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

Alright, Stephen thanks for taking the time to share your stories and insights with us today. Can you talk to us about how you learned to do what you do?

Photography was a happy accident for me. When I was in HS I needed what felt like in my head would be an easy grade. I was playing baseball and figured Photography would be an easy “A”… how foolish and naive my 15 year old brain proved to be. I was quickly approached by the instructor who quickly and accurately sized me up. There would be no easy grade in her class. She then sat me down and took a few minutes to talk with me easing the vibe I was feeling. “What interest you about Photography “? , and what do you feel passionate about”?..She asked.
I took a moment to surmise an honest answer. ”
I love baseball and motocross and I took your class because I thought I could do well for a nice grade.
She then gave me my first 35mm camera and two rolls of ISO 100 B&W film.
“I want you to film both of those things and bring me the negatives”.. you have 10 days to complete both task”.
There was a local motocross race at a Southern California track called Indian Dunes in Piru CA. When I got there my father gave me a few pointers and turned me loose. I watched practice, and made the conscious decision to actually tell a story with this camera. Each shot I took that day was carefully thought out. So in essence composition came naturally for me. For the creatives reading this understanding composition, and where it meets your creativity is a tremendous gift.
Shortly after I went to film a baseball practice at Moorpark College. Ironically I would have the opportunity to play baseball there some years later.
The same approach to telling a story was my goal for the day, and I had much better access to get creative. I remember laying on my stomach to get a shot of the first basemen picking a throw from 3rd base. Again I was thinking about composition. Both those shoots were fun, and the goal met. Now to take the slide to my teacher for some feedback.
Constructive criticism or feedback is essential to growing, but how the message is delivered is key. This teacher critiqued my work, but in a positive and supportive way. Thus teaching me, and building my confidence. Those same lessons learned in that session would be applied to every aspiring photographer I’ve had the opportunity to teach in the years that followed.
There aren’t many thing better than experience. That being said give yourself permission to learn, grow and have success. This is the victory, but understand that it cannot be achieved without setbacks. Failure is not actually failure if the goal is learning and growth. The creative mind has to trust the ” Nerver losing always learning” mindset.
Understand that are can be created with any camera, and growth experience can happen with every shoot.
There is no direct path to greatness, but instead a willingness to learn, grow and believe what your saying with your art can be great.

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

My name is Stephen Kanka. My wife Jessica and I own 2K Photography in Texas. I’m a native of Southern California born and raised, but have called Texas my home for the last 20 years. Photography was a way to make extra money long after my baseball career didn’t go as planned. I have always gravitated towards extreme sports and experiences.
My clients trust me to “get the shot” and that is something I have always strived for in my work. Those same words are uttered silently in my head every shoot ” get the shot” and “always get the shot”
I’m most proud of the father, friend and coach I am to those around me.
I’ll never hesitate to answer questions for aspiring artist, and after years of learning how to actually talk and communicate I’ve gained the ability to set customers at ease. The simple fact is they can trust me to produce solid images on time every time.
If it’s an action or extreme shoot you got to dig in and get your hands dirty.
In boudoir session make every effort to keep the client relaxed and at ease.. This is the key when communicating, and will help build trust.
Know your equipment.
I always say make it as automatic as breathing and blinking.
I shoot exclusively Sony at this point of my career, but let me be clear that art can be created on any format.

Let’s talk about resilience next – do you have a story you can share with us?

I had two prior knee operations by the time my semi promising baseball career came to an end. Things didn’t go as planned so the setback was a very good life lesson. Life has a great way of throwing curves at you. So take a step back and evaluate. These are the times the universe is showing you something. I ended up coaching baseball for many years. Through my experience I made so many friends and witnessed a few players even play in the major leagues.
Photography has captured so many incredible moments.
Yet my biggest victory was meeting my wife Jessica through Photography. I remember mentoring her and having the same compassion my instructor had on me.
I was honest with where I felt her artistic strengths were, and where she could improve. I provided direction like a good coach does.
Heck… now she shoots circles around me, and I love it!

What can society do to ensure an environment that’s helpful to artists and creatives?

The best approach is mentor the newbie. Identify those who truly have a passion and help them grow. The artistic path is not clearly defined, and that’s the beauty. Understand that you ( the artist) are the link to all of it.
Support each other, share your work, be open to collaborations and new ideas.
This industry has changed so much, but we are still the artist and creative.
Competition is great, but keep the ego in check as someone can always do it differently. Not better, but differently.
Look at all of it and give your art it’s true signature style.

Contact Info:

• Instagram: @StephenKanka @2_k_photography
• Facebook: Stephen Kanka Photography

Image Credits
Jessica Kanka