About R.J. Kern
Kern-Photo is run by R.J. Kern (that’s me!), an award-winning Minneapolis Wedding Photographer who takes a fresh approach to wedding photography.
I use a blend of candid photojournalism, modern portraiture, and fun, real-moment photography to completely capture moments on my clients’ wedding days. Hopefully, your wedding day, too!
The couples I’ve worked with have given me great feedback over the years. Many say they love both the quality of my work, customer service, and my contagious enthusiasm.
My Professional Background
I majored in Art & Art History and Environmental Geography from Colgate University and hold a Master’s Degree from the University of Colorado in Boulder. My career began at the National Geographic Society. I spent five years there and became inspired by some of the world’s finest photographers. For the last 10 years I’ve built my wedding photography business in both Denver and Minneapolis, but I shoot weddings all over the world. I enjoy shooting destination weddings no different than a backyard wedding done up right.
You can also learn more about my fine-art photography work on my personal site here: www.rjkern.com
Accolades
- Top 50 Wedding Photographer in the US by Weddzilla, 2014.
- ISPWP photo contest awards, “Family Love” and “Getting Ready” category blogged HERE, August 2016
- Fearless Photographer Award, Collection 29 blogged HERE, February 2016
- Fearless Photographer Award, Collection 23, September 2014
- Fearless Photographer Award, Collection 22 blogged HERE, July 2014
- Fearless Photographer Award, Collection 20, March 2014
- Fearless Photography Feature, “Minnesota Wedding Photographer,” March 3, 2014
- ISPWP photo contest awards, “Engagement Portrait” and “Bridal Party” categories blogged HERE, Winter 2013
- ISPWP photo contest award, “Humor” category blogged HERE, Fall 2013
- ISPWP photo contest award, “Humor” category blogged HERE, Fall 2013
- ISPWP photo contest award, “Emotional Impact” category blogged HERE, Winter 2012
- ISPWP photo contest award, “Bridal Party” category blogged HERE, Fall 2012
- Fearless Photographer Award for “Stunning Wedding Photos Redefining Wedding Photography,” 2012
- ISPWP Winter 2011 Accolades of Excellence blogged HERE
- Chosen as one of the best 350 Wedding Photographers in the World by BEST OF WEDDING PHOTOGRAPHY, 2010
- Top 5 overall photographer ISPWP Fall 2009 announced HERE and blogged HERE
- International Society of Wedding Photographers (ISPWP) interview featured HERE
Press / Publications
- The Unchosen, National Geographic, November 2017
- When Photography and Martial Arts Collide, PBS Newshour, August 2016.
- Wedding Photography for Fun and Profit: R. J. Kern on How To Be Creative and Competitive As a Wedding Photographer, Shutterbug Magazine, March 2016.
- Why Does RJ Kern Pursue Personal Projects?, Tiffinbox, June 2015.
- Client Spotlight: Behind the Scenes Shooting PhaseOne IQ260, Capture Integration blog, December 2014.
- Taking the Road Less Traveled On The Way to Becoming a Professional Photographer, August 2014.
- Colorful Whimsical, Couture Colorado, March 19, 2014
- Fearless Photographers Blog Feature, March 2014.
- Creating Vanity Fair-eque Bridal Party Images, Featured Expert on the ProDPI blog, February 2014.
- Christina’s World Comes to Life, Seven by Five, November 19, 2013.
- How to Show Clients the Value of Professional Photographic Prints, The Photo Life, June 2013
- Photography for the Professional {10 Truisms}, The Photo Life, May 2013
- Shooting Digital Medium Format in Wedding Photography, Photofocus, Jan 2013.
- Burning Man Family Portraits, Profoto Blog, Jan 28, 2013.
- Where the Smart Money Goes, PhaseOne Testimonial, Dec 2012.
- Lighten Your Load: 4 Tips to Reduce Gear on a Shoot, The Photo Life, Oct 2012.
- Inspired by an Old Master: The Importance of Lighting, The Photo Life, Oct 2012.
- R.J. Kern, With the Assist from Rembrandt, The Strobist, Sept, 2012
- A Wedding, Deconstructed, Fstoppers, March 2012
- “Vintage Lights for a Vintage Shoot”, Fstoppers, April 2011
- The Knot, Colorado – Spring / Summer 2011, Info & Images here, page 128
- “Vintage Lights for a Vintage Shoot”, Fstoppers, April 2011
- STYLE & TRENDS {style shoot}, www.CoutureColorado.com, April 2011
- The Business End of Wedding Photography: Big Changes in Style and Technology And How Social Media Changes The Game, Shutterbug Magazine, March 2011.
- The Knot, Colorado – Spring /Summer 2010, Info & Images here, page 40
- Real Colorado Wedding {Aspen}, Couture Colorado, Sept 2010
- Real Colorado Wedding {Denver}, Couture Colorado, August 2010
- RadioPopper P1 Review, The Nikonian (ezine), Summer 2008, Issue 39, page 18-21.
Teaching Experience at Conferences / Workshops / Classroom
- Guest Speaker, Valor High School, September 2016 (Info and Images here)
- MN Pictage User Group (PUG) Leader, June 2013 – June 2015.
- Instructor at Elevate Workshop, Palm Springs, CA (Info & Images here), Jan 2011
- Shooting Workshop at 2010 Pictage PartnerCon, New Orleans, LA (Info & Images here), Nov 2010
- “Lightpainting on a Shoestring Budget,” Denver Pictage User Group Meeting, Denver, CO, Sept 2010
- “Single Flash, Multiple Exposure – Daylight Light Painting,” Mile High Photographers, Idaho Springs, CO, May 2009
- Coffee-Shop Classes, various locations in Denver, CO Jan – Dec 2008
Organizations
- International Society of Professional Wedding Photographers (ISPWP)
- Fearless Photographers – Member
- International Portrait Artists – Member
- Best of Wedding Photography – Founding Member
- Professional Photographers of America (PPA)
- Wedding and Portrait Photographers International (WPPI)
