Capturing Evidence of Life.
attended Nathan Hale High School, Milwaukee, WI | graduated 2001 BFA Photography
currently owns a photography business: www.jessicakaminski.com
Jessica Kaminski
“Putting together my thesis show prepared me for starting my own business. The whole concept of having a deadline, learning to create printed marketing materials, showing a cohesive body of work, and putting in my own physical labor were great lessons that were easily applied to being a small business owner.”
Q. What was your first memorable experience with art and design?
A. I remember being in Kindergarten and being given a simple drawing of a dragon to color. I remember adding things to my dragon, such as lollipops for the scales on his back, because I wanted mine to be different. Unfortunately, everyone at my table started to copy my idea! But the memory I have is about first noticing that being creative seemed to be in my nature.
Q. How did your MIAD education affect where you are today?
A. Putting together my thesis show prepared me for starting my own business. The whole concept of having a deadline, learning to create printed marketing materials, showing a cohesive body of work, and putting in my own physical labor were great lessons that were easily applied to being a small business owner.
Q. What was the most valuable thing you learned at MIAD?
A. One of the most valuable things I learned while at MIAD was to think first. In the photography department during critique, it was always a question of what you were trying to convey, and whether or not it was being done successfully. I am always dealing with different types of clients who all have different needs and objectives, so this was a very important lesson.
Q. If you had to sum up your job in a single sentence, what would it be?
A. All of the things that are great about my personality – my sensitivity, creativity, and versatility – are all
required of me on a daily basis in my job as a photographer.
Q. What are your goals for the
future, in art/design and in life?
A. I would love to be on set with Annie Liebowitz and watch her create a portrait! I don’t know how to make that happen, but I thought I’d put the thought out there!
Q. What are some of your hobbies/interests?
A. I love traveling, listening to and discovering new music, and learning new things. I am also looking to get back into theater or taking up a dancing class. I’d like to learn Spanish, too… I am half Puerto Rican and would like to be more connected to that side of my heritage.
Kaminski’s photography has appeared in:
- Seventeen Magazine
- The Wall Street Journal
- Movie Maker Magazine
- Milwaukee Magazine
- Wisconsin Bride Magazine
- Remy Bumpo Theater Co., Chicago
- Milwaukee Shepherd Express
- Wisconsin Wedding Planner & Guide
- Waukesha Memorial Hospital
Kaminski’s films have been awarded:
- Winner for Best Cinematography for Art Direction for “Starlite” by Tate Bunker, Paris Film Festival, 2007
- Winner for Best Experimental Film, Twin Rivers Media Festival
- Winner for Best Milwaukee Film, Milwaukee International Film Festival
