Kimberly Kunda

I picked up my first camera as a melancholy kiddo living in the country, and would take photos of everything in sight - flowers, my siblings, the family dogs, bird houses on old fences, anything that played back my emotional state or elevated it! I grew up on a 23-acre garden/airport and was one of 5 daughters to beloved Chip and Mary Kunda. My parents were pioneers, and laid the foundation for all of their kids to pursue their dreams. So my photography background starts with my family. They bought me my first pink 35mm camera from Kmart, and would drive me to drop off film and pick up photos at Color Bright in Trappe PA all the time. So many prints of everyday life. That was my muse. I still have boxes and boxes of these photos in my basement. My younger sister and best friend Rebecca would model for me - we invented how to pose with a swatch watch and how to look effortless smelling a flower from the garden in our oversized hand-me-downs and bathing suits. As soon as high school rolled around, I was first in line for every photography class that Mr. Bosler at Methacton High School taught. I even took classes he made just for me. He taught me during empty periods how to develop color prints in the darkroom. I was hooked. Fast forward to college, I majored in Journalism, and combined my love of photography and writing and told stories of marginalized voices and groups on campus at USF. I put my melancholy outsider voice to good use. I was passionate and worked hard. I was active in our small community arts center at USF as well, and made my way to my B.A. with hundreds of articles and prints that I poured my whole self into. I was taught at an early age that passion and desire are the secret to all things. If you have desire, real inherent passion for something, you will find your path.