Today we’d like to introduce you to Kenneth Stipe.
Hi Kenneth, can you start by introducing yourself? We’d love to learn more about how you got to where you are today.
I was born in Connecticut. Raised in the US Virgin Islands. My mother was a photojournalist. Came to Los Angeles at 17 years old. Worked in movie theaters. Worked in Motion Picture Laboratories. Quit Fotokem to attend the American Film Institute as a cinematography fellow. Spent one year at AFI. Subsequently began my freelance cinematography career. I’ve shot numerous movies and TV series. Currently, I am shooting dramatic series’ for BET and BET Plus.
Alright, so let’s dig a little deeper into the story – has it been an easy path overall, and if not, what were the challenges you’ve had to overcome?
It has been a long and winding road to get where I am today. Hollywood is a competitive place. There have been plenty of leaps forward and steps back. Navigating a career in this industry takes perseverance. That’s the most important aspect. It’s easy to give up and get a full-time job. It all depends on how much you want it and willing to sacrifice.
Can you tell our readers more about what you do and what you think sets you apart from others?
For most of my career, I have been known for my lighting and camerawork in film and TV. My forte is being able to tell the story with light. Creating mood and character with light and shadow is what I love about cinematography. In recent years, I have floated between my professional cinematography career and my new budding fine art fashion and portrait photography passion.
About 5 years ago, I had one of those slow summers in my cinematography work. As a creative, I needed to find a way to shoot images while out of work. So I bought a Sony A7RII camera. I have always loved photographing people. To be honest, photographing female models was intriguing. Fashion and fine art are hidden passions.
So I turned my garage into a makeshift studio and asked anyone and everyone to shoot portraits with me. The freedom and creativity were intoxicating. I taught myself photoshop and began my journey as a photographer. My background as a cinematographer sets me apart from other portrait and fashion photographers. I utilize my DP lighting kits and my cinematic eye for my portraits.
So, how can our readers or others connect or collaborate with you before we go? How can they support you?
90 percent of my fine art photographic images are on Instagram, which is easy to find. I use IG as my visual photographic portfolio. www.instagram.com/dpken
My recent cinematography work is currently streaming on BET Plus (“Carl Weber’s The Family Business”, season 4) and BET (“The Black Hamptons”).
Contact Info:
- Website: www.kennethstipe.com
- Instagram: www.instagram.com/dpken
Image Credits
Matt Jong, Ruhana Ra, Tatiana Neva, and Eva Tom
