IMPACT, Storytelling and Composition. An interview with Kevin Jairaj.

In just a few short years, Kevin Jairaj has not only become one of the most sought after photographers in the USA, but also worldwide. Kevin is known for his dramatic use of lighting and color and his ability to create some of the most stunning wedding artistry for his clients.

He has been commissioned to shoot weddings in London, Hawaii, Trinidad and Tobago, The Bahamas, Mexico, Jamaica, and Anguilla in addition to the many weddings he shoots in the Dallas/Fort Worth Area and the rest of the USA. Kevin is also a favorite among the celebrity crowd and has shot weddings and events for many musicians, actors, and famous athletes.

Kevin has also won Numerous 1st Place Awards in the very prestigious WPPI (Wedding and Portrait Photographers International) 16x20 and 8x10 print competitions in addition to having several prints selected in the PPA Loan collection. He was also named a 2008 Top Knots of Wedding Photography by the very well respected Photo District News magazine and his work has been published in countless books and magazines such as Photo District News, American Photo, Rangefinder, USA Today, Professional Photographer, Destination Weddings, Southern Vanity, and People just to name a few.



How long have you been picking up a camera?

I have been shooting since college, but actually went fulltime in 2004-2005

Did you always know that you wanted to be a photographer?

No, I am a sports nut, and always thought I would be in Sports Management! In fact, I still shoot Professional Sports any chance I get!

What is your speciality as a photographer?

I love photographing Weddings, Fashion, and Glamour.

When you're not shooting for clients, what kind of images do you like to shoot?

Sports, Fashion, and edgy Glamour.



You have been an international judge for many years now, how did you first get into judging?

I got into it through WPPI and absolutely LOVE it. It makes me look at images a whole different way than you would for a client. It's honestly one of my favorite things to do and fortunately, I am asked to judge several competitions every year.

Do you think there are extra considerations to be made when entering an International versus Local competition?

Most definitely! You need to take extra care to make sure every little detail is done to your best ability as the talent level is much deeper at the International Level!

It's been said many times that entering a competition is more than just winning. What do you take out of a competition when you enter?

I agree! You learn so much about what is trendy and hip at the moment as well as ways to look at your own work with a different eye.

What are the first 3 things you look at in your images when you enter a competition?



IMPACT, Storytelling, Composition. That being said, IMPACT will always be first in my images or when I judge.

What advice would you offer photographers entering a competition for the first time?

Study previous competition winners as well as make sure your image has a lot of Impact and tells a great story. Also, pay attention to the little things like cloning out dust spots or dodging and burning in the right places, etc...

Entries to the 2010 International Aperture Awards are open until the end of October. The judging will be carried out through November with the winners announced in December.

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