Kai McBride

Kai McBride is a photographer, musician, teacher, and avid cyclist who recently uprooted from Brooklyn to sunny Santa Fe, New Mexico. He spent the last ten years teaching photography and managing the photo facilities at Columbia University, his alma mater, where he received an MFA in 2008.

Born on the island of Kauai in 1972, by his 18th birthday Kai had lived in California, Oregon, Mississippi, Wisconsin, Texas, Oahu, North Carolina, and Massachusetts. He sharpened his powers of observation while adjusting to life between suburban ranch-style homes, cabins with no running water, and a 20-foot teepee in the field of a commune.

His photographs have been exhibited in museum and gallery exhibitions, and are held in public and private collections. His first monograph, About Face: Picturing Tampa, was published by SPQR Editions in Fall 2016.

Kai’s Classes

Kai’s classes were terrific. The group was a good mix of levels of experience. I learned a lot, and realized how much I have yet to learn. I was inspired!
—Bob (New York City)
I am so glad I signed up for this black and white class. Kai is a wonderful teacher. Not only is he organized, interesting, challenging and creative, but he goes that extra mile to provide us with very helpful handouts and resources! This class is opening up a whole new world to me!
—Barbara (New Jersey)
Kai’s class was the best. Perfect format and class flow.
—Sheila (New Jersey)
Today, sadly, is the last of Kai’s B&W class — it has been great and he’s an excellent teacher. I rejuvenated some of my Photoshop skills which have been dormant and learned a lot.
—Lisa (New York)