Last week we celebrated Ken Kaminesky's magnificent achievement--his Notre Dame de Paris photo on the cover of the National Geographic. This week we talk to Ken about his passion for travel photography, and where he wants to go next. Thanks so much for joining us. Prepare to be inspired. -Mia
A CHAT WITH KEN
WHAT IS THE FIRST CREATIVE MOMENT YOU REMEMBER?
In photography it was when I developed my first roll of film and printed my first print. It was like magic and I was hooked. Little did I know that I'd be doing this for a living just a few years later.
WHEN DID YOU FIRST KNOW YOU WANTED TO BE A LIFESTYLE AND TRAVEL PHOTOGRAPHER?
I started working for fashion photographers in the early 90's and a few years later worked for some guys who shot a lot of lifestyle stuff. I enjoyed working with different people all the time, it was fun to create nice images with a team of talented people. It takes a lot of work from different artists to make great fashion and lifestyle images. Hair Stylists, Make Up Artists, Wardrobe Stylists, good Assistants, Producers and Models of course. It is much more involved than most people imagine. I really enjoyed this kind of work and went on to shoot fashion for a while and then lifestyle images for about 15 years now.
In photography it was when I developed my first roll of film and printed my first print. It was like magic and I was hooked. Little did I know that I'd be doing this for a living just a few years later.
WHEN DID YOU FIRST KNOW YOU WANTED TO BE A LIFESTYLE AND TRAVEL PHOTOGRAPHER?
I started working for fashion photographers in the early 90's and a few years later worked for some guys who shot a lot of lifestyle stuff. I enjoyed working with different people all the time, it was fun to create nice images with a team of talented people. It takes a lot of work from different artists to make great fashion and lifestyle images. Hair Stylists, Make Up Artists, Wardrobe Stylists, good Assistants, Producers and Models of course. It is much more involved than most people imagine. I really enjoyed this kind of work and went on to shoot fashion for a while and then lifestyle images for about 15 years now.
The travel work is newer and is something that I have a deep passion for. Artists evolve over time and I needed some new challenges. After shooting stock lifestyle images for close to 10 years, the stock photography market changed as the economy took a downward turn. I figured if I was going to remain competitive, I had to find new and interesting ways to photograph the things I loved. Travel has always been a passion and now it's my main focus.
DID YOU HAVE ANY DOUBTS THAT YOU WOULD BE A TRAVEL PHOTOGRAPHER?
There are always doubts. All artists I know are riddled with doubts. But if you believe in yourself and your talent, and have passion for what you do, then there is a good chance that you can have some kind of success. I never overcame the doubts, in fact I think it helps to have doubts. Anyone who does something creative and has no doubts is either delusional or in some kind of denial. It's great to be confident so long as you always strive to get better.
DID YOU HAVE ANY DOUBTS THAT YOU WOULD BE A TRAVEL PHOTOGRAPHER?
There are always doubts. All artists I know are riddled with doubts. But if you believe in yourself and your talent, and have passion for what you do, then there is a good chance that you can have some kind of success. I never overcame the doubts, in fact I think it helps to have doubts. Anyone who does something creative and has no doubts is either delusional or in some kind of denial. It's great to be confident so long as you always strive to get better.
DESCRIBE YOUR FIRST SUCCESSFUL CREATIVE ACT.
I had a great imagination as a kid. Kinda like Calvin, in the Calvin and Hobbes comic strip. Every day was full of creative imaginative moments.
WHAT IS THE MOST CHALLENGING PART ABOUT BEING A PHOTOGRAPHER?
The business and marketing side. Lots of people can be good at taking photos. Running a photography business is a business, not an art form. It's challenging to try to self promote work that you are very close to. One of my goals for next year is to find an agent that I can collaborate with on the marketing of my work.
WHAT DO YOU LOVE MOST ABOUT PHOTOGRAPHY?
WHEN DID YOU FIRST START BLOGGING? WHAT DO YOU LOVE MOST ABOUT IT?
In February of 2010 I wrote my first blog post. I love the fact that it's a trip down memory lane for me each time I write a story. I get to revisit these great places that I'm showcasing and that's really sweet.
WHAT INSPIRES YOU?
Photographers who create stunning images. Good food, art and design. People who I am close to inspire me, perhaps more than I tell them, I hope they know. My amazing friend Vivian passed away last May, her courage and attitude about life continues to inspire me on a daily basis.
WHICH ARTISTS DO YOU ADMIRE MOST AND WHY?
My favourite photographer is Nick Brandt. He is a genius in my opinion. His passion for the animals that he photographs is so obvious and he sounds like such a good and kind human being. I'd love to have a beer with him one day. Anyone who loves wildlife will be amazed by Nick's beautiful images, and if you want to do something to help preserve these wonderful creatures, please visit Nick's non-profit organization dedicated to the conservation of Africa’s wildlife and ecosystems.
I love Banksy, the British graffiti artist. His work is simple but poignant and makes us think. He is original and his art has meaning.
I'm a big fan of Impressionists and Post Impressionist artists, like Cezanne, Matisse and Van Gogh. They make the world look beautiful, I need that from time to time. I love art in general and could spend all day looking at every kind of art imaginable. I just wish I could paint.
I had a great imagination as a kid. Kinda like Calvin, in the Calvin and Hobbes comic strip. Every day was full of creative imaginative moments.
WHAT IS THE MOST CHALLENGING PART ABOUT BEING A PHOTOGRAPHER?
The business and marketing side. Lots of people can be good at taking photos. Running a photography business is a business, not an art form. It's challenging to try to self promote work that you are very close to. One of my goals for next year is to find an agent that I can collaborate with on the marketing of my work.
WHAT DO YOU LOVE MOST ABOUT PHOTOGRAPHY?
- Seeing people's reactions to my work. It's really gratifying to know that what I do is appreciated.
- Being in a place that is special and having it all to myself. Like being at the Eiffel Tower at 4 am in the rain or a glacier fed lake in the mountains at sunrise, that's magical.
- Meeting cool people from all over the world.
WHEN DID YOU FIRST START BLOGGING? WHAT DO YOU LOVE MOST ABOUT IT?
In February of 2010 I wrote my first blog post. I love the fact that it's a trip down memory lane for me each time I write a story. I get to revisit these great places that I'm showcasing and that's really sweet.
WHAT INSPIRES YOU?
Photographers who create stunning images. Good food, art and design. People who I am close to inspire me, perhaps more than I tell them, I hope they know. My amazing friend Vivian passed away last May, her courage and attitude about life continues to inspire me on a daily basis.
WHICH ARTISTS DO YOU ADMIRE MOST AND WHY?
My favourite photographer is Nick Brandt. He is a genius in my opinion. His passion for the animals that he photographs is so obvious and he sounds like such a good and kind human being. I'd love to have a beer with him one day. Anyone who loves wildlife will be amazed by Nick's beautiful images, and if you want to do something to help preserve these wonderful creatures, please visit Nick's non-profit organization dedicated to the conservation of Africa’s wildlife and ecosystems.
I love Banksy, the British graffiti artist. His work is simple but poignant and makes us think. He is original and his art has meaning.
I'm a big fan of Impressionists and Post Impressionist artists, like Cezanne, Matisse and Van Gogh. They make the world look beautiful, I need that from time to time. I love art in general and could spend all day looking at every kind of art imaginable. I just wish I could paint.
WHEN YOU ARE NOT TAKING BEAUTIFUL PHOTOGRAPHS AND TRAVELING, WHAT IS YOUR MOST FAVOURITE THING TO DO?
Watching my Montreal Canadiens hockey team with friends and reading about all the great places that I have yet to visit.
HOW WOULD YOUR FAMILY AND FRIENDS DESCRIBE YOU?
One word... AWESOME! Seriously though, that's something that no one can answer. I'd like to think that they consider me an imperfect but good person.
WHAT IS YOUR GREATEST FEAR?
I have a horrible fear of heights. I get dizzy just thinking about being at the edge of a cliff or a tall building. Don't ask me to go hot air ballooning any time soon!
WHAT IS YOUR GREATEST DREAM?
To photograph as many countries as possible and to live somewhere warm, next to the ocean.
WHAT PROJECTS ARE YOU CURRENTLY WORKING ON?
I'm looking to associate myself with a charity this year. One that is representative of my values and feelings about all the wonderful places that I am fortunate enough to visit. So I am actively researching different groups that will allow me to give something back to help maintain the archeological sites and natural settings that I love so much. It would be nice to think that I can do something to help others enjoy these places for generations to come.
Watching my Montreal Canadiens hockey team with friends and reading about all the great places that I have yet to visit.
HOW WOULD YOUR FAMILY AND FRIENDS DESCRIBE YOU?
One word... AWESOME! Seriously though, that's something that no one can answer. I'd like to think that they consider me an imperfect but good person.
WHAT IS YOUR GREATEST FEAR?
I have a horrible fear of heights. I get dizzy just thinking about being at the edge of a cliff or a tall building. Don't ask me to go hot air ballooning any time soon!
WHAT IS YOUR GREATEST DREAM?
To photograph as many countries as possible and to live somewhere warm, next to the ocean.
WHAT PROJECTS ARE YOU CURRENTLY WORKING ON?
I'm looking to associate myself with a charity this year. One that is representative of my values and feelings about all the wonderful places that I am fortunate enough to visit. So I am actively researching different groups that will allow me to give something back to help maintain the archeological sites and natural settings that I love so much. It would be nice to think that I can do something to help others enjoy these places for generations to come.
✶ ✶ ✶ ✶ ✶ ✶ ✶
✶ Give voice to your dreams. Let us know what inspires you. Share your thoughts with us in the comments section.
✶ Continue the journey with Ken Kaminesky at Thursday Treasures for more amazing photographs.
✶ Be sure to visit Ken's fantastic, travel photography blog. He's also on Twitter, where his tweets travel around the world and are full of interesting links to artists, insights, videos, and more.
✶ Continue the journey with Ken Kaminesky at Thursday Treasures for more amazing photographs.
✶ Be sure to visit Ken's fantastic, travel photography blog. He's also on Twitter, where his tweets travel around the world and are full of interesting links to artists, insights, videos, and more.
