Kent Barker shared their story and experiences with us recently and you can find our conversation below.
Hi Kent, thank you so much for joining us today. We’re thrilled to learn more about your journey, values and what you are currently working on. Let’s start with an ice breaker: What makes you lose track of time—and find yourself again?
Meditation is my answer to this question… and curiously, has always been at the core of why I love photography. As an artist and a photographer, I produce my best work when I am fully and completely present. I used to describe this state as “the act of seeing” or being “in the zone”. Now I define it as what it really is… a form of active meditation. Escaping the “monkey mind” and being present in the “now”.
Can you briefly introduce yourself and share what makes you or your brand unique?
I am 73 years old and have been a commercial photographer my entire life. I’ve shot fashion for Neiman Marcus, album covers and magazine spreads for artists such as Jerry Lee Lewis, Willie Nelson & Lyle Lovett and national ads for clients like Budweiser, Four Seasons and Nike. Portraiture… with a kind of stylized bent, has always been my thing. I am also someone that loves the craft of photography. In the film era I had a darkroom and was very committed to the print making process. Today I have a digital printer and can now create prints on archival art papers!
In 2025, I started a project photographing women over the age of 50. I advertised the sessions on Facebook, which was something completely new for me. For a set fee, the women received a half day “magazine style” photo shoot that included a top level hair & makeup artist! My goal was to “see” these women and to reveal their beauty.
That work will be exhibited in March of next year at the Art on Main gallery (4428 Main Street, Suite 200 Dallas, Texas 75226). The opening will be on Saturday, March 21 from 6:00 to 9:00 pm. I am also creating a companion book.
Appreciate your sharing that. Let’s talk about your life, growing up and some of topics and learnings around that. What did you believe about yourself as a child that you no longer believe?
Like many people, I grew up in an alcoholic and abusive household. The sad result was that I came to believe something was wrong with ME… and that I was responsible for and deserved the abuse. This tainted and powerful identity was buried & unaccessible for most of my early adulthood. Divorce finally led me to therapy and what a revelation that was!! Healing from trauma like this takes time and conviction…but the reward is ten fold!
Have I suffered as a result of this…absolutely!! The gift I received however, is compassion. When we have suffered, we recognize suffering in others and are able to reach out to them. As strange as it may seem, I am deeply thankful for the lessons I have been given.
Was there ever a time you almost gave up?
I am old enough to have spent half of my career in the film era. I loved shooting film and working in the darkroom…and was very good at it! As digital technology began to emerge, I maintained that I would never make that transition. “I am a tried and true film shooter,” I said “and will stay within that medium to the end of my career.” This went on for a few years. Eventually my reps sat me down and said…”Kent, do you want to continue to work? If the answer is yes, then you need to get on the digital train now! It is leaving the station and if you don’t jump on… you can pretty much kiss your career goodbye.”
With great reluctance, I dove in. And the rest (as they say) is history. So many things that were impossible previously are now just part of the workflow today. It’s mind boggling.
Alright, so if you are open to it, let’s explore some philosophical questions that touch on your values and worldview. Is the public version of you the real you?
At the ripe old age of 73, I am happy to say…YES!!! This is one of the great benefits of age. You have finally lived long enough to be comfortable in your own skin. You know who you are and what you believe. And the judgement of others carries much less weight.
Okay, so before we go, let’s tackle one more area. If you knew you had 10 years left, what would you stop doing immediately?
At my age, having only 10 to 15 years left (with luck) is a reality. I love my work and am one of those people that hopes “to die with his boots on”. My rule at this stage of life is simple…work with people you like working with and shoot what brings you joy. And laugh!
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.kentbarker.com
- Linkedin: kent.barker
Image Credits
©Kent Barker
