Kit Karzen

Pro Type: Photographer

Kit is a roving documentary photographer. Raised in Los Angeles by a copywriter and a photographer, he was encouraged early on to explore the world with unwavering curiosity. His first real taste of storytelling came while directing his high school’s weekly news broadcast, a role that sparked an early love for chasing stories and collaboration.

After graduating high school, Kit raced track bikes around the world for the United States National Team. Upon retiring from the sport, he joined Oakley’s global marketing team —an unexpected but fitting next chapter. In 2015, a mass corporate layoff nudged him into the next one: he spent his entire severance on used photo gear at Samy’s Camera and began documenting stories that shed light on critical social, political, and environmental issues.

Over the past decade, he’s balanced unit photography in the entertainment industry with documentary work covering everything from presidential campaigns and environmental crises to human rights and the NFL.

Kit’s editorial and commercial work has been recognized by the Sports Emmy Awards for contributions to Amazon Prime’s Thursday Night Football, and by the American Camp Association for his coverage of Camp Brave Trails. His images documenting the 2016 Standing Rock Conflict have been exhibited at The Autry Museum of the American West.

When not behind the camera, Kit can be found riding motorcycles, playing dodgeball, tracking down classic diners with all-day breakfast, and occasionally confronting his fear of heights.