We tell stories. Through different lenses a simple detail can profoundly shift the way we think. Stories celebrate life or expose our shared humanity. Moving pictures or that captured shot are our tools. When told authentically it transcends and connects us.
A friend and sage taught, ”photography is the art of farming and hunting.” The farmer designs and waits for the harvest. The hunter intuitively seeks. Both are creating, discovering, and waiting. Great filmmakers and directors of photography know this dance all too well. To major in one or both is just pure genius.
Looking for that “in the moment” brilliance brings me joy. Something incredible offers up an amazing gift of story that feeds and fuels life.
Kenton’s farming and hunting instincts started years ago watching waves. He grew up in Hawai’i – a place rich in landscape, cultures, community, and stories.
He says,
Living close to the ocean, I discovered that my surfer friends preached to me without speaking a single word. Their mantra was ”live for what you love.” Instead of thinking they were crazy, their rituals of waxing boards, waking up before dawn, throwing every penny into their passion, and camping out to catch the best waves have become sacred to me. Their pleasure and persistence taught me that ‘work could be fun.
Whether it was Three Tables, Ehukai, Kewalos, or Shark Country, they knew that ‘Ke Akua’ would source them with waves to ride on. My friends understood mystery and that anything good in life is worth the wait. Shredding through water is pure Heaven and so is everything before that and after.
Photography and filmmaking embody that. Pre and post production are part of the process.
1990 circa was the time Kenton picked up his camera and began to collect hundreds of stories, thousands of images, and hours of footage. He was also the leader of a graphics team for a non-profit group gathering stories and creating fundraising material. Eventually his path led him to more education and the artist way. Through it all, he has made hundreds of friends and gained a wealth of life experience – listening and learning about people and communities. Today, collaborative causes around art and community are at the heart of what he does.
Today, Kenton and his company have sponsored film festivals annually, donated services, and sponsored many non-profit groups. As a board member, board advisor, and guest speaker he continues to inspire and contribute. Kenton also leaders mentorship and leadership retreats and well as having artists shadow him both artistically and in the business.
His passion includes helping social enterprises that involve a new way his storytelling skills. He is also in the midst of another short film project and film festival proposals.
Today, the company is leading the way in providing content creation for small and large companies in brand design, messaging, film, video, and marketing (online and social media) under “kenton studios/kenton media productions.”
Contact us: creator@kentonstudios.com