Alright – so today we’ve got the honor of introducing you to Kenji Fukudome. We think you’ll enjoy our conversation, we’ve shared it below.

Kenji, thanks for taking the time to share your stories with us today Can you share a customer success story with us?

Early in my studio photography career, a 70-year-old client came to me with a request: an anniversary photo session. She explained that since her 30th birthday, she’d taken nude portraits of herself every decade, all in black and white, but now, at 70, she hesitated. Her body had changed dramatically over the past ten years, and she worried it wouldn’t translate into beautiful photos.

I didn’t want her to break her tradition, so I encouraged her to go through with the session. I don’t recall exactly what I said, but it worked. We shot the portraits, and when she returned to view the final images (no digital transfers back then, just classic darkroom prints), I presented them in a handmade triptych: three 4×5 prints mounted behind a white mat board in a black 16 by 20 wooden frame.

She held it in her hands, gasped, and said, ‘Oh my god… is this really me? These are beautiful.’ Then she began to cry. That’s when I knew that these photos had given her something profound. It hit me then: a single image can make you cry, laugh, or rage. That’s the moment I was hooked (to Photography) for life.

Kenji, before we move on to more of these sorts of questions, can you take some time to bring our readers up to speed on you and what you do?

“Who Am I?

I’m Kenji Fukudome, a Santa Barbara-based photographer (and a pet sitter for fun) I believe portraits aren’t just images. More than images. They are like dialogues or conversations. Yes, conversation without words.

How I Got Here:
During the course of my photography life, I’ve had a realization: people rarely see themselves as others do. That hit me decades ago when a 70-year-old client broke down in tears seeing her nude portrait, a moment that taught me photography could heal. That’s when I knew I wanted to do more of those kinds of photography.

What I Offer:
– Portrait Experiences, not just sessions. Think: “The 31-Day Portrait Challenge”, where I photographed 31 strangers to showcase the diversity of the human spirit.
– Studio Craftsmanship. Old-school darkroom roots meet modern editing, every image is handcrafted, not mass-produced.

What Sets Me Apart:
– No Forced Smiles. My sessions are often collaborations, not directives. (If you’re awkward? Good. That’s real.)
– The ‘Rufus Factor’. My emotional-support dog “Rufus” often joins shoots. Proven science: animals make humans 200% more relaxed.

What I’m Proudest Of:
– Projects with Purpose. Like partnering with Care4Paws to photograph shelter animals with adopters, because art should do something.
– Going for excellence. What is “perfect” anyway? No perfect smiles, but excellent smiles win.

What I Want You to Know:
– I’m not the photographer for perfect people. I’m the photographer for people who want to remember how perfect they already are, and I am here to capture it on film! (Well, digital files nowadays)

What do you find most rewarding about being a creative?

The most rewarding aspect of being a photographer is creating connections and meeting people through your art, then you know that you have something in common that you can discuss art, collaborate on art, and be inspired!!

Contact Info:

• Website: https://www.kenjiphotography.com
• Instagram: kenji.fukudome
• Facebook: Kenji Jacklio Fukudome