Meet Joe Krehlik | Master Photographer, Graphic Designer

We had the good fortune of connecting with Joe Krehlik and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Joe, we’d love to start by asking you about lessons learned. Is there a lesson you can share with us?
“The only thing constant is change.” I have always been a creative person, but have had to adapt to different industries over the years due to changing technology. I started out in the printing business because I wanted to be a graphic designer. Nobody would hire me at the time because I didn’t have a college degree, so I started my own printing business. After many successful years, the internet really changed what and how much was printed, so I evolved into having my own photography studio. Now I find myself evolving further and getting into commercial video.

Alright, so let’s move onto what keeps you busy professionally?
I guess what sets me apart from many other photographers is my Master Degree. That took a lot of work and effort, not to mention expense to get. Professionally I would say it is the hardest thing I’ve ever done.

Nowadays anyone can pickup a camera, have some business cards printed and claim they are a photographer. Some are good, but many are not. We are bombarded by so many images on social media today that really good, classic portrait work is getting lost. It’s sad, really. Please don’t get me wrong, I am not saying that one has to have a degree to be a good photographer. I know some fantastic, and very successful photographers that do not have degrees, but for me personally working my ass off to get that degree developed my eye, and technique and has enabled me to set myself apart artistically along with making me a much better business person. I encourage everyone looking to have something more than “just a picture,” to seek out a Certified Professional Photographer. It is your guarantee that you are hiring someone that knows posing, lighting, and will have a thorough knowledge of their equipment. If you are lucky enough to find a Master Photographer (we’re getting pretty scarce) you will get someone that knows how to utilize light, posing and their creative mindset to truly create something unique to preserve a milestone, or help you create a stunning piece for your home. If you are reading this and are an aspiring photographer I would encourage you to get active in your state organization and with PPA, the Professional Photographers of America.

The highlight of my career so far was in 2017 when I was named one of the top 10 portrait photographers Internationally in the Professional Photographers of America’s annual International Print Competition. That particular image means a lot to me as it is a portrait of a grade school friend of mine. This was a big deal, this competition is the top print competition in the world, and I placed in the top 10. I still shake my head in disbelief, but I have the award and the book, so I know it really happened, lol…This has been my proudest moment to date. The image was titled “Suffering with Sin,” and is a very thought provoking image that can be interpreted many different ways.

Shoutout is all about shouting out others who you feel deserve additional recognition and exposure. Who would you like to shoutout?
My wife and family definitely deserve a shout out because they have always had my back, and always been a voice of reason. When I’ve been overwhelmed, they jump right in and offer support in any way they can. When I first realized I wanted to start my own business, but of course was worried about “paying the bills,” my Dad really sealed the deal for me when he said, :son, what’s the worst that can happen? You fail miserably and have to go get a job?” Something I was already doing. He also told me, “no matter what you won’t starve, you will eat, there will always be food on your plate as long as we are here.” That really enabled me to put my mind at ease and concentrate on jumping-in with both feet and quitting my daily job. My Mom, really helped me open my printing business. She would handle the phones and walk-ins while I was either out calling on potential new clients or working on design or printing. My wife not only helped out with the printing business, she eventually took it over as I began to transition into photography and ran it quite well until we decided to finally close the doors. She now has a successful career of her own, but continues to help when and where she can.

Website: www.joekrehlik.com

Instagram: @joekcreative

Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/joe-krehlik-25788919/

Twitter: @krehlikjoe

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/joekrehlikcreative

Youtube: Coming Soon!

Image Credits
All images (C) Copyright Joe Krehlik