KAs@Work is a new series that profiles Korean Americans and their jobs. Want to share what you do, or know of people with interesting jobs? Get in touch.

Weddings only happen once in a lifetime (technically), but people spend countless years dreaming about their special day. Wedding enthusiasts worldwide will be envious of Kenny Kim, a Chicago-based destination wedding photographer who experiences the glamour, romance and decadence of weddings on a daily basis. We ask Kenny Kim what it’s like to have one of the most romantic jobs on Earth.

What attracted you to photography, specifically wedding photography?

Everyone communicates in different ways.  For me, it was through my camera. I love capturing the story and the raw emotion I can convey from and through my subjects. I enjoy meeting people and learning a little about their backgrounds and history. It helps to frame the moment I am trying to capture and allows me to have that opportunity to walk into people’s lives at their happiest moments and document all the details that happen throughout the day—and hopefully communicate that story properly through my photos.

You have shot over one hundred weddings, I know this might be a tough question, but which wedding was the most memorable, and why?

I know it might sound a bit trite and corny, but I really believe that my favorite shoot is the next one I have scheduled.  To me, the process of setting up each shoot and the execution of that shoot is the best part. I try and look back from time to time and reflect on some of the great times, photos and execution elements on certain shoots, but I do this to see what adjustments I can make to improve on those elements for the next client. Having said this, some of my favorite weddings have come from unique places I have traveled to. Some of these places include Italy, England, Korea, Caribbean, Mexico and Africa.

Any future projects you are working on? (I understand you have a PhotoVenture coming up.)

I just completed my second book called Digital Wedding Photography Photo Workshop and am currently wrapped up in the middle of my busy wedding season. I have a couple of workshops coming up in the near future. The first is in England, which will be held in Corsham, Wiltshire, just outside of London. The second one will be a week-long photo trip/workshop to Venice, Italy in November. Both will provide unique opportunities for photographers to learn and improve their craft and allow opportunities to expand their network.

As an award-winning wedding photographer, do you have any advice for people wanting to pursue a career in wedding photography?

Purchase my books? :-) All jokes aside, I think the best advice to give them is to practice, practice and practice. So many new photographers go out and purchase a digital camera and think that they can now call themselves a wedding photographer. That would be like me going out to a department store, buying all these kitchen appliances and calling myself a professional chef. It takes time to cultivate your talent and to properly start up a business. There are many good resources and workshops out there that can help you to get started off on the right foot.

Lastly, what do you do on your downtime?

Downtime? What does that mean? :-) I enjoy spending time with my girlfriend and other friends. I also love to travel and explore new cultures and professions. One of the things about being a wedding photographer is that my source of inspiration comes from everything surrounding me – whether it be watching movies or meeting new people. All these opportunities allow me to get creative ideas and network to expand my business.