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

Kenny, looking forward to hearing all of your stories today. Can you talk to us about how you learned to do what you do?

So I picked up my first camera back in middle school (this was the 1990s). We learned to use film, as digital hadn’t happened just yet. I started by just taking pictures of people and places, without really much of an artistic intent. I think I relied mostly on some talent I had deep down, but never really nurtured it much.

In between the mid 90s and pandemic of 2020, I went to college, grad school, and became a corporate lawyer. During those times, I always had a camera, but was never serious. I mostly picked it up when I was bored.

Let’s fast forward to the pandemic. During lockdowns, I started to be really serious about learning. I started, like many folks do, by watching various Youtube videos, and then going out and practicing. There’s no substitute for practicing!

I would reach out to as many people as I could, from any walk of life, and try to photograph them. Each time I photographed them, I would try to learn something each time. And then, rinse and repeat.

The biggest lesson from all of this, though, is that mastering a craft is a journey and process. Each time I think I’ve arrived, I look at the work of those I want to strive towards, and then I realize I’m nowhere near where I want to be. So, I have to keep working at it. I honestly suspect, at no point in my career, will I be able to say – I’m the master of this craft. And, I’m okay with that.

The most important things in learning this craft (and, frankly, any craft) is persistence, hard work, and humility.

Awesome – so before we get into the rest of our questions, can you briefly introduce yourself to our readers.

I’m a photographer – primarily of pageants and weddings. I’m the official sponsor/photographer of about a half dozen pageants in the midwest, including the Miss Minnesota (part of the Miss America Organization) as well as NAM – the largest pageant system in the United States.

I offer event photography, as well as headshots/pageant portraits.

Additionally, I offer high-end luxury portrait photography for businesses, entrepreneurs and other leaders.

What’s important to know about me is that I’m here to tell my client’s stories – not to tell my own. Whether its a wedding, branding shoot, or event, my mission is to faithfully document and boldly speak to my client’s narrative – not my own. Obviously, it comes through my voice, but at the end of the day, it’s my client’s story.

This world view shapes all of my work, whether its my fine art photography, my wedding photography, or my corporate work.

What do you think helped you build your reputation within your market?

People. It’s always the people. Whether you are doing something for free, or for pay, people are what matter. This manifests itself in several ways:

1. Always deliver the best work product you can.
2. Deliver what you say you will deliver.
3. Admit your mistakes. While the customer isn’t always right, the customer’s perception is what matters. Admit when you are wrong, gently explain situations if necessary, but if you admit your mistakes, most people are forgiving.
4. Commit to being better each time you work.

I think if you do those four things, you’ll be okay.

Are there any resources you wish you knew about earlier in your creative journey?

In photography, there are masterminds and business coaches that are amazing. These are individuals and groups that you can bounce ideas off of, and will help move you along in your journey.

In these groups, I’m less focused on the creative or technical aspects of my work. I’m focused on the business side. Like it or not, creative work is still a business. If you want to transition to full time work, or at least make your creaative enterprise the primary source of your income, you need to think about the business. Follows and likes don’t always equal good business. Winning awards, getting good reviews, having clients love you – none of that keeps food on the table and pays the rent. Business coaches and these mastermind groups will be the ones that help turn that good work into a sustainable business.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://www.hiropix-studios.com
• Instagram: @hiropixmpls