Today we’d like to introduce you to Kevin Buhnerkempe.
Hi Kevin, so excited to have you with us today. What can you tell us about your story?
I am from the San Francisco Bay area and grew up taking pictures on my family’s point and shoot film camera. My parents got me my first digital camera when I was 16 or 17. I had fun just using it to take pictures of random things and friends but didn’t really do anything with those images. While I was in the Navy I was stationed in Italy for 5 years, friends would see me with my camera and some really liked the pictures I was taking. One of them offered me $100 to take their family pictures one day and the next thing I know I’m looking at more professional cameras and gear. I have now been shooting professionally as a freelance photographer for 6 years. I decided to get out of the navy in 2022 and pursue photography as my full-time profession. I never imagined that a childhood hobby would open to a side gig and then become my full-time job. I will be graduating from Jacksonville University next spring with a BFA in Photography and I am currently in the works of opening a new studio here in Jacksonville.
Can you talk to us a bit about the challenges and lessons you’ve learned along the way. Looking back would you say it’s been easy or smooth in retrospect?
Definitely not, there have been lots of ups and downs. I have only been here in Jacksonville for 2 years and trying to establish a business in a new town while going to school full time and being a dad to a toddler has lots of struggles. The biggest struggle has been just getting out of my comfort zone and meeting other artists in Jax. There are a lot of very talented photographers that have lived here for a long time, and it can be a bit intimidating.
Appreciate you sharing that. What else should we know about what you do?
I do portrait photography. Everything from family photos, weddings to boudoir. I would say that I specialize and am known for capturing special moments such as engagements, maternity shoots, or boudoir. I am most proud of my growth over the years. I am always working to learn new things and ways to capture creative images. One thing that I think sets me apart from other photographers is I offer both digital and film photography.
What makes you happy?
Seeing the look on a clients face after I deliver their pictures is always a great feeling, but what makes me most happy is just spending time with my daughter. I decided to pursue photography full time as it allows me to spend more time with her.
Pricing:
- 1 hour shoots – Starting at $300
- 30 min. mini shoots – $150
- Digital images – free with shoot
- Prints – Start at $35 for 8×10
- add a roll of 35mm B/W film – $50
Contact Info:
- Website: https://bkstudiophotography.com/
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/bk_studio/
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/bkstudio.pics
