10 Mar 2024 501 LIFE photo director Mike Kemp recognized in international competition

Mike Kemp of Mike Kemp Photography in Conway was recently awarded a bronze pin for his entry in the PPA (Professional Photographers of America) International Photographic Competition.

Kemp was notified late last year that his image, titled “Unbroken,” had been selected as a finalist in the Children and Teens category. The photo features Alphonso “A.J.” Turner of Conway. The photo of Turner was originally featured in 501 LIFE Magazine in October 2022 in an article by Colleen Holt.

Kemp traveled to the PPA Imaging Conference in Lexington, Ky., in January, where the photo was recognized in their multi-round awards judging. Images were advanced to the finals based on impact, technical excellence, composition and style.

Kemp spent 15 years as a photojournalist before turning his skills to focus on portrait and commercial photography. His background in photojournalism has led him to create portraits that are relaxed and natural. After leaving photojournalism, he spent time as the photographer for the University of Central Arkansas before opening Mike Kemp Photography in 2015. In addition to his studio, Kemp serves as photo director for 501 LIFE Magazine.

Specializing in headshot, commercial and portrait photography, Kemp earned his Certified Professional Photographer (CPP) designation from PPA in 2018. He has served on the board of directors for APPA, serving as president in 2019-2020.

“This photo is one of my favorites of A.J. because it explains everything.  It is every one of his sacrifices, 

all in one picture.” – Katrina Morris, A.J.’s mother

Excerpts from the article “Fighter, smiler, bike rider, survivor” that appeared in the October 2022 issue of 501 LIFE Magazine.

Alphonso “A.J.” Turner of Conway has gone through a lot in his six years of life, but a bout with cancer, losing his hearing and having several plastic surgeries hasn’t kept him down.

A.J. was diagnosed with leukemia at age two on Dec. 26, 2018. On April 22, 2022. He rang the bell and was declared cancer-free. The employees of Arkansas Children’s Hospital even hosted a party for him. Unfortunately, this wasn’t the end of his medical issues.

A few weeks after being diagnosed with cancer, A.J. caught an infection caused by Bipolaris. This is a plant pathogen, a fungus that can cause infections in the sinuses and can even move into other areas of the skin, eyes and body. A.J.’s mother, Katrina Morris, said doctors removed his top lip because the infection was growing in his airway and through his face. In the midst of this, A.J. also lost his hearing and began wearing a hearing aid. Dealing with three illnesses at once can be overwhelming, but A.J. and Katrina persevered.

“I am very proud of my son. He’s had a very, very hard journey, but through it all he always kept a smile on his face and very positive energy,” Katrina said. “Without that I wouldn’t have been able to be strong for him. I appreciate my son’s fight. I appreciate him for showing others that God can change things around and that his story can help other people.”