We had the good fortune of connecting with Kenny Ingle and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Kenny, why did you pursue a creative career?
The fact is, I didn’t “pursue” a creative career – I didn’t have a choice because of the way I am wired. Any vocation I chose, starting as a young person, was always approached and practiced with a creative eye and an artistic heart. I spent time as builder with my dad’s home improvement company, I worked at a liquor store, a sporting goods store, I waited tables, and I delivered pizza. Every one of these early jobs found me approaching each day with the right side of my brain leading the left. It wasn’t easy back then (or even today) because I struggled thinking in columns and rows and felt more comfortable pondering the aesthetics of the job in front of me – A “creative career” was inevitable.

Let’s talk shop? Tell us more about your career, what can you share with our community?
I believe that my ability to listen, collaborate, and execute with clients and colleagues has always been one of my valuable attributes. Yes, as an artist I take time to wonder off and shoot specifically for me with my own goals in mind, but you often find yourself being hired by others to execute on their needs. Let’s face it, you always have to pay the bills and if you lack the ability to relate to those that may want to hire you then they will end up moving on to the next person. There is a countless amount of talented photographers in the world who are lined up to take the project away from you – This knowledge has taught me to invest myself in my clients goals and prove to them what a good “hang” I would be. I would be heartbroken to hear that I wasn’t hired because I seemed disinterested in being a true partner.

Finding ways to shoot subject matter that may be a bit mundane artistically or uniquely isn’t easy. Often that challenge reaps big rewards and sometimes you come up a bit short. Either way the journey has given you a few gifts and you’ll have them with you the next time you’re out shooting and looking to elevate the scene in front of you.

Any places to eat or things to do that you can share with our readers? If they have a friend visiting town, what are some spots they could take them to?
I live very near to the ocean in Los Angeles County and have countless spots within an hour drive that I love to share with those that may be visiting. For example, my wife and I are big fans of watching live comedy and we’d be at Largo at the Coronet 5-nights a week if time allowed – There is never a dull show. Food in our area offers up some amazing places like Bavel and Saffy’s while at the same time I can eat a slice of “Salad Pizza” from Abbot’s Pizza in Venice and be completely satisfied. Los Angeles offers up so much when it comes to all the neighborhoods as the cultures within are reflected in not only the food, but the people on the street, the entertainment, the retail offerings, etc. Of course drives up and down PCH never gets old. We find ourselves taking the extra time to drive north of Malibu to Leo Carrillo State Park where the beach, the rocky shoreline, and vibe never disappoint.

As a photographer who is very attracted to both skate and surf culture I find myself at the Venice Skatepark at least once a week capturing the personalities and athletic grace of so many passionate skaters. They perform in ways that I envy and I’m humbled that they accept me into their world with my array of cameras both classic and new. Surfers are another group that thrive in a mindset that I love to capture – There is just something about them and their way of living life.

Los Angeles has so very much to offer and every day and night can be filled with something memorable.

Who else deserves some credit and recognition?
My wife Erika has done nothing but encourage me since the day we met back in 1992. She’s always sharing words of support and looks for new ways in which I can explore my love of photography. We’re completely aligned in regard to how life’s passions should be pursued and our partnership in life has never been about, “follow the money”. I would never have had the portfolio that I do without her at my side. We’ve been through a lot together and knowing that she’s got my back through the sunshine and rain has been my biggest motivator.

Website: https://www.kennyingle.com

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/kennyingle/

Image Credits
All images have been shot and edited by me (Kenny ingle).

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