Meet the Artists
Two perspectives. One shared approach to creating photographic art.
Benkis Photography is the creative partnership of Mike and Amy Benkis. Their photography moves between the unpredictability of the natural world and carefully constructed conceptual imagery, but the approach remains consistent: thoughtful light, atmosphere, storytelling, and intentional design.
Mike and Amy bring different strengths and perspectives to the creative process. Rather than trying to make those perspectives identical, they use them to challenge ideas, refine concepts, and create photographs that feel distinctly their own.
Mike Benkis
Wildlife • Landscape • Education
Mike's photography is rooted in wildlife and landscape work, with a particular interest in behavior, atmosphere, light, and moments that reveal something about a subject rather than simply document it.
His wildlife photography has been published multiple times in Nebraskaland Magazine and the Omaha World-Herald, and his work has been exhibited at Lee G. Simmons Wildlife Safari Park.
Photography education has also been a significant part of Mike's career. He spent approximately eight years teaching photography with Omaha's Henry Doorly Zoo two as a volunteer and six as an employee and continues to teach through small-group workshops, one-on-one mentoring, camera clubs, and speaking engagements.
In collaborative conceptual work, Mike frequently concentrates on lighting design and technical execution while working with Amy to translate the original idea into the finished photograph.
Amy Benkis
Photography • Fine Art • Creative Direction
Amy brings a fine-art perspective and a distinctly different creative eye to Benkis Photography. She works as both a photographer and creative director, with a major role in the conceptual and fashion-inspired side of the studio.
Concepts are frequently developed collaboratively from their earliest stages, with Amy contributing styling, wardrobe, atmosphere, posing, composition, and visual direction as the idea develops.
Amy creates photographs with her own authorship and perspective, bringing a distinct visual voice to the finished body of work.
Her perspective is an essential part of the visual identity of Benkis Photography and particularly important to the studio's conceptual, fashion, and portrait work.
Different Perspectives. Shared Vision.
Some photographs begin with a carefully planned concept, while others begin with an early morning, changing weather, wildlife behavior, or simply being in the right place long enough to recognize what is happening.
What connects the work is the way Mike and Amy approach the photograph itself. Technique matters, but it serves the image rather than becoming the point of it.
Whether working in the field, building a portrait from the ground up, teaching another photographer, or traveling together in search of new work, the goal remains the same: create photographs worth returning to.
Experience & Recognition
Benkis Photography's work and photographic education have been represented through publications, exhibitions, professional organizations, and photography communities throughout the region.
Nebraskaland Magazine • Omaha World-Herald • Lee G. Simmons Wildlife Safari Park • Omaha Audubon Society • Professional Photographers of Nebraska • Omaha's Henry Doorly Zoo • Rockbrook Camera Club • Heron Haven Camera Club
Work With Mike & Amy
Explore the artwork, attend a workshop, commission a portrait, or get in touch about creating something together.
Contact Benkis Photography