I am a freelance photographer based in Helena, Montana. I was raised on a small dairy farm in central Nebraska, where I lived until 1989. My parents were called to be missionaries and we moved to Ecuador, South America where I graduated from high school in 1993. After graduation I worked construction for a few years, completed paramedic training and was employed in occupational health and safety management for eight years. In 2006, I graduated from the University of Nebraska with a Bachelor’s degree in International Relations.
Photography started as a hobby for me and grew into a fledgling business in 2004 when my wife Karen and I started shooting weddings and portraits. A major influence in my photography came about in 2006 when I worked on a six month informal internship with National Geographic Photographer Joel Sartore. Our business has grown and developed in many directions as I love challenges. In 2008, I received the first contract ever awarded by Montana Fish Wildlife and Parks, shooting Montana’s State Parks and now I’ve also been awarded the first ever contract as the Nature Conservancy’s Lands Photographer. Both contracts have been extended and will be ongoing in the future.
In 2009, I had the honor of shooting two projects for philanthropist Thomas Siebel and in 2010 I began a long-term project for Triple Creek Ranch, Travel and Leisure Magazine’s top rated hotel for the last two years. In 2009, my image entitled “Proud Mama” placed second in National Wildlife Federation’s international photo contest from among 70,000 entries.
My work is often featured in Montana Magazine and Montana Outdoors, and I have begun to break into national markets with images in magazines such as National Wildlife Federation, Bugle, Outdoor Life, Wall Street Journal, the Dan Rather Report, Petersens Hunting, Apostrophe Magazine, Via Travel magazine, and International Times. My images have also appeared in several books and calendars.
My diverse background is a huge asset for my photography and enables me to be equally comfortable snuggling up to a rattle snake for an intimate portrait or a high pressure shoot with our governor.
I love the challenge of capturing life and time with a camera, but my wife Karen, son Auston and daughter Andreanna are the best part of my life.
This year has already provided me with several new and exciting projects.
You ARE a fantastic photographer!
Kent you should offer a POSTCARD option! It could help spread you work.
Reo
I just discovered your blog, and I *really* love your work. I grew up in Helena and my father was a amateur wildlife photographer in those parts. Maybe you even ran into him from time to time before his accident in 2006. He would have thought you were pretty amazing, too.
Julie