Here's to Kid Circus – From Behind the Booth, to Behind the Camera
Isn't it interesting to think about how seemingly insignificant decisions evolve into something more impactful? How many of us have started out on one path, maybe even had it all planned out, only to end up on a completely different journey at some point down the line?
So how did Kid Circus go from curating a vibe at the function to shooting commercial campaigns?
The lore began some years ago, in 2013 or 2014, when Twitter was Twitter, and your Instagram feed was in chronological order, not flooded with ads. Kid Circus recalls starting off on Twitter; like many digital natives, it was where he made friends and formed connections, referring to it as 'socially bonkers' — which I get because how does one go about explaining a friend of 8 years from across the pond, whom you have never met? But I digress. As for Instagram, he'd post occasionally, maybe a picture of his dinner here or a successful baking attempt there, but it wasn't until 2014 that Kid Circus got his first iPhone and started taking the app seriously.
Back then, Instagram was about building community rather than building a brand, so it was easy to post whatever, to find and follow those with similar interests or hobbies.
Community is a vital yet often overlooked part of our lives. So often, many of us do not realise we're lacking or even in community with the wrong people, and we forget how foundational it is. For Kid Circus, at the beginning of his photography journey, he started going on 'photo walks'. It was here that he met other photographers. Some were into architecture photography, others street photography, and some portraits — now that I think about it, this makes me wish that I had discovered something like this because maybe then I would stop feeling so awkward about getting my camera out in the middle of Chinatown or anywhere, for that matter.
Honestly, the world would be a better place if everyone had access to clubs or groups that encouraged them to explore their hobbies, interact with people who share the same interests, and enable them to meet new people. Picking up a hobby, not with the intention of monetisation, but rather to permit yourself to have fun and try something new, can do wonders for the soul.
At this point, Kid Circus had upgraded from his iPhone to his first DSLR, and, like anyone, whenever they get a new gadget, spent time adjusting the settings and figuring it out. However, he does admit that this camera at the time was rather 'rubbish' as he puts it, but everyone's gotta start from somewhere, and it did the job.
But of course, as one starts to get more involved with their craft, the need to get better equipment follows. And while Kid Circus said that he'll never sell his DJ equipment for anything, it seemed as though plans had changed.
"It basically started occupying, literally, my every waking thought. I was like, 'Oh, where can I shoot next? If I get up at five, maybe I can get sunrise at Tara Bridge. Or if I go out at night, maybe I could get light trails on that street that goes through the city of London.' It was just bonkers like a switch flipped."Deep diving into the world of photography, capturing anything that caught his attention, from buildings to sunsets, but after being 18 months deep into street photography, Kid Circus then decided he wanted to give portraiture a go. Wanting to try it out, believing that this shift was only temporary, he started organising a few shoots with people, some of whom he found through other photographer friends he had. DMing people he had found interesting and asking to photograph them, crossing his fingers and hoping they'd be up for a shoot.
"I kind of feel fortunate because if you just saw my feed at that point, it was still a lot of building stuff, old street photography and sunsets."
From here, Kid Circus had gotten into portrait photography, throwing himself into it, much like I had recently thrown myself into learning Japanese. He had found himself wanting to do more, and around 2017, he was averaging around three or four shoots a week. Soon enough, he was finding models to shoot via his explore page, sending DM after DM in the pursuit of nurturing this newfound passion. He would shoot with a model who would post the images. Her friends would get in touch, and by coincidence or fate — who's to say, really —they were within the same agency, which then led to the agency contacting Kid Circus and asking if he'd be interested in shooting the other.
So TDLR, don’t let things like pride or ego stop you from reaching out to people you think are cool — just be careful it doesn't enter the realm of parasocial relationships. It’s not as cringy as it feels.
Sometimes, we stumble into things out of sheer curiosity with no rhyme or reason, and without realising, we've found something we love doing. There was a time after leaving college when I became obsessed with film photography; I took that film camera with me everywhere, and if it didn't need servicing, I would still be attached to it like Velcro. As Kid Circus said, 'It's a medium that is hard to resist.'
Now, onto the topic of the name itself. Names, whether given or chosen, are our identifiers; they serve as a foundation to build upon, whether in our personal or professional lives. So, how did Kid Circus become Kid Circus? While he's always been known as Kid Circus, Kid Circus hasn't always been a photographer because before picking up a camera, he was once a DJ. But I guess that still doesn't explain the 'how'. It was actually the third or fourth name Michael picked when he realised he didn't want his real name on flyers and on forms of club promotions. At the time when Kid Circus was broadening his music horizons, he recalls a resident DJ who went by Kid Bachelor at a London club named 'Fabric', and for whatever reason, the word 'Circus' had settled in Kid Circus's brains, soon nudging him to blend the two together and thus was born the moniker, 'Kid Circus'.
Pondering the question of how Kid Circus would describe the work that he does, he reflects on an earlier time in his career when he would question what he was doing and whether it was good enough. Doubting his creative style, did he even need one? Was the one he has good enough — a sentiment that plagues every creative at some point in their career. And, like I wish for every other creative, Kid Circus found his footing, saying that he feels like he's reached the stage where much of the work he does has some emotion behind it, going on to call it 'expressive.'
When it comes to being on set, whether it's a commercial shoot for a brand with a large team or something smaller, Kid Circus does his best to foster the best atmosphere for everybody involved. It's not hard to believe either because even this interview itself felt like a conversation as opposed to a stuffy Q&A. But just like setting the vibe for the club, one must also do the same for a shoot, from the music to having the right team, arriving on time and setting everything up; all of it is important.
"There's an element where they [the models] relax because I've set the tone before they walk through the door. All those things, I think, have definitely helped me get more emotional expression out of somebody than if I were standing there, taking a picture of an arbitrary subject. I'm the photographer, and that's that."
When it comes to music on set, Kid Circus would often, depending on the situation, get whoever he was shooting to play their music. Or suppose there's a particular concept to shoot where he thinks there's something that'll suit the atmosphere of what he and the team are trying to create. In that case, he'll put together a playlist for that specific shoot.
But of course, even when reaching the point in your career when you're working with big brands, imposter syndrome will always find a way to rear its ugly head, no matter how big or small the success. For Kid Circus, working through these unpleasant feelings and unproductive thoughts is usually quelled by talking with his peers or having a conversation with his sister. In the words of our featured guest, 'It's about pushing through, knowing and reminding yourself that not everything will work out.' Continuing on with some much-needed words of wisdom, things can be amazing, but if you don't keep pushing yourself to create or connect with people to make things happen, then you won't know.
As I type this, I realise that I have many creative projects I haven't started due to fear.
It's important to note that things like impostor syndrome and self-doubt aren't things that you eventually leave behind, which Kid Circus admits to believing once upon a time. Unfortunately, it's just not realistic; all you can do is surround yourself with people who affirm and believe in you while you do your best to acknowledge your hard work.
Last year, I had the opportunity to serve as the art director for a music video, which was my first time in that role. I was happy, of course, but simultaneously found it hard to believe that there were multiple people, including the director, asking for my opinion, advice on how to approach a problem, or simply that they trusted me in the first place. Throughout those few weeks, I kept questioning if they were sure they wanted me. Wasn't there someone better qualified than someone who had only done uni projects and only a handful of assistant gigs? But to cut a long story short, I had to recognise that I was picked for a reason; I was genuinely proud of the work I did, and I have every right to believe in my own potential.
However, I also believe that for many creative individuals, there is an element of it that is tied to our egos because you're putting your heart and soul into your work, tying your identity and sense of self-worth to what you create. But this raised the question: how does one go about asking to be paid for their work? Because you can only do so much for exposure or experience before it becomes exploitative, especially when it's something you're set on making a living from.
In Kid Circus' opinion, the topic of working for free or not working for free is a divisive one. While he's done work to fill in gaps in his portfolio or knows the person asking is going to bring him on board for bigger projects in the future, it's necessary to set boundaries on what you are willing to do in relation to the project's scope and for whom.
"It's a waste of the time and money you put into your craft or whatever you do as a creative, whether you're a writer, creative strategist, photographer, hair stylist, or makeup artist. You want something that's going to benefit you somehow, whether it's monetary, something to add to your portfolio or connections, yeah, and if whatever you've all been asked to do for free doesn't tick any of those boxes, then get rid."
And you know what? Exactly.
There's always something to learn about yourself, your career and the industry you find yourself in, creative or otherwise, especially when you take the risk to start again. Kid Circus didn't get into photography until his 40s, and it took some time to get to where he is now. Although, as he puts it, with no plan, he had no business getting into photography, he's glad he did. In no way should you let where you're currently at stop you from shifting gears and trying something that's piqued your interest. From mentorships to workshops, there are so many opportunities to say, 'Sure, what the hell?' and give it a go to see what it's like in that world.
So there you have it. From behind the booth to behind the camera, I give you the one and only Kid Circus, a talented and inspiring gem of a person. I hope you take something away from our conversation. Whether it’s deciding to take the leap and try something new, realising the importance of community, or something simpler, either way, thank you.
Songs recommended by Kid Circus
Don Blackman - Heart's Desire
The Jones Girls - Nights over Egypt
Cleo Soul - One
Rosie Lowe - Apologise
Photos by Kid Circus