We caught up with the brilliant and insightful Kenna Swanson a few weeks ago and have shared our conversation below.

Kenna, thanks for joining us, excited to have you contributing your stories and insights. Can you talk to us about how you learned to do what you do?

I first started with buying the cheapest and most entry level camera I could find, Canon Rebel T6. I went to the library and checked out as many books as I could about learning to use a camera. After reading about all I could, I took my camera out as much as I could to learn the ropes of using it and starting to develop photos that I really loved.

I’m not sure there was much I could do to really speed up the learning process. It’s all about learning how to use the camera properly then just trial and error from there. I think if you are wanting to learn photography fast, use your camera as much as you possibly can! The only way to truly learn is to keep trying it out.

In terms of learning to be a photographer, the most important skills to learn is using the camera in manual shooting mode. This will give you the most control over the outcome of your photos. Then, learn what the different kinds of lenses do and how they can help you achieve the style you are looking for.

The biggest obstacle that can stand in the way of learning more might be budget. If you want to have some of the most up to date camera and lens features that can help you learn more about photography and create the style you truly want, you will have to spend the money to purchase those things. But, my one recommendation is that you can easily rent a newer camera or lens and try it out before investing the money.

As always, we appreciate you sharing your insights and we’ve got a few more questions for you, but before we get to all of that can you take a minute to introduce yourself and give our readers some of your back background and context?

I have been taking photos all my life, from the tiniest little point and shoot to the beautiful mirrorless camera I have today. My passion for the arts has always been present in my life and photography was something that allowed me to capture memories in life and I truly loved being able to look back on those memories. I started to take photography more seriously after I got married in 2018. I bought my first DSLR camera and learned all I could about being a true photographer.

After spending years searching for what type of photographer I wanted to be, I realized that what truly brings me joy and excitement is being a landscape/wildlife/travel photographer. I love traveling to amazing locations and getting to capture the true beauty of these places. I want to share with others the amazing things they can see when they get out and explore the world! I hope that my photography gives people a look into what amazing natural beauty the world has to offer.

What’s the most rewarding aspect of being a creative in your experience?

I think the most rewarding part of being a creative is seeing the light in someone’s eyes when they see my photos. Getting to see the same excitement and awe of the world in someone else that I got when taking the photos is truly rewarding. I love hearing people say how cool the photo looks and that it inspires them to see that place in person!

Is there mission driving your creative journey?

Just spreading the beauty and excitement of the world around us is continuing to drive me to do what I do. I never want to stop capturing the amazing moments in life and sharing them with everyone I can.

Contact Info:

• Website: www.theswansonadventures.com
• Instagram: www.instagram.com/swanson.adventures
• Youtube: www.youtube.com/@swansonadventures