Meet Kenna: Interview with a Photographer

Ambrosia Monk
Jan 20, 2021
3 min read

Over the last couple of months, I have been seeking a way to interview other photographers about their own personal experiences. Now that I have a steady blog, I’ve found it fitting to interview photographers through this platform. I will be sharing these interviews once a month, so I really hope you enjoy it. This first interview is with my good friend Kenna.

You may have heard me talk about Kenna a few times. I’ve known Kenna for many years, I remember when she started doing photography and let me tell you. She is amazing! She is truly talented and is extremely good at what she does. She has been such a huge influence in my life, and my business. Seriously, if it wasn't for her I wouldn't of had as many clients as I did last year. Currently, Kenna not only has her own photography business, but she also works at Virginia Highlands Community College as a marketing specialist. She is based in Glade Spring, Virginia, married and is expecting her first child this July. As a side note, Kenna will be slowing almost to a stop for a little while in her business and she won’t be accepting new clients until April. She's busy growing a tiny human right now so give her some time! Well I won't waste your time anymore, I know what you came here for!

Amber: Okay I'll just start with the basics: how long have you been doing photography?

Kenna: I began doing sessions soon after I got my first camera! Which was December 2016.

Amber: Is that when you decided to pursue photography as a career?

Kenna: I knew I wanted to be a photographer before I got my camera, but it took me some time to gather the tools I needed. After I got my first laptop is probably when I began pursuing a career. That was in spring 2017!

Amber: What has been the biggest obstacle for you to overcome?

Kenna: I would say time management! There are times I can get burnt out, but those sessions still need to be edited! Even when I’m feeling the most burnt out and have the worst artist block, I have to figure out how to overcome that and give the photos that my clients deserve, in a timely manner. Also money is a big obstacle! I know it can be difficult to know what to charge for photos. It is also hard when the client doesn’t know how much we, as photographers, put into their photos. Not only time editing, but our subscriptions to Lightroom and photo album services to make things easier for them. Not to mention the camera itself and it’s accessories!

Amber: You said you get artist block. Do you have any tips for other photographers on how to help with artist block?

Kenna: Change up your routine and don’t give up! If your editing isn’t quite working the way you want it to, start over! Not on all of them but just one photo is fine. When you do, don’t do what you normally do. You can be your own worst enemy, and editing can be complicated. Through that, try and keep it simple and don’t think too much about it. You might make a happy accident that helps you learn something new.

Amber: That's great advice!! My last question is, what advice would you give to younger Kenna who was just starting out?

Kenna: I would say, if you’ve been dreaming of taking beautiful photos. You don’t have to wait until you have everything you need! You can start with what you have. If an iPhone is all you have now, you can be the best photographer you can be with that and keep adding to your photography gear when you can! Don’t be afraid of eBay either. I have found some great used photography gear on eBay! Just be cautious. Also don’t forget, through all the technicalities of photography, it is still an art form! Don’t lose sight of that creativity.. the artist in you should be in the front of your mind at every photo shoot, not sitting in the back. One more thing... Don’t be afraid of starting small and slowly growing. It can take a long time to get to where you will want to be, but enjoy the process! Also there will be many times where it seems you’re falling backwards, but that’s okay too! You can have your biggest growth from those hard times!

I am looking forward to communicating with other photographers and sharing there stories with you guys!! I hope you enjoyed this first new series of Interview with a Photographer!!

Kennas social media:

Facebook- Kenna Call Photography

Instagram- kenna.call.photography