From Sketch to Cafe: West Chester Photographer Kyle Mason Schmidt

Kyle Mason Schmidt doesn’t fit into just one style. Just a quick peek at his photography and you’ll find everything from bright colors to dynamic portraits and washed out, muted tones. The Scranton, Pa. native is now a junior in communications at West Chester University — and his work is being featured on the walls of Saxbys West Chester for a limited time.

Here’s a bit more about Kyle:

How would you describe your aesthetic?

I don’t really have a set aesthetic. I’m really eclectic in the way that I shoot and edit. I like dark pictures, light pictures. I love Washington state dark greens and burnt highlights. I have a bunch of different styles, I don’t like to stick to one.

When did you get started?

When I got my iPhone 4 years ago. It started taking all these micro shots of things like fibers of bedsheets. Eventually I got my first starter DSLR camera. It was like “game over.” I used it for everything.

What are you shooting on now?

The Sony A7Rii


Who inspires you?

Peter McKinnon, Brandon Woelfel and Sterling Grinnel. They made it. They turned what they love to do into a good paying job. They inspire others to do what they do. And obviously their content looks sick. Peter is more dark and contrasty but still fun. Brandon is uses a lot of color. Sterling’s style is the Washington desaturated look.

Are you excited to have your art featured on the walls of the West Chester Saxbys cafe?

It feels so good for me. I really appreciate Saxbys giving me my first opportunity. Now people think I’m the real deal. I’m here to stay. If you need pictures or videos, hit up Kyle — he’s the guy with his stuff hanging up in Saxbys. It validates me as a professional.

What are your career aspirations?

It could go a bunch of different ways. Hollywood cinema would be amazing. A production company would be awesome as well. I work with a production company and we do stuff for Hershey’s and Heineken and that’s rewarding too. The other route would be being my own boss doing YouTube and Instagram promotions. We’ll see where it takes me.