Today we’d like to introduce you to Bert and Cindy Behnke.
Bert is a second generation photographer, purchased his parents business in 1985. After leaving a college track in business, he decided to go into the family business. His career has included pursuing his photography degrees with Professional Photographers of America (PPA), becoming the youngest president of the Associated Professional Photographers of Illinois and then on to the second youngest President of PPA and being recognized as Portrait Photographer of the Year by the International Photography Center at the United Nations.. He has garnered most every accolade from PPA and continues to be a part of their leadership, twenty years after being president. Over the years Bert has taken on other roles in the photography profession, as Executive Director of PPA Charities, USA reseller of KoyLab Albums out of Portugal and producer of the prominent photographic conference, PhotoPro EXPO. Along the way, he met a fellow photographer from downstate Illinois whose own distinguished career was similar to Bert’s.
Cindy Behnke ran her own business in Centralia, IL where she became one of the top photographers in the state. Having earned her Masters and Craftsman degrees from PPA, she has been recognized as a PPA Photographer of the Year numerous times, earned her Imaging Excellence degree and was the second female photographer to be president of APPI in 1999, the first was in 1954! She continues to be recognized as one of the top portrait photographers in the country, specializing if all aspects of female and maternity photography. Both Cindy and Bert are internationally recognized photographic instructors and continue to travel putting on workshops and seminars.
Has it been a smooth road?
As in any small business, the path has seen its ups and downs but the fun and good time’s way outnumber the others. We have been successful in our careers by not only helping others, but by staying current and learning from others. The real change in our industry occurred with the digital revolution followed by the recession if 2008. Thousands jumped into the photo profession and changed the market.
We’d love to hear more about your business.
We are a full service photography studio in the portrait world. Families are our mainstay, while I mentioned Cindy’s specialization in women’s portraiture. We are most proud of our business being in its 61st year and third generation. Our commitment to quality and service set us apart from most others. No portrait leaves our studio unless we has finished it to the best quality we can, we like to call it the perfect portrait.
Is our city a good place to do what you do?
Great city, the family unit is close here. But we also have the business community, the fashion and beauty business and so many other opportunities.
Contact Info:
- Address: Behnke Photographers
100 Kansas Street
Frankfort, IL 60423 - Website: www.behnkephoto.com
- Phone: 7084796700
- Email: bert@behnkephoto.com
- Facebook: Behnkephoto
- Other: Behnke Photographers
Image Credit:
All photos by Bert & Cindy Behnke
Getting in touch: VoyageChicago is built on recommendations from the community; it’s how we uncover hidden gems, so if you know someone who deserves recognition please let us know here.
