We had the good fortune of connecting with William Karstens and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi William, alright, let’s jump in with a deep one – what’s you’re definition for success?
Success is, honestly, not being a jerk, staying focused on your goals, but not being obstinate to change. I think you have to keep your self honest, always work at keeping growth in mind, and never assume to much about where you are in life.

Alright, so let’s move onto what keeps you busy professionally?
Photography isn’t my vocation, but it is my motivation. It keeps me grounded, it keeps me active in the world, it allows me to keep seeing the world in a different view and it prevents me from losing focus on the reality of the world we live it. Ironically, my photos are almost only seen on social media, but I feel that social media drowns out the real world to an extent.

If you had a friend visiting you, what are some of the local spots you’d want to take them around to?
To drink: Vino Carta, Counterpoint or Hob Nob Hill.
To eat: I mean, it’s San Diego, so any local taco place, or any local pho place.
Visit: I constantly walk the Gas Lamp, East Village, Sea Port Village, any of those areas.

San Diego is dynamic, the best plan is to almost not make one, and just let the day decide for you as you wander.

Shoutout is all about shouting out others who you feel deserve additional recognition and exposure. Who would you like to shoutout?
There’s a community of street photographers in San Diego that I follow pretty closely. A core of them get together nearly weekly (SD Walkabouts – search them up) and head out on photo walks. They’re inspirational with the community they build and the openness they have to street photography. They don’t charge, put in a ton of effort and it gives San Diego a sense of community. It’s been a while (too long actually) since I’ve walked with them, but I always admire the photos, but more the people who keep that alive.

Website: https://mundaneskirmish.life

Instagram: @mundaneskirmish

Image Credits
All photos from @mundaneskirmish

Nominate Someone: ShoutoutSoCal is built on recommendations and shoutouts from the community; it’s how we uncover hidden gems, so if you or someone you know deserves recognition please let us know here.