Meet Kira Purnell of K. Nicole Photography in Duncanville

Today we’d like to introduce you to Kira Purnell.

Kira, let’s start with your story. We’d love to hear how you got started and how the journey has been so far.
I was born in Wynne, AR and raised in Milwaukee, WI. At a young age, I loved taking pictures of anything I viewed as beautiful. I have always had a knack for viewing things in the world as a photograph. In my early twenties, I moved to Memphis, TN, where my love of photography began to grow and caught the attention of others. My first camera was a Fujifilm digital camera and I was known for taking pictures at events with my friends. I even had the pleasure of photographing one of my best friend’s wedding.

In 2015, I moved to Dallas, TX. In 2017, I graduated from Bethel University, with a Bachelor of Science in, Organizational Leadership, and a concentration in Healthcare Management. While maintaining my full-time job, I decided it was time to pursue photography by starting my own photography business. I purchased my first professional camera, after failing to be gifted one by my mother. She told me that she would not buy it because if photography was truly my passion, I needed some skin in the game. That advice was life-changing and made me more appreciative of my equipment. I took classes and hired a mentor who helped me learn a lot about not only my camera, but photography as a whole.

As a Freelance photographer, I have gone from taking landscape portraits to, families, children, and events. I have been published twice this year. First, in the Fort Worth Star telegram, for photographing the funeral of fallen Grand Prairie officer A.J. Casteneda. Second, in the inspiration section of Shutter Magazine’s September Black & White issue. I also serve on the photography ministry at The Potter’s House Dallas campus. Photography is my gift from God, and I plan to utilize it in whatever way He sees fit, and I am excited about the journey.

Overall, has it been relatively smooth? If not, what were some of the struggles along the way?
Becoming an entrepreneur is, of course, a scary thing. Beginning a business, in a new state can be even scarier. I had been in Texas for about two years when I started my business. I depended on word of mouth, networking, and social media to try to build my clientele. I had never used a professional camera and had no formal training. Fortunately, I have people who support me and volunteered to help in any way they could. My mother and friends were my models, so I would have work to show other than my landscape photos. I have also been lucky to work with and develop friendships with photographers at my church, and social media groups. They share tips, provide constructive criticism, and help me to be a more knowledgeable photographer.

Nicole Photography – what should we know? What do you do best? What sets you apart from the competition?
K. Nicole Photography is a freelance photography business, and basically my creative playground. Before I decided to become a professional photographer, people always told me that I had a good eye, and that they really enjoyed my landscape photos. Once, I used my photographs as a slideshow screensaver on my work computer, and my supervisor walked by and asked where I found those photos. When I informed her that they were mine, she too stated that I had a rare gift. For me, photography is one of my gifts from God. The most fulfilling part of what I do is making my clients happy, by capturing moments that they can cherish for a lifetime. Photographing church services and events has taught me how to tell a story through my photos. I believe that my personality allows me to be able to improvise and capture real-life moments through a lens, one photo at a time. That is what sets me apart from others. I want my photos to take you right back to that moment in time. I love to make my clients laugh, so they feel comfortable enough to relax in a photo session with me. I have the ability to discern how they may be feeling and offer something that can get them out of their shell. A laugh, their favorite song, even dancing. I want to make it a memorable experience that makes you want to not only return, but go right back to that moment when you see your photos.

What is “success” or “successful” for you?
The word success means; the attainment of popularity or profit. Yes, having popularity is something I want for my business, but I want to be popular with my work and my character. Photography is my passion. It is so fulfilling to figure out what your passion is in life and be able to do it. One of the goals I have is to be able to leave my corporate job and be a full-time photographer. Success for me would be achieving the goals that I have set for myself and my business. I am a freelance photographer because I want to be more than a local photographer, I want to travel. There are so many beautiful places in the world that people may not have the financial means to see. I want my photographs to give you the opportunity to see those places, or encourage you to go there. I have a notebook, with a list of specific places I have researched and want to visit. I would also like to have a studio. This would be one way to give back. I would rent out space to other photographers, who may have started out like me. So, there is not one thing that equals success for me, because I have many goals. I plan to continue to elevate myself, so I can continue to achieve success.

Pricing:

• Portrait sessions begin at $200

Contact Info:

• Website: www.knicolephotos.com
• Phone: 901-949-4199
• Email: kn@knicolephotos.com; knphotos17@gmail.com
• Instagram: @knicolephotography17
• Facebook: @knicolephotography17

Image Credit:
Troy Lee Young Jr.

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