Longtime
local photographer Kene Sperry got his bachelor’s degree from Washington State
University in business entrepreneurship and photography. After graduating, he
moved to Big Sky in 2000 to start his career shortly after that.
Sperry,
one of the more recognizable names among Big Sky’s many talented photographers,
also returned to the Rocky Mountain School of Photography to study digital
photography. The talented artist sat down with Explore Big Sky to discuss his
craft, artistry and the place he calls home.
Explore Big Sky:
What initially drew you to
photography?
Kene Sperry: I was
always drawn to the light and had a perspective that seemed to give me an
infinite feeling of love.
EBS: What is unique
about your industry/trade that people might not expect?
K.S.: We’ve become desensitized
to the point that we don’t even move into what moves us emotionally.
EBS: Other than Big Sky, what are some of your favorite places
to shoot?
K.S.: My heart and soul
live in southwest Montana but my favorite spot I ever photographed is India
where 15 years ago my whole view of light, time and space changed forever. That
is when the endless sense of wonder really kicked in with me in the medium of
photography.
EBS: You
have amazing shots of mountains. What is unique about capturing the topography
of southwest Montana?
K.S.: Southwest Montana
completely blows my mind with how special and unique the topography is. The
light and space seem to have an infinite level of perspective. This place is a
vortex and that is why people are moving here.
EBS: What are the
biggest misconceptions about taking professional photographs that the general
public has?
K.S.: That
capturing a beautiful, dynamic and emotional responsive image is easy. Once you
know the mechanics of the camera and basic rules of photography then I believe
you have to work very hard in self awareness and mindfulness to create your own
unique vision and perspective.
EBS: From a business perspective, how have you seen Big Sky change in the
last two decades, for better or worse?
K.S.: All
of the art collectors that have moved or have places in Big Sky have brought an
abundance to all of the artists in this town and around Montana. The art market
is huge in Big Sky right now. I love Big Sky and like to stay optimistic that
the future will be bright. Remember that we are all just visitors here—nobody
truly owns this place and you take none of it with you when you die. So accept
what is and continue to add value to wherever you live for the short fleeting
time we share on this planet. It is all a gift.
EBS: If you weren’t a
photographer by trade, what other field could you see yourself in?
K.S.: There is no other
profession I would see myself doing, so I suppose I would just be a ski bum,
thus I am grateful for my eye and open heart to capture life through a lens.
EBS: What is one of the most memorable moments you have had as a
resident in Big Sky?
K.S.: The spring
offseason when we took a helicopter up to ski and photograph the Headwaters and
North Summit Snowfield. All of the stars aligned and I captured an image that
had been in my mind for over ten years that truly expresses the grandiosity of
this place in one image.
EBS: What advice would you give someone who was just starting to
explore photography as more than a hobby?
K.S.: I think it is
fantastic that so many people are interested in photography and the visual
arts. Photography has never been more important as a profession because
everyone and every business is trying to get your attention and there is no
better way than the still photograph. It is true that a photograph is worth a
thousand words. Your work will shine powerfully when you simply keep your heart
open, free your mind and keepyour soul connected to all that is divine. Love, attention and understanding are all
things we crave. Shoot that.
EBS: What’s the best piece of advice you’ve received about the
art of photography? Did you have a mentor?
K.S.: It is not about
the machines. It is 100 percent all about how hard you are going to work at the
craft and how to continue to see more deeply. What you are truly dealing with
… is what is inside of you. That is what
makes your work That is why photography
is not easy because you have to study yourself to find your vision. You have to
put yourself in the photographs. What photography is is studying yourself.
Be
mindful and self-aware. Just spend time seeing with and without camera. Focus,
relax and commit. Walk around in wonder. You have to study the craft as almost
an obsession. Slow down and be intentional. Just be a good photographer—focused
on the art, failing a lot knowing that that is part of it. The journey is the
prize. You will never stop failing, once you know this you can relax into it.
One of
the more influential persons in this field is a friend, colleague and my master
curator/editor Ryan Day Thompson who I met at Rocky Mountain School of
Photography in 2003. His careful attention to the depth of my work with his
keen eye has been a perfect complement to who I am.
The
time I am most connected without ego is when I am focused on the light and not
following rules and just following my heart. I ask myself, “What am I trying to
evoke with this photograph/moment?”. The most whole I am as a photographer is
when I am deeply connected to my subject matter whether that is a landscape or
a person I feel that deep authentic connection of presence.
EBS: Where do you see yourself in 10 years?
K.S.: I see myself as
continuing to be humble with an endless capacity to learn and grow. I see
myself as one of the more influential photographers in this modern day. I want
my work to continue to lean into the discovery of myself and the vulnerability
of shining my light as bright as I came into this world. I envision moving back
and forth with capturing the light from natural landscapes of this planet to
the infinite light of the human soul.
I
believe the only thing to do here in this existence is to hold space for
yourself and then hold that space for others. That is the best value you can
bring this world. This quote really resonates with me as a photographer:
“Nothing is ever the same twice because everything is always gone forever, and
yet each moment has infinite photographic possibilities.” -Michael Kenna
Check out Sperry’s work at www.kenesperryart.com and www.instagram/kenesperry.
