We warmly welcome and introduce Paul Kenney, a talented individual from New Jersey, who quite serendipitously stumbled into the fascinating world of automotive photography. This unexpected journey began when he captured a neighbor's brand new Mustang immediately after completing high school, an experience that not only ignited his dual passion for both cars and photography but also marked the beginning of his remarkable career in this field.

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TCN X Paul Kenney

In our interview, we'll delve into Paul Kenney's distinct approach to automotive photography. We're curious to discover how he skillfully blends technical acumen with creative vision in his work. What motivates the launch of his new projects, and what obstacles does he face in the specialized world of automotive photography? Paul will share his photographic journey and provide insightful advice for aspiring photographers looking to navigate the intricate arena of automotive photography.

Don't forget to check out Paul Kenney's impressive body of work on his Instagram page and his website.

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TCN X Paul Kenney Interview

1. "Can you share with us how you first got interested in automotive photography? What was the first car you photographed that made you think, 'This is it, this is what I want to do'?"

I actually got into photography by accident. Right after graduating high school, my family had moved about an hour away and one of my new neighbors was a kid my age that had a brand new Mustang.  I had already owned a camera that I used for a business that I had at the time and I thought that the car was so pretty that I wanted to get some photos of it.  Looking back now, the photos that I took were so mediocre, but that’s what made me fall in love with cars and photography at the same time.

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2. "In your opinion, what makes a great automotive photo stand out? Are there specific angles, lighting conditions, or environments that you think work best? How would you describe your photography style currently?"

Attention to details, unique perspectives and the ability to see the best in the subject and the location are what makes a great automotive photo. You also need to have a clear understanding behind how the camera works. A proper understanding of the fundamentals will help anyone grow much further in the photography industry. I would say that my style is trying to perfect what is already there and in front of me. I really just try to enhance the original photo without overdoing it with crazy color compositions.

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3. "What has been your most challenging photo shoot and why? Were there any unexpected obstacles or memorable moments?"

The most challenging shoot for was always shooting in harsh direct lighting. Since I’ve been forced to shoot in harsh situations for years, I’ve now learned how to counteract it and still get the best images possible.

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4. "Camera aside, is there a specific piece of gear you can’t live without?”

A CPL. It’s a must have for automotive photos.

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5. "In an industry that's always evolving, how do you keep your work innovative and maintain a unique edge?"

Much like the industry, I’m also always trying to grow and evolve. As someone who truly loves to do what I do every day, I just always try to better myself. I’m constantly keeping myself up to date with what is trending and trying to throw my own creative twist on those things.

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6. “Do you find there is a competitive element to automotive photography or do you see it as more collaborative?”

I definitely see automotive photography as more collaborative. Having other photographers in the industry in the same area only helps to make us better and build up the community around us.  If more photographers are shooting for companies then everyone else needs to level up their content to compete. It’s always better to work together and in turn, it drives the industry in our local area.

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7. "Looking back at your career so far, what advice would you give to your younger self when you were just starting?"

I would tell my younger self to be different and not do what everyone else is doing. I’d really urge myself to do what I think is correct and not what I see someone else doing instead. I’d also tell myself that it’s okay when other photographers try to copy you - it just means that you’re doing something right.

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8. “Do you have a favorite photo? Either one you’ve taken yourself or one taken by someone else? If so can you tell us about what makes that photo so special?”

My favorite photo is hands down a photo that I took of a La Ferrari by itself in the middle of New York City. Since it’s near impossible to get alone time in the city and how beautiful the car is, it’s probably the most special photo I’ve been lucky enough to take.

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9. "Finally, if you could have a dream photo shoot of your dream garage with any three cars from any era, which cars would you choose?”

My three cars would be: a 2004 SVT Cobra in black on chrome CCW Classics, a 2024 911 Turbo S in Guards Red on HRE R101 Lightweight wheels in satin black, and a 2024 Lamborghini Revuelto in Matt Blu Grifo on Brixton TR08 Aerotech wheels in forged bronze.

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Wrapping Up

We extend our heartfelt gratitude to Paul Kenney for sharing his insights and experiences in the world of automotive photography. Paul's journey, fueled by his deep passion and exceptional talent, is genuinely inspiring and filled with invaluable lessons. His unique ability to capture the elegance and spirit of automobiles is truly exceptional. We greatly appreciate the knowledge and expertise he has shared about his craft, and we look forward to witnessing his continued contributions and successes in the realm of automotive photography.

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Get Your Hands on The TCN App

Check out more of Paul's work and download the TCN app today and immerse yourself in a world where automotive beauty meets high-end technology. Stay tuned for our regular updates, and let's drive into the future of automotive enthusiasm together!

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