Aotearoa NZ Photographers . . . Kenton Adolf
In our ‘Aotearoa Photographers’ series we sit down with NZ based photographers to learn more about their photographic practice and how their photography career got started.
This week we chat with Kenton Adolf, a photographer and final year student at Media Design School.
This article is sponsored by MyChillyBin
Tell us a little about your background – what path/key moments, or people led you to pursue the path to photography?
Skateboarding led me into photography, making videos and taking photos of friends of their tricks and silly antics. I then bought my own first camera, a Canon 700D. Watching Peter McKinnon really got me into it because his tutorials always made me want to pick up my camera and go shoot. I think skateboarding has helped my photography style grow because, as a skater, you look at terrain and spaces so differently. What trick or what object could I use to create something? Same thing with my photos. I don’t think that this might look bad or unprofessional because I kind of came from that carefree environment.
Currently in your final year at Media Design School, how has studying design influenced your approach to photography?
It’s helped with how to brand and carry myself, but also how to undertake a project and have more guidance in photography. It’s also given me the tools and knowledge to do more with my photography design space.
Who are some photographers that inspire you and shape your work in one way or another?
I’m trying to not look at others’ work as much as I used to anymore because I seem to find that I judge or look at my work and feel like it’s not good enough. But the photographers from whom I got a lot of inspiration are Peter Mckinnon, Louis Dazy, Evan Naka, and Brandon Woelfel.
How do you see your photography practice developing, what are your main aspirations for the next couple of years?
I would like to see it continue into the events and entertainment side of things since I have been doing it for my capstone project. I’ve been really enjoying collaborating with artists and building relationships through our creative outlets. Having conversations and learning about each other’s interests have been a huge draw for me.
How can people get in touch or see more of your work?
I’m most active on Instagram @kentondenveradolf and my website is https://www.kdaimpressions.com/
Thanks to mychillybin for sponsoring the Aotearoa Photographers series.
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