Kentucky’s Best Photographers From Delicious Food Photos to Abandoned Architecture

Yesterday was National Camera Day celebrating the device that has captured memories and moments throughout history, but what is the camera without the vision of the photographer behind it? I thought I would take the opportunity to feature some of Owensboro's own fabulous visual artists who have taken "Kodak Moment" to the next level.

The variety of subjects represented here is amazing. Delicious food photography, weddings, family, travel, seniors, events, architecture, and so much more! Be sure to click on each name to follow them on Facebook, and fill your social media feed with beauty.

Chosen Creations

Josh Murphy has loved photography since childhood watching his father take nature pictures with a film camera.  Ever since, he has grown his hobby into a full-blown family affair with the help of his lovely wife Laura and even bringing their talented kiddos into the mix.  They take some of the most creative senior pictures I have ever seen and are set to capture special memories at 23 weddings this year. Their 13-year-old son, Jonah, loves to shoot from above with the use of a drone.

This led to a collaboration with area drone photographers for a calendar project called Eyes to the Skies.  If you missed out on 2023, be sure to follow them for 2024! Laura says "Photography should be about collaboration and not competition." They live this mantra out through their partnership with another amazing creative, Jesse James Ayers. Here are some of their gorgeous drone photos!

Dream Copy Photography

Dream Copy is a full-time professional photography studio creating unforgettable images thanks to the dynamic duo Kenny and Debra King. Kenny got his start taking photos for websites he built for clients. Folks started requesting other types of photography and for the past 18 years, they have been making magic!  "Photography is my way of creating something that will be here when I am gone, but more importantly, for the families of my clients when they are gone," Kenny said. That gave me goosebumps! What an incredibly thoughtful way to look at this unique art form.

I love how involved they are in the community as well. Local events and non-profits have amazing photos of their events thanks to the Kings! This helps them promote throughout the year and raise money for worthy causes.

Mindi Addington Photography

Mindi has been taking photos since she was a little girl. Once she reached high school, her dad bought her a film camera.  She still owns that camera, but now mainly uses digital equipment she has invested in her talents over the years. As a full-time teacher, she makes time to capture moments for people to look back on.

I personally think that what makes Mindi special is her ability to make her clients feel comfortable. She is so patient and kind with crazy kiddos which makes for some incredible shots.  Weddings, family photos, baby photos, and holiday minis are some of her offerings.

Jamie Plain

Looking back, Jamie recalls her passion for photography actually started in the early 2000s when she got her first camera phone, the legendary flip Razr.  She took pictures of anything and everything she saw that spoke to her with that grainy 2-megapixel lens! This is so hilarious to me because her pictures are of infinitely better quality now.

It just goes to show that if you have an eye, you can capture the beauty of the world around you with any device. She later took film classes in college.

Now she works as a professional photographer for Owensboro Living/Owensboro Parent magazines and assists in culinary photoshoots throughout the United States.

Jacqueline Jordan Photography

Jacqueline got started with portrait photography working for the McLean County News after earning her college degree in photography. Taking pictures for the newspaper, she met kids around town who asked her to take their senior photos. Then those same kids started getting married and asked her to take their wedding photos.

Ten years and lots of training and experience later, Jacqueline still loves capturing people on their happiest days.  Another perk she says is "There's usually cake!"  Her work is as colorful as her personality.  Every photo she takes is glowing with joy.

AP Imagery

AP stands for Adam Paris, the extraordinary eye behind the camera lens. For over a decade, he has been capturing the essence of Owensboro through stunning images of landscapes, architecture, and photojournalism.  Adam has a passion for local history which is evident in his mission to document old structures. He also restores old photos and moderates the super-popular Facebook group "History of Owensboro" which has grown to almost 26,000 members.

It's one of my favorites! Adam is also an FAA-certified drone pilot providing a unique perspective from aerial photography.  You can find his work in homes and businesses around the area or in Abandoned Kentucky, a book he co-released which features beautiful buildings across the state that have been forgotten.

Absolutely incredible right?

I know this is just scratching the surface of talented photographers here in the area.  I wish I had the time to feature them all!  Do you know someone with an amazing eye for pictures? Feel free to share them with me!