41159623•05/08/15
41159614•05/08/15
Best of Swift Current
Bobbi-Jo Knakoske was born and raised in Swift Current and enjoyed photography for a long time. She decided to pursue it as a full-time profession and there are a lot of people in southwest Saskatchewan who are glad she did. Knakoske owns Artistic Expressions Photography, an
award-winning venture for her. She can now add another accolade to her ever-growing list as she was named Best Photographer in Prairie Post’s Best of Swift Current poll. “I was honoured to win as best photographer in Swift Current. It means a lot to me because it’s the people of Swift Current that voted and they are my clients who I love working with every day,” explains Knakoske who finished second in last year’s inaugural Best of Swift Current survey. “I have the opportunity to meet wonderful people and their families with every session. Having fun and being comfortable with the photographer is very important and I try to achieve that with every one of my clients whether they come in for a session or a passport photo.” The gregarious photographer bought her Central Ave. N. studio eight years ago from another photographer and revamped it to make it her own. In total, she has been doing photography for 14 years. She goes solo with Artistic Expressions, but Larry Peterson rents a portion of the studio from her with his custom framing business. She says he makes a good addition to the studio because he can help frame her clients’ portraits. Her studio in downtown Swift Current serves her well.
It’s hard to believe how much time has passed since she first took over the studio. “The studio is where I can get creative with different lighting and it’s also a huge lifesaver if the weather isn’t co-operating when I have a session booked (especially a wedding),” Knakoske explains. “After the session, my clients come in a week or two later to the studio, relax, have a coffee and watch a slideshow of all of their portraits. I have some people that cry tears of happiness when they see their images. It’s quite touching to see the reactions and hear the comments after they’ve viewed their portraits. I want everyone to walk away with a piece of art that they can cherish for years to come.”
In this day and age of selfies and cameras on smart phones and other pieces of technology, there are a lot of photographs everywhere. However, nothing can compare to having a quality, planned photograph taken by a true professional. Many photographers consider themselves — and justifiably so — artists. “It’s the most-photographed generation ever, yet people
aren’t having anything to show for it. A lot of people keep their pictures on their phone or computer and nothing gets physically printed,” explains Knakoske. “That’s what I do. I create a photograph print, canvas or one of the many other products that I offer for people to show their portraits to their family and friends. It’s art that you’ll have forever and it marks a special moment in time. I try to create an experience at Artistic Expressions.” Not only having a passion for photography, creativity and that eye on being able to frame that perfect shot, Knakoske also has a solid educational background. She has her diploma in Photographic Technology from the Northern Alberta Institute of Technology in Edmonton. She is also part of elite photography associations which keep her sharp, but also expect high quality from their members.
She is an accredited award-winning photographer within the Saskatchewan Professional Photographers Association and also in the Professional Photographers Canada. To be a member, you have to submit your best work and have it critiqued and judged by other professional photographers.
“By being a member of these associations, I’m constantly continuing my education in photography learning new ideas and trying them out,” she points out. “These associations push me to be the best photographer I can be by learning from the masters of photography across the world.” Knakoske loves living and working in Swift Current and the southwest. She says the general national economic slowdown has not affected her. She has been busier than ever with weddings booked, head shots for business clientele, passports, sports, families, maternity, and newborns. She has a Grad Modeling Program on the go
PRAIRIE POST - Friday, May 8, 2015 - 7 Photographer able to artistically express herself in award-winning ways
Bobbi-Jo Knakoske, with Artistic Expressions Photography in Swift Current, enjoys taking family photos, especially of babies. This is one of her favourites.
for 2016 high-school graduates and is constantly going with new programs.
Besides doing it for business, Knakoske works hard because she loves it in her hometown. “The people here are friendly. When you walk down the street or in one of the stores you always have someone to chat with,” explains Knakoske. “It has that small-town closeness where everyone seems to know everyone. “In my career ,I’m always photographing something or someone different and I love what I do and enjoy doing it for my clients. “I’m always looking for new and exciting products to share with my clients. I want them to have the best quality in every photography piece they take home.”
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