We’re excited to introduce you to the always interesting and insightful Kendra Wiebke. We hope you’ll enjoy our conversation with Kendra below.
Kendra, thanks for taking the time to share your stories with us today Learning the craft is often a unique journey from every creative – we’d love to hear about your journey and if knowing what you know now, you would have done anything differently to speed up the learning process.
I learned photography very slowly but with an innate eye. I started by picking up a camera and learned from taking many, many photos. Eventually, I took classes that helped stretch my skills and helped me see things differently. My favorite way of learning new techniques is from other photographers who are a few steps ahead of me and seeing how they do things. I think the most essential skills for learning the art of photography is consistency, patience, and an open mind. Consistently taking photos, wherever you are, patience to wait for the opportune moment/lighting, and a mind open to new ideas and techniques. One of the biggest obstacles, and this also relates to if I could have sped up learning, is pushing myself to get out and take photos when I’m at home. Not just on a big trip or out for a hike. To go out with the specific purpose of taking photos takes almost more effort than when you’re out traveling around. As I mentioned, one of the ways to learn is consistency and taking many photos and for me, I’m not always great at going out to take photos. It’s something I’m working on.
Awesome – so before we get into the rest of our questions, can you briefly introduce yourself to our readers.
I’m a travel and landscape photographer just starting to create content for brands. For many years it was just a fun hobby (in many ways it still is) and then in recent years, I’ve really come around to wanting to do more with it. I enjoy creating photos and videos for brands, especially if it means being active and in the mountains (or in a new country). I also do some flat-lay photography featuring stationery. One thing about my photos that I really work on and am proud of is keeping them true to how I see a place with my own eyes. My photos will never leave you surprised when you travel to that same location – they’ll encourage you to go there and see it with your own eyes. Or allow you to armchair travel because you’ll really feel like you’re there when looking at my photographs.
For you, what’s the most rewarding aspect of being a creative?
The most rewarding aspect of being a creative is having other people connect with something you’ve poured your soul into. Every piece of art is a piece of me and there’s nothing better than having others feel something from that piece.
How about pivoting – can you share the story of a time you’ve had to pivot?
Growing up and all through college I wanted to work as a book editor. I moved to New York City and got a job with Scholastic. But as I continued in that position the more photography pulled at me. For a while, I really struggled with this because it felt like abandoning a childhood dream. How could I give up all that I’d done to get here? Then one day I was laid off and I knew it was a sign to move in the direction of using my photography in my career. I knew now was not the moment to jump straight to full-time freelance but I knew there were options that would bring me closer to photography and I went after those. That led me to my job with B&H Photo which introduced me to so many photographers who are doing their thing full time. I learned so much and now have more knowledge of my craft, not to mention some pretty great experiences. That’s the thing about pivoting: when you give yourself the grace to let go, amazing things happen.
Contact Info:
- Website: www.seekoutexplore.com
- Instagram: @kendraventures
Image Credits
Kendra Lee Wiebke