Meet Kenna Knight-Schoeler | San Diego Based Lifestyle Photographer

We had the good fortune of connecting with Kenna Knight-Schoeler and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Kenna, is there something you believe many others might not?
One piece of conventional advice in photography that I’ve often disagreed with is the idea that “more gear equals better photos.” While high-quality equipment can enhance your photography, it’s not the sole determinant of creating compelling and meaningful images.

Photography is about capturing moments, emotions, and stories. It’s about creativity, composition, and understanding light. While having the latest camera and lenses can offer technical advantages, it doesn’t automatically make someone a great photographer. I believe that relying too heavily on gear can sometimes hinder the development of one’s skills.

I’ve seen many photographers produce breathtaking work with minimal equipment, using their creativity and understanding of the fundamentals to achieve stunning results. On the flip side, I’ve also encountered photographers who invest heavily in gear but struggle to create meaningful or unique photographs.

Instead of obsessing over gear, I encourage aspiring photographers to focus on mastering the art of composition, learning to see and manipulate light, and developing their unique style and vision. Building a solid foundation in these aspects of photography will ultimately significantly impact the quality of your work rather than simply acquiring more gear.

So, while equipment is undeniably necessary, it’s not the be-all and end-all of photography. The key is finding the right balance between having the tools to achieve your creative vision and continuously honing your skills and artistic sensibilities.

Alright, so let’s move onto what keeps you busy professionally?
Certainly, I’d be happy to share more about my art and my journey as a photographer.

What sets me apart from others in the photography world is my commitment to capturing not just images, but moments that truly sparkle with emotion and authenticity. I believe that every photograph should tell a story and evoke feelings, whether it’s the joy of a wedding day, the tenderness of a family portrait, or the elegance of a product shot. My style is characterized by its timeless and elegant quality, aiming to preserve the essence of each subject.

I’m most proud of the strong relationships I’ve built with my clients and the trust they place in me to capture their most precious memories. Knowing that I’ve played a part in preserving moments that they’ll cherish for a lifetime is incredibly rewarding.

My professional journey hasn’t been without its challenges. Like many photographers, I faced the initial hurdles of building a client base and establishing my brand. It required determination, hard work, and continuous learning. The photography industry is highly competitive, and staying relevant and innovative is an ongoing process.

One of the key lessons I’ve learned along the way is the importance of adaptability. Embracing new technologies and staying current with industry trends has been essential to my growth. Additionally, the value of perseverance cannot be overstated. There were moments when setbacks occurred, but overcoming them with resilience and determination has been instrumental in my success.

What I want the world to know about Kenna Shea Photography is that we are dedicated to providing exceptional photography services that capture the essence of our clients’ most precious moments. We value creativity, authenticity, and a commitment to delivering stunning, timeless images. Whether it’s a wedding, family portrait, product shoot, or any other project, we approach it with passion and the belief that every moment is worth preserving in a beautiful photograph.

In summary, my journey as a photographer has been filled with challenges and triumphs. It’s the support of mentors, the trust of clients, and the resilience to adapt that have brought me to where I am today. I’m excited about the future, eager to continue telling stories through my art, and grateful for the opportunity to be part of people’s cherished memories.

Let’s say your best friend was visiting the area and you wanted to show them the best time ever. Where would you take them? Give us a little itinerary – say it was a week long trip, where would you eat, drink, visit, hang out, etc.
Sure! Here’s what a fun-filled week might look like!

Day 1: Beach Vibes and Tasty Bites
We’ll kick off our trip by landing at the airport and heading straight for the coastline. First stop: La Jolla Shores to soak up that sunset magic.

Day 2: Culture
For breakfast, we’ll head over to Nomad Donuts and order something delicious. Afterwards, we’ll explore Balboa Park, filled with beautiful gardens and world-class museums.

Day 3: Beach Day and Tacos
It’s time for some classic SoCal beach vibes! We’ll hang out at Pacific Beach or Mission Beach for sun, surf, and good times. Our lunch spot will be the legendary Sunnies in Ocean Beach for those epic fish tacos. And before we call it a day, we’ll swing by Better Buzz for a caffeine boost on our way to the beach.

Day 4: Unique Adventure
We’ll explore the wonders of the Cabrillo National Monument, taking in panoramic views of San Diego and getting a glimpse of its rich maritime history.

Day 5: Coastal Magic and Hiking
Now, it’s time to explore the stunning coastal gems of San Diego. We’ll start with the breathtaking views at Sunset Cliffs and then head to the surfer’s paradise, Windansea Beach. After that, we’ll lace up our hiking shoes for an unforgettable hike at Torrey Pines. Our exercise for the week!

Day 6: Music and Memories at the Casbah
For a touch of nostalgia, we’ll spend the evening at the Casbah or some new hip spot in North Park. We’ll relive the good old days with live music and create new memories to cherish.

Shoutout is all about shouting out others who you feel deserve additional recognition and exposure. Who would you like to shoutout?
I’d be delighted to shout out the incredible community of fellow photographers and mentors who have played a pivotal role in my journey. Photography is a continuously evolving art form, and the support, mentorship, and camaraderie I’ve found within this community have been invaluable.

First and foremost, I want to express my deep gratitude to my photography mentors who have shared their knowledge, critiqued my work, and pushed me to grow as an artist. Their guidance and encouragement have been instrumental in shaping my skills and vision.

I’d also like to credit my clients who have entrusted me with capturing their most cherished moments. Their trust and collaboration have fueled my passion and allowed me to do what I love daily.

In addition, I want to acknowledge the countless photographers, both established and emerging, whose work inspires me daily. The artistry and creativity within the photography world are boundless, and I’m constantly learning from and being motivated by my peers.

Lastly, I’d like to dedicate this shoutout to my family and friends, who have enthusiastically given unwavering support and encouragement throughout my journey. Their belief in me and my craft has been a constant source of inspiration and motivation.

So, I extend my heartfelt gratitude to all these wonderful individuals and the photography community. My journey would not be the same without their contributions, and I’m truly grateful for their role in my success.

Website: kennasheaphotography.com

Instagram: @kennasheaphotography

Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/kenna-knight-schoeler

Image Credits
Kenna Shea Photography