KC Wilkerson

A little over ten years ago, on the eve of a trip to Europe, I found myself in a thrift store somewhere just outside Orlando, Florida. There, I purchased my first camera, a Fuji STX-2; a manual SLR. My experience with cameras was limited to Polaroids and those little buggers that used to shoot 110 film. I had no idea what the camera could do or, ultimately, how much it would mean to me. I spent six months in twelve different countries in Europe and shot about 2,000 photographs.
About three weeks into my trip, I was riding my bike in Calais, France, shooting along the cliffs and amongst the World War II dugouts and battlements. I happened upon a small cemetery about an hour before sunset and spent the remaining daylight shooting headstones and statuary. At the time, I wasn’t quite sure why I was drawn to that particular subject matter. Once the film was developed, though, it became apparent that I had, seemingly by accident, stumbled upon my passion.
Since then, I have had the opportunity to return to Europe as well as numerous cities in the United States. Whenever I travel, I seek out not only cemeteries and churches, but other interesting architectural details; windows, doors, handles, latches – the things we often neglect paying attention to in the rush of day-to-day life.
I’ve had no formal training, other than a strong design background, which I believe informs my work. I find that I’m drawn to capturing images that combine interesting combinations of composition and light.
I’ve heard my work characterized as “dark”, “grim”, and “morose”. I’ve also heard it spoken of as “spiritual”, “hopeful”, and “luminous”. I suppose, as with all art, everyone views the work through their own filter. My perspective is that I shot each of the images you see on this site because of a strong connection; sometimes visceral, occasionally cerebral, often emotional.
I now shoot in film and digital, using all Canon gear, with the exception of my old Fuji (which produced many of the photos available). The vast majority of the pieces receive little to no manipulation. Those that have been altered have received only minor changes (boosting contrast, adjusting brightness, etc). The only true exceptions are some of the pieces in my Café Press store (http://www.cafepress.com/kcwgallery), some of which have been significantly altered in order to create appropriate work for each piece of merchandise.
Thanks for visiting this site and considering purchasing my work. I am well aware that it appeals to a somewhat small niche of collectors and truly appreciate the support.

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