We caught up with the brilliant and insightful Kyrah Maddy- Peterson a few weeks ago and have shared our conversation below.
Hi Kyrah, thank you so much for joining us and opening up about the very personal topic of divorce. So many in the community are going through or have gone through divorce and we think hearing about how others dealt with the aftermath and managed to build a vibrant, successful life and career despite the trauma of divorce can be helpful to many who might be feeling a degree of hopelessness. So, maybe you can talk to us about how you overcame divorce?
Going through divorce with two kiddos was one of the hardest journeys Ive gone through. There was so much peace yet so much pain I had to heal from. It was bittersweet.
I found my way through by reconnecting with myself through engaging in mindful practices, like journaling and spending time in nature, helped me to process the emotional pain and find my own rhythm. This served as a reminder that transformation, though painful, is a natural part of existence.
Embracing this journey meant acknowledging the end of one chapter as an opportunity for renewal. I fully allowed myself to embrace the lessons learned from the end of my marriage. This period of reflection and self-care helped me to rebuild a stronger sense of self and find peace with the changes.
Thanks for sharing that. So, before we get any further into our conversation, can you tell our readers a bit about yourself and what you’re working on?
As a wedding and branding photographer, my work is a never ending journey through the heart of human connection. What excites me most about my work is the fact that I get to document peoples lives whether that be their special day, milestones or capture them and their brand. I value human connection so much and I instil that into my business. My approach to photography is deeply influenced by a desire to connect with people on a genuine level. Connecting with my clients flows into my art. Trust is something I really value with my clients, it creates space for us creators to create from an authentic and genuine space. It allows me to create that timeless and authentic vibe for all my photos.
The most special part of being a photographer is being surrounded by love and emotion and being able to document their story for them to look back on and feel all the feels. Being able to witness such deep love for their partner or for themselves.
I am currently in the period of transition with my business. I would love to continue to expand my brand and become a full time traveling photographer as well as start education and niche down on branding and intimate weddings.
For me, photography is not just a profession but a passion that intertwines with my personal journey. It’s a way to explore the world, connect with people, and capture the beauty and authenticity that exists in every moment. I’m always looking forward to the next adventure and the next story to be told through the lens.
Looking back, what do you think were the three qualities, skills, or areas of knowledge that were most impactful in your journey? What advice do you have for folks who are early in their journey in terms of how they can best develop or improve on these?
Three most important things to know if you’re wanting to start photography is:
1. Find your niche- Shoot anything and everything. Try different presets, watch other photographers and really spend time finding your niche. Once you buckle down on your style and what exactly you want to shoot, that is where you take off.
2. Patience- you will get there, enjoy the journey for now.
3. Don’t focus on being the trendiest photographer, focus on giving your clients the most genuine and authentic experience. This is something we tend to lose sight of because our business is being ran on social media and with that we get lost in the followers and the likes and we forget that we are documenters, not influencers. If you want to be both, that is okay but don’t lose sight of your experience with your clients.
Stay true to yourself always.
All the wisdom you’ve shared today is sincerely appreciated. Before we go, can you tell us about the main challenge you are currently facing?
Balancing a career as a traveling wedding and brand photographer while raising two little girls as a single mom is both profoundly rewarding and incredibly challenging. Every day, I navigate pursuing my passion and being present for my children. It’s not uncommon to feel the difficulty when I see other photographers thriving with what seems like boundless time and opportunities. Their success can sometimes highlight the limitations I face due to the time constraints of parenting.
The reality of managing a business while being fully engaged in motherhood means I often have to set strict boundaries. My work hours are carefully planned around nap times, school schedules, and family needs. There are moments when the balance feels precarious, and I wrestle with the guilt of not being able to dedicate as much time to my business as I might like. However, this necessity to prioritize and organize has also taught me invaluable lessons in efficiency and creativity.
Despite these challenges, there is a profound blessing in integrating my professional life with my role as a mother. Seeing my daughters grow up with the knowledge that their mama is pursuing her dreams, despite the hurdles, is a source of immense pride and motivation. I hope that by working hard and showing them the value of dedication, they’ll understand that perseverance and passion can lead to beautiful outcomes, even in the face of obstacles.
The dual role of being both a photographer and a mom may come with its set of difficulties, but it also enriches my work in ways that are deeply meaningful. I am so grateful and blessed for the clients that have been with me since day 1 and the clients who still support me. I have had the best expierence with the best people I got to experience their milestones with and it truly makes this all worth it.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://kyrahmaddyphoto.squarespace.com
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/kyrahmaddyphotography/
- Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/kyrah-maddy-531a14264/
- Other: https://pin.it/2HY2xkgxB
Image Credits
All images belong to me. The first wedding photo was not my wedding, I shot it for CassidyKohlerPhotography but I shot it and edited it.
The details shot- Chanel Perfume
so if you or someone you know deserves recognition please let us know here.
