Knolan Benfield, born on May 17th, 1941, passed away on July 11th, 2024, leaving a legacy of love, mentorship, and inspiration. His journey ended in the presence of his loving daughter, Therese Benfield LaValley, and his son-in-law, Brent LaValley, after a brief battle with pancreatic and liver cancer. What began as a seemingly simple UTI diagnosis on June 24th quickly revealed the gravity of his condition. Still, Knolan faced his final days with the strength and grace that characterized his life.
Knolan was more than just an uncle to me; he was my guide, my teacher, and the person who opened my eyes to the world of photography. His influence shaped my career and my approach to storytelling, especially within the realm of ministry. Knolan’s work with the North American Mission Board from 1969 to 1978 was a testament to his dedication to capturing and sharing the impactful stories of missions.
In 1978, Knolan gave me my first camera, igniting a passion that defined my professional journey. He patiently taught me the intricacies of the exposure triangle, composition, and lighting, skills that have become the foundation of my work. Our family vacations were often opportunities for me to learn from him at his studio, The Benfield Touch, in Hickory, North Carolina.
Through Knolan, I met numerous professional photographers who influenced my path. Robert Reed, whom I met during a visit in my final Spring Break from East Carolina, offered me a chance to work at the Hickory Daily Record. Knolan’s mentorship extended to his mentor, Don Rutledge, who played a crucial role in my hiring by the International Mission Board to work on The Commission Magazine.
Here are photos from one of our two teaching trips to the YWAM School of Photography in Kona, Hawaii.
Even as I pursued my theological studies at Southwestern Baptist Theological Seminary, Knolan’s network supported me. Paul Obregon, whom Knolan had hired, informed me about a job opportunity at Georgia Tech. Gary Meek, a mutual acquaintance from the North American Mission Board, would later hire me at Georgia Tech, continuing the chain of mentorship and opportunity that Knolan initiated.
When I transitioned to full-time freelancing in 2002, Knolan encouraged me to seek advice from Ken Touchton, whose wisdom was invaluable for navigating the freelance world. Knolan’s support was unwavering; he assisted with editing my early newsletters and blog posts, and I often sought his help on commercial jobs. Our collaborative spirit extended to teaching photography at the School of Photography with Youth With A Mission in Hawaii, an experience I deeply cherish.
Family vacations were filled with moments of connection and adventure. Knolan, his wife Gale, and I shared countless hikes and camping trips from Cades Cove, Tennessee, to Stone Mountain State Park in North Carolina. These memories are a testament to the personal and professional bond we shared.
Knolan Benfield’s impact on my life and career is immeasurable. His legacy lives on through the countless stories he helped tell and the many lives he touched. As we remember him, we celebrate a life dedicated to faith, family, and the art of storytelling.
Rest in peace, Uncle Knolan. Your light continues to guide and inspire.
“Knolan means a lot to me. He started my career in photojournalism and multi-media.”
Jerome McClendon
“Knolan hired me and had he not I wouldn’t have enjoyed the professional career at the AJC. Guess The Benefield Touch touched a lot of us.”
William A. Bridges