Today we’d like to introduce you to Kimberly Case.
Hi Kimberly, we’d love for you to start by introducing yourself
Greetings! I am Kimberly Case, a fine art portrait photographer located in Irmo South Carolina. I am co-owner and the lead photographer at Studio 3P, LLC. My portrait work is award-winning and internationally published. You can locate me across media platforms using #kimberlycaseart.
I got started in portrait photography on March 4, 2018, I remember the day clearly; I was assisting behind the scenes at a local photography studio during a large family photo session. At that time, there were two photographers at Studio 3P, LLC.
One of the photographers directing the session handed me a spare camera and jokingly said to me, “You aren’t busy; why don’t you take some photos?” I did, and the rest is history. I found that I loved capturing people’s expressions, in showing people how special they are. It was then I began my never-ending quest to explore this new artistic medium. A few months after that first portrait session, I entered an image of a beautiful child into the state fair arts competition. I was overjoyed when Girl with Sword earned Best of Show in the Professional Division. I was told that it was the first photograph to ever win that distinction in the 150 years of the South Carolina State Fair. With that big affirmation, I was encouraged that I was on the right track.
I began “second-shooting” at portrait sessions directed by my two mentors at Studio 3P. When the founder became ill, I stepped in to try to fill his shoes. As his health declined, he sought to teach me what he knew about photography and about the business of managing a successful portrait studio. Such a giving person, he shared his life’s knowledge until his passing. After his death, my other mentor took me on as his business partner. In 2019, I became the lead photographer at Studio 3P, LLC located in Irmo, SC.
Since then, I have devoted myself to carrying on the studio’s work while developing my own artistic style. Along the way, my artwork has won many national competitions and awards, been published internationally, and been featured on SCE TV and other media outlets. But, most importantly, it has brought smiles and with Nader to clients and viewers.
My exhibition, In the Time of COVID (70+ self-portraits and still life images), took center stage at this regional artistic powerhouse; what an honor! Apart from all the awards and recognition for my artwork, the thing that fulfills me the most is watching my clients fall in love with themselves after seeing the portraits we’ve created.
This world can be hard, but there is a lot of power in a well-done portrait. That’s my main artistic mission: to elevate my subjects in their own eyes… to let them see how special they are, even if they don’t see it themselves.
Would you say it’s been a smooth road, and if not what are some of the biggest challenges you’ve faced along the way?
There is actually some controversy in some parts of the art community concerning whether photography should be counted among other artistic art forms such as watercolor, oil, and pastels. Of course, I would shout a loud “Yes! Photography can be art!”
Although I have explored many different art forms throughout my life, portrait photography is the one artistic medium that I have found all-engrossing of every artistic skill I have. I constantly study and experiment to increase my knowledge and skill.
I bring my artist’s eye to every session, seeking to enhance the composition and elevate the portraits to the highest level.
Thanks – so what else should our readers know about your work and what you’re currently focused on?
My artwork is unique in the area, I feel. Often, at first glance, my work is mistaken for an oil painting. This is due to several design factors: rich colors, deep textures, dramatic lighting, and the use of strong artistic composition. Often, for my creative work, I make use of a special wardrobe and costumes.
However, for my client work, I seek to fulfill their wishes, their dreams for their portrait. I have over 1000 ft.² of storage piled high with wardrobes and accessories to help fulfill my clients’ visions. Sometimes, only the simplest hints are required to paint the mood, other times an immersive set is built with a layered wardrobe. It all depends on the end goal. While many photographers find themselves called on to capture primarily weddings and babies, I’ve been blessed to meet so many different people at different exciting times of their lives: Authors publishing new books, musicians beginning new ventures, singers cutting new albums, heads of business rebranding themselves.
I love helping moms, dads, children, and students! Each person has their own story to tell, their own hopes and dreams. My clients come from all over South Carolina (and even out of state) because they see what I provide and its difference. I love serving my portrait clients to make their portrait dreams come true. Also, I like to experiment and try out new concepts and techniques by creating art using myself as the subject: Self-portraits.
As the pandemic hit in 2020, the Koger Center for the Arts put out a call to artists to submit their quarantine work. Over 55 artists from around the region submitted their artwork; from among all the entries, my portfolio won the top prize and was selected for exhibition during the summer of 2021.
Before we go, is there anything else you can share with us?
I seek to continue elevating photography to the highest level. I want to continue serving clients by creating my unique art for them. I also want to work with local leaders to bring more art of all kinds to my beautiful neighborhood of Irmo and the surrounding areas.
As an active member of the Greater Irmo Chamber of Commerce, I seek to use my passion and my gifts to help my community.
Contact Info:
- Email: kimberly@studio-3P.com
- Website: www.studio-3p.com
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/studio3p29063/?hl=en
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/PhotoStudio3P/
Image Credits
Studio 3P, LLC and Kimberly Case
