intro
A quick intro and what to expect in this channel.
Hey friends,
Photography has been a wild ride for me since 2018—full of creativity, challenges, and a ton of learning along the way. It’s been a journey of ups and downs, doubts, and breakthroughs, but through it all, I’ve realized how important community is. It’s the support, ideas, and shared experiences that really help us grow (and avoid quitting when times are hard).
This newsletter is my space to share my personal journey, what’s inspiring me, and the lessons I’m still picking up. Whether you’re a fellow photographer or just someone who loves creativity, I hope something here connects with you. I’m excited to learn from you too.
A little about me
I grew up in Colorado, surrounded by cameras—thanks to my dad's filmmaking career and my friends documenting our Freeride ski days. But when college came around, I put that creative side on hold for a bit, earning a degree in Finance at CU Boulder. It wasn’t until 2018, after a few years in a corporate job, that I felt the pull to get back into photography. A friend showed me what a DSLR could do, and I was hooked. I picked up a Canon T6 Rebel and dove into both landscapes and portraits, learning along the way with some guidance from my dad and friends.
In 2019, after some eye-opening photo trips and a workshop in Moab (shoutout Garrett), I moved to San Diego to pursue photography full-time. During the pandemic, I discovered the beauty of film with a $20 point-and-shoot camera and some ultramax I found at a local photo store, which completely changed my approach. Since then, I've had the chance to shoot for brands like Alo, be part of an art exhibition, and get an editorial published by L’Officiel Baltic. I've also been lucky to have several mentors along the way who’ve taught me so much.
Now, I’m 32, living in Los Angeles with my girlfriend, Meg, balancing a remote 9-5 and continuing to pursue photography. I’m still figuring it all out, but I’m grateful for the journey so far.
Thanks for following along.
-Kendall
www.kendallwheelerphotography.com
IG: @kenwheel
