Today we’d like to introduce you to Kiana Kearney.
Hi Kiana, can you start by introducing yourself? We’d love to learn more about how you got to where you are today?
I’ve had a camera in my hand for as long as I can remember. Growing up, I was always the one walking around with a cheap little digital camera, taking photos of everything—nature, my family, anything that caught my eye. I actually took it pretty seriously even then—I remember building my own photography website when I was around 12 years old just to share my work.
In high school, I took a photography class, and that’s really where everything clicked for me. I fell in love with the editing process—being able to take an image and shape the mood, the tones, and the feeling behind it. That’s when I started to see photography as more than just taking pictures.
I’m sure it wasn’t obstacle-free, but would you say the journey has been fairly smooth so far?
After high school, I began taking on clients, mostly families, and slowly started building experience. But when I became a mom, life shifted. For a few years, I stepped back and only took clients here and there while focusing on raising my kids.
What brought me back was a combination of things. Watching my own children grow up so quickly made me realize just how important these moments are—and how fast they pass. At the same time, I got married young and didn’t have the opportunity to have a professional photographer for my own wedding. That experience stuck with me. It’s a big part of why I feel so strongly about what I do now, and why I’ve made an effort to help brides in my hometown who may be in that same position.
Coming back into photography, I did it with a deeper sense of purpose. I’ve been rebuilding and growing my business with a focus on capturing real connection and emotion. I want my clients to walk away with more than just photos—I want them to have something they can come back to years from now and truly feel.
Can you tell our readers more about what you do and what you think sets you apart from others?
I’m a photographer specializing in motherhood, family, and couples sessions, with a growing focus on weddings as well. My work is centered around capturing genuine connection—those in-between moments that feel natural, emotional, and real rather than overly posed or forced.
I’m especially known for how I guide my sessions. Instead of stiff posing, I give direction through movement and prompts, which helps my clients relax and actually enjoy the experience. A lot of people come to me saying they feel awkward in front of the camera, and I relate to that deeply—I approach every session in a way that makes people feel comfortable, seen, and like themselves.
What I’m most proud of is building this business while raising my kids and coming back to it with a stronger sense of purpose. There was a time where I stepped away, and choosing to restart—despite feeling overlooked at times—has been one of the biggest challenges I’ve pushed through. I’ve also had the opportunity to have my work published, which was a really meaningful milestone for me creatively.
I think what sets me apart is the combination of personal experience and intention behind my work. Being a wife and mother has shaped how I see moments and how I capture them. Getting married young without having a professional photographer also drives the way I show up for my clients—especially brides who might feel like professional photography is out of reach. I care a lot about making this experience accessible and meaningful, not just transactional.
At the end of the day, I’m not just focused on delivering beautiful images—I want to create a memorable, fun experience that people actually enjoy being part of. I want my clients to feel comfortable, to laugh, to be themselves, and to walk away not only with photos they love, but with memories they genuinely enjoyed creating.
Who else deserves credit in your story?
I definitely wouldn’t be where I am without the people who have supported me along the way. My husband is my number one supporter—he’s been there through every stage, encouraging me, believing in me, and pushing me to keep going even when I’ve doubted myself. My mom has also been a huge support system for me, always showing up, helping where she can, and believing in what I’m building. She’s actually the one who gets the most excited about my milestones—she’ll go out and buy the magazines I’m published in just to have them and support me, which means a lot.
My family and close friends were also the first ones to trust me with their moments, let me practice, and continue to recommend me to others. In the beginning, that kind of support means everything.
My clients have played a huge role in my growth as well. Every person who has booked with me—especially during the early stages or when I was rebuilding—took a chance on me. That trust has pushed me to keep improving, refining my style, and showing up consistently.
I’ve also learned a lot from other photographers and creatives, even if not in a traditional mentor role. Whether it’s through online communities, social media, or simply observing others in the industry, I’ve gained knowledge and inspiration that has helped shape both my work and my business.
And becoming a mom has been one of the biggest influences on my journey. My kids are a big part of why I do this—they’ve shaped how I see moments and why I care so deeply about capturing them.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://Kianakearneyphoto.mypixieset.com
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/kianakearneyphotography/
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/kianakearneyphoto
