detail of a bride and groom’s hands showing wedding rings during an elopement in the Catskills, NY

Intentional

Thoughtfully composed Detail

Portrait of a young woman in a white dress sitting on a chair in shallow lake water

Creative Direction

Guided by natural movement

Natural Light

And dreamy, Filmy editing

So where has that landed me today?

Although I didn't have a name for it yet, the seeds for what would eventually become The Mystic Muse were first planted back in 2018. After returning from an artist residency in Crete, I found myself deeply missing the vibrant creative communities I'd been part of during grad school and the two residencies that followed. Those were sacred spaces where I could freely bounce ideas around with fellow artists who just "got it." However, settling back in Connecticut, that sense of kinship felt lacking, and I started regretting my decision to move away from the colorful southern art scene.

At first, I struggled to find that same supportive creative circle locally, but I refused to give up on that vital need for connection. So, I put out calls, sent emails – I was determined to collaborate with like-minded artists and rekindle that energy I had been craving. Eventually, I found the collective spirit I was seeking in some surprising places, like performing arts and wellness circles. Through this journey of discovery, my desire to cultivate a space of my own to nurture that same interdisciplinary artistic exchange and growth sparked.

The Mystic Muse is the culmination of everything I've learned on my creative journey as an artist and educator – a journey that began with tentative experiments in still life and shadow play, which helped me discover the meditative and spiritual depth of the photographic craft. As my skills and confidence evolved, I found my voice in the realm of portraiture, infusing that same reverence for light, spiritual, and embodied connection into images that capture the human essence.

My vision for The Mystic Muse is to provide a space where others can embrace their own creative practice, brand/business, personal life, or all of the above. I firmly believe everyone is an artist at heart, whether working in conventional or unconventional forms. In the Mystic Muse space, through photoshoots, workshops, and future offerings, your creative voice matters, no matter your individual journey. It's a place to explore, express, experiment, and ultimately find the profound fulfillment that comes from honoring your innate artistry and using that to create the life you've always dreamed of.