Original Portrait by Eugene Powers, http://www.powersandpowers.com

Capturing the vibrant and bustling landscape of Southern California while leading a group of photographers is a joy, a challenge and an overall rewarding experience. As group organizer of the The Great Outdoors Photography Group on Meetup.com, Ms. Kirven leads shutterbugs ranging from point and shoot novices to DSLR advanced pros on photography walks throughout Southern California.

These organized group walks range from exploring nature photography at Charmlee Wilderness Park in Malibu to urban photo exploration in a series she calls “Hidden LA” throughout the Southland.

Her goals in planning events are simple: For participants to learn something new through the active sharing of ideas, foster beneficial relationships with group members, and develop a deeper sense of their vision as a photographer while expanding their portfolio.

Ms. Kirven’s long lasting interest in the photographic image was sparked when she received her first camera at the age of seven.

It was during her high school education in West Hills, California that she visited Europe for the first time. Her experiences in Italy, Monte Carlo, Monaco, France, Andorra, Spain and England helped her formulate a global consciousness regarding the human experience and the dynamic relationship between humanity and their environment.

Ms. Kirven continued her higher education at the University of Denver in Denver, Colorado. It is during this time that she traveled internationally once more, this time living for a short period in London, England.

An avid traveler and adventurer, she continues to travel off beaten paths for new experiences, human interaction and photographic opportunities. Her work has been shown throughout California, New York and Colorado.

Ms. Kirven currently resides in Los Angeles, California.