Portrait Commissions
Making art from light, time, & memory
Artist’s Statement
I photograph life and people through moments of connection and observation. Whether I am photographing a birthday, a wedding, an old house, or just an ordinary day, my approach remains the same: I believe it is my job to witness and document with sincerity, love, and surrender to the present moment. Rooted in mindfulness of time and the significance of its passage, I strive to make pictures that feel particular, enduring, and anchored in meaning.
With formal training in traditional black & white film photography and darkroom techniques and over 8 years of experience professionally photographing portraits and weddings, I approach my work from a place of curiosity, empathy, and attention to detail. I specialize in film photography but often incorporate a variety of analog and digital mediums in my work. I am known less for what I photograph and more for how I photograph, and thus work best with those who are willing to do a trust fall and invite me in to document them in an honest, emotionally-attuned way. Rather than publications or magazine features, my hope is for my photographs to find a home in well-worn family photo albums, picture frames, and keepsake boxes.
Email: grey@greykenna.com
Instagram: @greykenna / @greykennaweddings
Approach
A Documentary Approach
I believe that real life, as it unfolds naturally, is what is most worth documenting - I rely on observation and presence rather than posing or performance for the camera. My goal is to capture real emotions, moments, and interactions as they unfold in front of me.
Film
I photograph on film because of its distinct visual qualities as well as the uniquely slow, tangible process it requires of me as an artist. All commissions are shot on film or a blend of film & digital formats. Specific film formats (color/b&w, 35mm, 120, and Polaroid) are chosen per project.
Commissions & Pricing
All people, families, & love stories welcome, always.
Full Portrait Sessions
A few hours spent together in your home, out in nature, or at a location that is meaningful to you. Less like a portrait session, more like quality time with an old friend.
Images delivered within 3-6 weeks via online gallery and exclusive access to professional photography labs for ordering archival prints and keepsakes.
25% deposit required to book, remainder due at session. Payment plans available.
$850
Add-Ons
Heirloom Portfolio Box
A portfolio box containing 5 signed and matted-by-hand fine art prints of my favorite images from your commission, a stack of handheld everyday prints, and any physical photographic artifacts from your commission (e.g. Polaroids).
$600
Relationship Driven
Building a genuine relationship is the foundation of my approach - I care deeply about honoring the vulnerability and trust my clients offer me, and have learned that my best work actually stems from this connection.
Prints
I believe that the physical print is the intended, final form of the photograph as a work of art. Commissions may include prints as part of the original collection, and always come with lifelong access to a professional photographic print lab for the ability to purchase & order archival prints to keep as heirlooms.
Documentary Projects
For half- or full-day adventures, longer-term creative collaborations, or larger documentary project commissions. Custom quoted to reflect size & scope of each project.
Images delivered within 4-8 weeks via online gallery and exclusive access to professional photography labs for ordering archival prints and keepsakes.
25% deposit required to book, remainder due at session. Payment plans available.
$1,200+
Super 8 Motion Pictures
Motion pictures (video clips without audio) shot on genuine super 8 film. Included in final gallery as .mp4 video files.
$600
Notes from Past Clients
“We really have never had any photos quite like the ones Grey took, capturing these moments in our life. Wow. We found ourselves looking at this one portrait she took of us in the kitchen and saying “one day our kids are gonna love this photo as much as we do” and that kind of depth and memory is truly only captured by an artist with intention. I showed my mom & asked for her favorite & she just said “I don’t think I could pick just one” and that speaks volumes.
We are so so so grateful to have crossed paths with Grey and cannot contain how excited we are to continue to have her document our lives as we grow & just continue to know her & her beautiful soul as she grows as well. We are so grateful to her from the depths of our hearts. She is amazing & such a gem!!”
Emma & Erik
“Grey is the only photographer I trust. Her unerring eye fixes on the moments and aspects of your self that feel truest, and this is evident in her work. I'm so happy with the photos she took: they feel true to who I am as a person - and this is no small feat, since I rarely feel captured / represented in photos. Grey's work is poetic, tender, beautiful - as she herself is. Thank you, Grey!”
Mandy
“We were lucky enough to have Grey take our engagement portraits, and they came out better than we could have expected. The photos are timeless and candid - something that we will be proud to show our children because they truly reflect our relationship. The mixture of digital and film really makes the photos stand out.
Grey is like a fly on the wall, but is happy to step in and guide when needed. She made it a point to sit down and talk to us prior to our session, and that made the day even more fun and memorable. We truly cannot say enough good things about Grey and her work, and we will always sing her praises!”
Allison & Hank
FAQ
How does payment work? Do you offer payment plans?
I require a 25% deposit to book, with the remainder due two weeks prior to your session date. Payment plans are available and can be customized to suit what works best for you, whether you would like to pay in one lump sum or a handful of smaller installments (no interest or added fees ever).
We love your work but we are nervous about not being posed! We don’t know what to do in front of the camera!
That’s okay! This is normal, almost all of my clients feel this way at the beginning of our time together. I want to reassure you that there is nothing I need from you - how you exist already is more than enough for me to work with, and to make beautiful pictures. As your photographer, it is my job to find good light and position myself around you to get the best possible angles. If I need anything from you, I’ll tell you, but 95% of the time all I need is for you to be fully present and in the moment.
What’s your turnaround time?
Sessions typically take anywhere from 3-6 weeks. This depends on how busy I am, as I prioritize delivering my best work over achieving a fast turnaround time. Occasionally this process takes a bit longer than usual if the mail and/or lab (and/or myself!) is backed up - and in that case, I’ll be in touch with you and do my best to give you an updated turnaround timeframe.
How to Book
Once we confirm a session date, a 25% retainer and signed agreement officially books your portrait commission. The remainder of payment is due by one week prior to your session date.
To get the ball rolling, send me a note about what you are hoping to document, what kind of coverage you have in mind, and some possible dates/date ranges you have in mind. I can’t wait to hear from you!
grey@greykenna.com
Pitch me anything— a day at home, a trip to the lake, an afternoon in the garden. A birthday, an anniversary, a special occasion. A walk in the neighborhood, a dinner party, a particular age you want to capture.
What do you want to remember most?
What rhythms and memories are meaningful to you?