Barnett opens photography business

BUDA — A longtime photography hobby has developed into a career for Kevin Barnett of Buda.

After a company downsizing, Barnett found himself without a job about a year ago. He looked at his options and decided to follow his love of photography. In October, Barnett officially launched Kevin Barnett Photography.

‘It (losing his job) gives you the opportunity to look at your career and the rest of your life path,” Barnett said. “Photography is something I love and am passionate about, so I decided to take this opportunity and see what happens.”

Barnett said he’s had years of experience taking photos for others and has even taken photography classes at Blackhawk East and Illinois State University.

People can see some of Barnett’s photographs on his Web site, kevinbarnettphotography.com. He also has prints available for purchase at the Sundance Gallery and Bead Buzz stores, both in Princeton. He’s also on Facebook at kevinbarnett photography.

As a professional photographer, Barnett said he offers a more cost-effective pricing for customers than many other professionals. He charges a $150 sitting fee, plus a $50 charge for travel to the Peoria area. The price includes an electronic copy of proofs.

“You own the proofs and may develop them wherever and whenever you want,” Barnett said. “There’s no more premium markups for your portraits.”

The majority of his photographs are taken on-site or on-location, such as at homes, parks or wherever the individual wants, Barnett said. He has worked quite a bit with people from the Peoria area who come up to this area because of the picturesque rural settings, with its woods and barns, he said.

Barnett also does weddings and also has a mobile light box in his home which can be used for commercial or industrial-type photography, such as jewelry or sales for e-Bay.

Barnett said the response from his customers is what he likes best about his job.

“What I like is the reactions that people have to the product that I give them,” Barnett said. “There’s something special about that. I like that they appreciate the artwork. Most people will say they aren’t photogenic, and it’s fun to provide them with some photos, and they’re happy with it.”