Meet Kynder Bonilla | Actor and Photographer

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

Hi Kynder, is there something that you feel is most responsible for your success?
With my experience as an actor and model, I provide a unique perspective that’s uncommon to many photographers. Because I know how it feels to be in front of the camera, I direct photoshoots with patience and aim to instill confidence in my clients. I’ll demonstrate posing, fix stray hairs, and make sure the lighting is flattering for their skin tone. All this is to create a fun and memorable photoshoot experience!

Alright, so let’s move onto what keeps you busy professionally?
I’m an Atlanta-based Photographer. I got my start with photography after discovering acting and realizing I also love being behind the camera. When the 2020 pandemic hit, I had a lot of free time on my hands to explore and create. Some used their free time during the pandemic to learn how to bake bread or play piano – I wanted to challenge myself to learn professional photography. What started as a hobby of taking pictures of my friends on a Canon 80D turned into a thriving photo business with two divisions: Actor Headshots (KB Headshots) and my Wedding Division (Kynder Bonilla Photo).

I enjoy posing and directing during shoots to help my clients embrace their authenticity and beauty. What excites me most about being a photographer is that each shoot is different. While some principles are the same, each shoot is unique. This means each day at ‘work’ doesn’t feel like ‘work’ and that’s what makes it fun!

My business has had its ups and downs, just like everyone. During the film strike in 2023, acting and photography were both slow. I’ve learned that as a freelancer, I must remain flexible and agile to keep afloat. Having two separate photography divisions allows me to target different audiences while staying creative by not sticking to one particular style. One day I’ll be in the studio taking actor headshots and the next I’ll be at a vineyard capturing someone’s wedding day. That’s the life of a freelancer that I’ve learned to embrace!

You’ll never know what life will throw at you but how you deal with it matters most.

If you had a friend visiting you, what are some of the local spots you’d want to take them around to?
As an Atlanta native, I’ve watched this city grow into the ever-diversifying landscape we see today! If my BFF were coming to town, I’d start with eating out around Buford Highway. I love Asian food and I’d take them to get some bubble tea and authentic Hong Kong-style food at Sweet Spot in Doraville.

The Atlanta Botanical Garden and Piedmont Park are popular spots in the city. There is usually something going on at Piedmont Park like a festival or concert and it’s an easy walk to Midtown for late-night eats like Sweet Hut.

Another fun spot is Ponce City Market for the food options and the Atlanta Beltline. The Beltline is a former railway that’s being converted into miles of walkable paved trails. Along the trails are shops, restaurants, and vendors selling ice cream.

Stone Mountain is also a great way to see the skyline and get a good hike in. There’s a German nearby called The Village Corner that has lots of German baked goods.

Depending on the time of year, I’d also take them up north to the North Georgia mountains for apple picking or go to a pumpkin patch.

Who else deserves some credit and recognition?
I want to give a special shoutout to my incredible husband, Brandon. His unwavering encouragement and support have been instrumental in my decision to launch my business. From being my very first photography subject to willingly stepping in as my model whenever I need to experiment with new ideas, he always has my back. I’m grateful for his belief in me every step of the way.

Website: www.shotbykynder.com/links

Instagram: @kynderbonillaphoto

Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/kynderganoe

Other: KB Headshots (Actor Headshots and Branding): www.kbheadshots.com General Photography & Weddings: www.shotbykynder.com

Image Credits
All taken by me – Kynder Bonilla