Today we’d like to introduce you to Kenna Knight-Schoeler.
Hi Kenna, thanks for joining us today. We’d love for you to start by introducing yourself.
Hi! Thank you for having me! Well, let’s go way back. I was born in Escondido (in the ’80s!) and grew up going to places like Oceanside Harbor Beach, Mission Beach, Ocean Beach, and the Embarcadero/Seaport Village as a kid. These were the days before the internet and I, like many other kids in the ’90s, would stay out and play until the sun set. Back then, golden hour was the last hour of playtime before we had to go home.
Interestingly enough, as a photographer, this still holds somewhat true for me today!
I have always had an interest in photography and from an early age, I was truly fascinated by photos. My family had a Polaroid Camera and I absolutely loved it. There was something special to me about capturing a moment, capturing the feeling or subtleties of an interaction that has stayed with me to this day.
I believe this specific interest in photography is a facet of a more general interest in history and anthropology. For as long as I can recall, I have been intrigued by written historical accounts, archeology, and the study of language as these topics provide a glimpse into the past. If I had to categorize these interests under yet a larger superordinate category it would be that of human to human, and human to nature connection through time. Nothing is more interesting to me!
After finishing my Bachelor’s in linguistics from UC Berkeley and my post-bacc in speech-language pathology from CSU San Marcos I decided to take some much-needed time away from school to pursue photography. I have come to absolutely love shooting portraits. These shoots are where so much magic happens and they are where I find the most joy. I have caught myself just smiling away during the editing process and sometimes even laughing aloud when I work on a particularly playful photo.
One thing I’ve learned throughout my photography journey and working with clients is that life takes many turns. Remember to always embrace the change, move forward, and if you look for opportunity it will come.
Remember not to dwell on what will be or what was not because if you are unhappy, you have the power to fix it, and if you are content, you have the power to maintain it.
…and if you see me at the beach, come say hi!
Can you talk to us a bit about the challenges and lessons you’ve learned along the way? Looking back would you say it’s been easy or smooth in retrospect?
Aside from startup costs, I find that as a photographer, the only other obstacles are self-imposed obstacles. Realistically, so much of this art is just practice. Practice with clients, practice with editing software, practice with shooting styles, and practice with different equipment. It is important not to compare yourself with other more well-established photographers as you’re getting started because it can lead to a sense of deflation. (Remember, the only difference is that they’ve had more time to practice.) But do go find your favorite photographers, and do become inspired by them! There may be a world full of photographers, but only you see the world from your (very special and important) perspective. That perspective is absolutely worth sharing, so get out there and practice photographing whatever subject brings you happiness.
Thanks – so what else should our readers know about your work and what you’re currently focused on?
I absolutely love capturing photos by the water. This is where I am most inspired, and where I feel most alive and grounded. I love to do any type of portrait but gravitate towards maternity, engagement, and elopements, and weddings. In these types of portraits, a subtle gesture or glance can transform a photo into pure art. To use a music metaphor this happens when emotion, timing, and lighting all align like notes on a fretboard to strike a perfect chord when the photo is snapped. The resulting image is beautiful and timeless.
I also love to shoot any type of event where people gather! So if you’ve got a work event, a party, a concert, or a special cause I’m your girl!
Do you have any advice for those just starting out?
My advice for anyone starting out is to take photos of your family and friends and make gifts for them! Doing a little bit more than simply snapping some photos and letting them sit on your computer will give you a real sense of value in what you’re doing. Make it tangible and fun. Take some landscape shots that you absolutely love, blow them up, and decorate your home with your own art! Every time you see your work you will feel validated, proud, and like you’re on the right track. Plus, those compliments from friends and family will encourage you that much more. Have fun with it!
Contact Info:
- Email: kenna@kennasheaphotography.com
- Website: kennasheaphotography.com
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/kennasheaphotography/
- Twitter: https://twitter.com/KennaSheaPhotog
- Yelp: https://www.yelp.com/biz/kenna-shea-photography-san-diego
