Bennett named ‘Master of the Profession’

If a picture is worth a thousand words, then Wake Forest photographer Ken Bennett has been doing a lot of impressive talking. What he had to say recently attracted the attention of his colleagues around the country.

In June, the University Photographers’ Association of America (UPAA), a group of college and university photographers, selected Bennett as the recipient of the Master of the Profession award. The award honors members of the UPAA for their production of consistently high quality photography. Since the award’s creation in 2011, only six photographers have been chosen for this award.

“It is a great honor for me and the UPAA board to present the Master of the Profession award to Ken,” said UPAA president Glenn Carpenter. “Wake Forest is incredibly fortunate to have such a talented photographer on staff. But rest assured, it is not only Ken’s talented photographic skills that earned him this award. Ken’s willingness to share his knowledge with others is a shining example of the qualities we look for in those honored with the Master of the Profession award.”

The UPAA also gives awards for publications and print materials. This year, Bennett’s work was repeatedly recognized.

In the publications competition that evaluates the overall photo quality and use of photography, Bennett earned third place for publication covers, first place for viewbooks and first place for general publications. In the print competition, Bennett received second place for people and portraits, third place for campus environment and third place for news photography.

“Ken has the distinct ability to continue to innovate his photography in a contained environment,” said Hayes Henderson, executive director of creative at Wake Forest. “That creativity shines the way for others and encourages them to do the same – to challenge themselves to go deeper in their art as well as their environment.”

Bennett has been Wake Forest’s photographer since 1997. His current work can be seen at Focus on the Forest, the University’s photo blog.

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