Kevin Dukes Photography

GlamModelz Magazine: So many of your friends, fans and professionals in the industry would like to know more about you, so let’s get started! Tell me about your background…how did you get started in Photography? K.Dukes: I’ve always been the family historian. If anybody was taking pictures, it was me! I eventually took my love for taking pictures and turned into a hobby and a past time, and eventually started my own business in 2001 while continuing to work in corporate America. Well, after 4 layoffs in a matter of 2 years, and a full time job that was way more demanding than necessary. I prayed for God to allow me to work full time in my own business, and He has sent client after client to me for going on a year now. I must give all glory and honor to the Most High God.

GlamModelz Magazine: Why Glamour /Beauty? What other genre’s and styles interest you? K.Dukes: I love all aspects of photography. As my slogan says, ”Photos for every occasion,” I pride myself on being versatile behind the camera…. not perfect, but very competitive in learning the different avenues. I don’t know why, but fashion is my passion, I’ve just recently begun shooting more glamour/beauty in an effort to broaden my horizons and learn even more. Oh, and K.Dukes loves the kids !! Kids are so fun to shoot. Just let them roam and be themselves and you get the best images!!

GlamModelz Magazine: What or who inspires you as a photographer? K.Dukes: Other photographers inspire me. I don’t see them as competition, I see them as brothers. I realize that some of my brothers maybe more talented than I, but in my experience, my more talented brothers have always supported me and I support them as well! Secondly, I am inspired by the “soldier” models that I happen to shoot with from time to time. I love a model that doesn’t mind getting in the mud with their Sunday’s best clothes on, or one that will brave 20 degree weather with a mist of rain to get a great shot!

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GlamModelz Magazine: What challenges do you face in this industry? What would you change about it, if you could? K.Dukes: My biggest challenge I believe is being able to ”cross-over” to other communities of people. 95% of my clients are from the same ethnic background as myself. I know it can be done, I just have to find a way to get it done, and that is to be able to work with individuals and corporations of all walks of life.

GlamModelz Magazine: What equipment is essential for you as a glamour photographer, to capture your “best shot”? K.Dukes: Great lighting is key when shooting glamour, but after that, you have to have a subject who thinks outside the box and is willing to take a few risks.

GlamModelz Magazine: Paid vs. TF* shoots – What are your views and preferences? K.Dukes: Both types of shoots make sense when you use them as they were designed to use. Being a full time photographer, of course I prefer paid shoots. However, if I have something that I would like to capture, I am open to TF*, but I don’t just go out and find any model. I commit my TF* shoots to those I have worked with in the past and that help me in my business. TF* also works for me when I have a client is paying for the shoot. At that point, I even try to get the model paid as well.

GlamModelz Magazine: How would you best describe your personal style? K.Dukes: I would describe it as ”What I see is what you get” …. I don’t really know how to describe my style, I don’t know if I even have a style. I do like to capture a lot of color. I pride myself on making my subjects extremely comfortable when working with them. Check my testimonials on my website (www.kdukesphoto.com) and that is the most feedback that I receive.

GlamModelz Magazine: What are your goals for your photography? Other goals? K.Dukes: My goal is to eventually be among the ranks of Olan Mills, Walmart Studios and the like. You never see the owners of those companies coming personally to a shoot ! That’s how I would like to be. Other than that, my goal is to just continue to provide excellent service and comfortability to those I work with.

GlamModelz Magazine: Other goals… K.Dukes: Other goals are to be able to provide my kids with an avenue to walk down so that they won’t make the mistake I made by working for someone else, making them money and only collecting a check for less than my worth. I want my children to learn how to work for themselves, in whatever industry the decide to go into.

GlamModelz Magazine: What qualities should Models/MUA’s/Stylists, etc have to work with you? K.Dukes: I prefer models that are intuitive and can almost read my mind. Those that are courageous and willing to try different poses and props. I prefer makeup artists that are very creative. I tend to give them free reign to do what they would like to do, but I still would like very extraordinary creations. I have no criteria for stylists really, I believe stylists have their own image in their head so I have to possess the qualities that they are looking for.

GlamModelz Magazine: Tell us about your biggest accomplishment to date or what makes you most proud. K.Dukes: I believe the consummation of my career thus far has been being published in Jet Magazine twice. I am working toward putting together a book of my work and having it published as well.

GlamModelz Magazine: What advice do you have for new/amateur photographers who want to shoot glamour? K.Dukes: I would say stay professional at all times! Most models hate perverts or what we call GWCs (guys with cameras) that don’t shoot photography for the art, but only to see models naked. Secondly, I would say keep your head up. There will be pitfalls that you may fall into from time to time. Don’t let that deter you.

GlamModelz Magazine: Any advice for models? K.Dukes: Being the encouraging person that I am, I would tell models to keep working, keep shooting and watch Tyra (she is always offering advice on all of her shows).

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GlamModelz Magazine: In addition to photography, do you have other skills/interests/talents in which you excel? K.Dukes: Besides photography, I also design websites and dabble a little in graphics. My website portfolio can be seen at the following link: http://www.kdukesphoto.com/webportfolio/. God has given me many talents, and those that I don’t have currently, I hope that I will be able to learn them before I leave this earth.

GlamModelz Magazine: What other interesting facts would you like GlamModelz readers to know about you? K.Dukes: Although I am in the business to make money, what brings me satisfaction of providing exceptional customer services and products. I love it when I hear “There’s so many to choose from, I don’t know which one I like most!” I also love bringing people together… models to agencies, actors to casting calls, businesses to businesses etc. I feel I will have fulfilled my purpose when someone I have helped, whether by photography or networking, makes it to the largest level in their industry.

GlamModelz Magazine: Where can we see more of your work? How can models who wish to shoot with you contact you?

More of my work: http://www.kdukesphoto.com, ModelMayhem.com/kdukesphoto, MySpace.com/kdukesphoto

or by mail; Kevin Dukes Photography
P.O. Box 740696
Dallas, TX 75374
Message Line: 214-728-7998
Direct: 214-994-9145
Fax: 214-884-8684
Email: kevin@kdukesphoto.com
Email: sovereigntouch@yahoo.com