Today we’d like to introduce you to Kim Stephenson.
Alright, so thank you so much for sharing your story and insight with our readers. To kick things off, can you tell us a bit about how you got started?
I love all animals, especially cats. And — I love exploring new ways to see the world around me.
I have explored the world with my camera since I was about 10 years old. Like many photographers, I took photos of everything. In my film days, I enjoyed experimenting with different darkroom technics to get unusual effects. When digital cameras first came out, I was an early adopter. My interest in electronics and all things high tech led me to a career as a software engineer. I traveled extensively for my work and spent my off hours photographing the places I visited.
In 2010 I decided to get more serious about my photography. After taking a few online photography classes, I focused on combining my photography and love of animals, especially cats. I opened my pet photography studio and started volunteering with a local rescue group to photograph their cats and kittens to help find them forever homes quicker. I had found my calling!
Today my photography is still part time and consists of a mix of client and rescue work. I volunteer with the Blount County Animal Center photographing their cats and kittens. In addition to traditional portraits, I spend many hours creating Crazy Cat composites bringing to life the images I see in my imagination
I’m sure it wasn’t obstacle-free, but would you say the journey has been fairly smooth so far?
After I retired from my engineering job we moved to Maryville. It has taken time to start over, building out my studio and reestablishing with the local animal rescue groups. Marketing is one of my biggest challenges. I am still trying to get the word out.
As you know, we’re big fans of you and your work. For our readers who might not be as familiar what can you tell them about what you do?
I specialize in pet photography. For me photography is about making a connection. As a pet photographer capturing that special bond between a pet and their human elevates an image from a snapshot to a timeless memory. I offer traditional studio portraits and sessions out and about – in a local park or other locations special to the family. I love working with all animals; dogs, cats, rabbits etc. One time I had a couple dogs, a couple cats, a rabbit and their humans in the studio all for a single family portrait. It was a marvelous day.
I am mostly known for my cat photography. I often hear people say; how do you get the cat to sit still; my cat doesn’t photograph well. The images always come out as a blur, or the cat looks away or runs away. My clients and rescue volunteers are often surprised and excited when they see the final images. It takes patience and timing to capture a cats’ unique personality. The wonderful rescue volunteers I work with call me a cat whisperer.
I am most proud of my fantasy images. I call these images the Crazy Cats. These are fanciful and sometimes wacky images that trigger the imagination. They are not AI but are composites of many images I’ve taken and merged in photoshop to build a story. I do offer crazy cat/dog options to my clients. Every one is unique and is dependent on the animal’s personality.
So, before we go, how can our readers or others connect or collaborate with you? How can they support you?
Working with animals takes a group effort. I rely on my clients to help entice their fur buddy to give us his/her signature look. I have many tricks for this that help but we make it a family event where everyone is involved.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.pawprintspix.com
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/pawprintspixphotography/
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/pawprintspix
