Daily Inspiration: Meet Kenneth Hines, Jr.

Today we’d like to introduce you to Kenneth Hines, Jr..

Hi Kenneth, it’s an honor to have you on the platform. Thanks for taking the time to share your story with us – to start maybe you can share some of your backstory with our readers?
My artistic journey began around 1994, inspired by the work of Bob Ross. I immersed myself in painting and drawing, which remained my primary creative outlets until 2007.

My passion for photography was sparked in June 2000 during a family RV trip from Atlanta, Georgia, to Toronto, Canada, and Fairbanks, Alaska. During that trip, my late great-aunt, Marjorie Smith, handed me a disposable camera and encouraged me to “fill it up.” I embraced her words wholeheartedly—and for more than 25 years, I have continued to do just that.

Initially, photography was not a career aspiration but rather a way to document and preserve the places I encountered through travel. That perspective shifted during my senior year at Columbia High School in Decatur, Georgia. My advanced economics teacher, Patricia Roberts, recognized the potential in my work and encouraged me to pursue photography professionally.

With her guidance and support, I founded my photography business, Dynamic Vision Photography & Design (2007–2020), later renamed Professor Hines’ Choice (2020–present).

I’m sure it wasn’t obstacle-free, but would you say the journey has been fairly smooth so far?
Certainly not! I wish it wasn’t that way, but I must be realistic. The struggles however have been rewarding experiences none-the-less. Without them I wouldn’t know of my own abilities and have the experience to know that I’m able to take on challenges.
From people not willing to give me a chance, depression, not knowing where my next income would come from I’ve experienced it, but I never gave up on my passion. I never gave up on myself and that’s why it’s a joy to get to smile at what I do, because I knew what it took to get to where I am now and the opportunities I’ve had.

Can you tell our readers more about what you do and what you think sets you apart from others?
I’m a multi-hyphenate creative—photographer, educator, industry ambassador (ZEISS Photo & Vision) and public speaker. I’ve partnered with some of the biggest names in the business, including ZEISS, Sony, Google and Adobe, where I’m an instructor and a speaker at the prestigious Adobe MAX conference. I’m also a JIB Camera Operator for the dynamic Change Church, led by Pastor Dharius Daniels in Atlanta.

I’m primarily known for my street and cityscape photography and primary usage of ZEISS prime camera lenses.

There’s numerous things to be proud about in my life and I’m just truly thankful that I never gave up on myself. Whether I had the support of others or not I continued to prevail in the photography industry and became a popular figure in such a saturated space. To now be at nearly 20 years in my professional career and closing in at 26 years in photography is simply astounding to me!

One recent thing I’m very proud about is the launch of my brand new fine art gallery, offering select art pieces of mine and my brand new book to the public: www.professorhines.com/hinesartcollection

What I feel sets me apart from others is my willingness to listen to people. I love meeting people from my community in person, hearing their stories, viewing their art and learning about how I played a role in their endeavors to begin photography. There are many people who aren’t kind in many fields, especially among photographers but I’ve always felt compelled to be someone that people can ask questions to and talk to. I’m the biggest introvert, but I do love the things people share with me on how I’ve helped them in their lives.

Do you have any memories from childhood that you can share with us?
It certainly would have to be back to June 2000, when my family (6 of us total) drove from Atlanta to Toronto, Canada and then on to Fairbanks, Alaska in a 35 foot RV. My goodness that to this day is the best trip I’ve ever been on in my life and remains the favorite among my cousins as our favorite trip in the RV. There were so many comical moments that happened along the way and many memorable experiences! I’ll never forget that trip!

Pricing:

• My New Fine Art Book – HINES: $1,500

Contact Info:

• Website: https://www.professorhines.com
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/professorhines
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/professorhines
• Twitter: https://www.twitter.com/professorhines
• Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/professorhineschoice