Interview Series: Meet Kym Ventola

Kym Ventola is nothing shy of a talented artist, business-savvy photographer and genuine gal.

In between explaining how she and her husband, Dan, have been known to travel the U.S. to hear a good show (some of her favorite bands include Belle and Sebastian and She and Him), she was describing the excitement of what it’s like to play trains with her almost 4-year old, Johnny, all the while balancing her Arizona-based business.

When asked about what it is that gets her creative process churning, Ventola said it’s a combination of a client’s style and her personal love of all things vintage.

‘I feel inspired by other decades, I don’t really feel connected to modern nature,’ she said.

In regard to her biggest goal for 2011, Ventola added that she’d like to take on more help now that she has officially moved her office to Phoenix.

‘My goal was to move to Central Phoenix,’ she said. ‘My new goal is to bring on more help so I can focus on shooting. I’d also like to take on more fashion work.’

In response to the question of what it takes to make ones art a success, Ventola added that developing a strong business sense is most important and then everything else will take care of itself.

‘Most importantly you need to get a handle on the business side before the artistic side,’ she said. ‘That’s the stuff that you shouldn’t have to worry about.’

Additionally, Ventola mentioned that while lighting can be a photographer’s best friend and inspiration comes from multiple sources, her biggest enjoyment in life is her family.

‘When I’m playing with Johnny, it’s all about Johnny,’ she said. ‘That stuff really helps me succeed. I don’t have any cameras around. I’m really in the moment.’

In summary, when Ventola wasn’t discussing the secrets to her success or the importance of loving what it is that she does, she was quick to share some of her light-hearted favorites, among them her skinny jeans and tank tops as well as her favorite podcast series, This American Life.

In summary, Kym Ventola is down right cool and if her photography or charming personality doesn’t grab your attention, nothing will.

For a more in depth look at Ventola Photography, I invite you to go here. For a look at a shoot that she and I did this year, I invite you to go, here.