Today we’d like to introduce you to Maranda Kierstead
Hi Maranda, thanks for joining us today. We’d love for you to start by introducing yourself.
Photography has been a lifelong passion It’s a way for me to express myself and share the beauty I see in everyday moments.
My journey has definitely had its fair share of challenges. There were many people who tried to discourage me from following my passions, insisting that my dreams were just a hobby or that I didn’t have what it takes to succeed. I faced a lot of outside criticism and constantly battled with self-doubt. But instead of giving up, these obstacles only fueled my determination to prove them wrong and follow my heart.
A significant turning point came when I was laid off from a corporate job. It was a tough period, but it also presented an opportunity for self-reflection and decision-making. I decided to dive into learning how to edit photos and started exploring opportunities in professional photography. This leap of faith led me to work with amazing clients, creating beautiful photos that they can cherish for years. It is incredibly fulfilling to see the joy on their faces when they have received their images.
Today, I am proud to be capturing fun, creative, and memorable photos. I recently added a social media manager and business administrator to the Love, You Photography team. This addition has been instrumental in managing the day-to-day aspects of the business, allowing me to focus on the creative side and continue honing my art. It’s exciting to see how far I’ve come and to be able to dedicate more time to what I love.
As I look to the future, my goal is to open a photography studio and continue growing my team. I am passionate about partnering with and supporting local businesses, and I also aspire to mentor young photographers, providing them with a space to learn new skills and develop their own style. The journey ahead is filled with possibilities, and I can’t wait to see where it takes me.
Would you say it’s been a smooth road, and if not what are some of the biggest challenges you’ve faced along the way?
The journey to where I am today has been anything but smooth. I’ve faced a lot of self-doubt, the challenges of being a working mother, and the pressure to follow a conventional professional path. These experiences made me question my abilities and left me feeling unfulfilled and unseen.
There was a period in my life when I faced constant pressure from people who insisted I should stick to the ‘safe’ path. They discouraged any ambitions I had that didn’t fit the norm, making me feel like I was always swimming against the tide. This pressure made pursuing my passions feel like an uphill battle.
Learning the technical aspects of photography was definitely a tough challenge. Add in undiagnosed ADHD, and it was like trying to untangle a mess of cables in the dark. I often felt overwhelmed and had no idea where to start or how to improve my skills. Every time I made a bit of progress, another hurdle would pop up, making it hard to stay motivated. Ultimately, it took me years to reach the skill level I’m at now, but every step of the journey was worth it.
Despite these obstacles, I kept pushing forward, learning, and growing. Each challenge became a stepping stone, helping me become the person I am today.
Appreciate you sharing that. What else should we know about what you do?
Love, You Photography is a heartfelt reflection of my passion and dedication to capturing life’s beautiful moments—we’re all about creating memories that make you smile every time you look back.
What I Do: At Love, You Photography, I work closely with clients to capture their most cherished moments. Whether it’s family portraits, individual sessions, or boudoir, I strive to create a relaxed and enjoyable atmosphere—think of our sessions as hanging out with a friend who just happens to have a camera. My goal is to let the genuine essence of my subjects shine through in every photograph.
Specialization: My expertise lies in boudoir photography, where I focus on highlighting the unique personality and character of each individual. I’ve learned a lot about directing and leading clients into poses that help them look their best. With a knack for making clients feel comfortable and confident—after all, everyone deserves to feel amazing in their own skin—I guide each person to showcase their true beauty.
Known For: Clients often tell me that they appreciate how at ease they feel during our photo sessions. This comfortable vibe translates into natural, heartfelt images that capture authentic emotions and moments. You could say laughter and genuine smiles are my secret ingredients.
Proud Moments: One of the things I’m most proud of is the positive impact my work has on my clients. Seeing their genuine reactions and knowing that I’ve helped them embrace self-love and recognize their unique beauty warms my heart. It’s truly rewarding to witness their confidence grow as we work together—it makes every moment worthwhile.
What Sets Me Apart: What sets Love, You Photography apart is my genuine passion for the craft and my commitment to providing a personalized experience for each client. I believe in making everyone feel valued and heard, taking the time to understand their vision and bringing it to life through my photography.
My journey has also instilled in me a deep sense of empathy, allowing me to create an inviting and judgment-free environment for my clients. I strive to make every photo session a comfortable and enjoyable experience, where you can be yourself without any worries. This focus on empathy and inclusivity ensures that my photos not only capture moments but also tell a story and evoke genuine emotions.
What’s next?
I’m incredibly excited about what the future holds for Love, You Photography. One of my biggest dreams is to open my own studio—a unique space that’s more than just a workplace; it’s a creative haven for photographers from all walks of life. I imagine an affordable studio where artists can gather to share ideas, learn from one another, and let their creativity flourish. Think of a place where every shadow holds potential, and every beam of light ignites inspiration. I want to create a community hub where photographers, whether they’re just starting out or seasoned professionals, feel welcomed and inspired to bring their visions to life.
I’m also incredibly excited to have added Stephanie as my social media manager and business admin. I’m beyond grateful for her and all that she brings to the team. Her dedication and enthusiasm have been invaluable, and her support allows me to focus more on the creative aspects that I love so much. Having Stephanie on board helps to bring our shared vision to life. I’m so thankful for her, and I can’t wait to see what amazing things we’ll accomplish together.
Supporting local businesses and building a strong sense of community is something close to my heart. I’m planning to collaborate with other local entrepreneurs and artists on creative projects that showcase our collective talents. I believe that by working together, we can create something truly special that resonates with people and uplifts our entire community. Mentoring young photographers is also a passion of mine. Remembering my own journey—the hurdles, the self-doubt, and the lack of guidance—I feel a deep desire to provide opportunities for others just starting out. I’d love to offer workshops, mentorship programs, and maybe even internships at the future studio. Creating a nurturing space where aspiring photographers can learn new skills, find their confidence, and develop their unique style is something I’m truly passionate about.
As for the future—who knows what adventures await? I’m excited to continue learning and evolving, and to see where this journey takes us. The road ahead is full of possibilities, and I can’t wait to embrace each new chapter with a smile and a camera in hand.
Contact Info:
- Instagram: @loveyouphotography_ut
- Facebook: Love, You
- Other: maranda.k@outlook.com
