Rising Stars: Meet Kira Wood

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

Hi Kira, so excited to have you with us today. What can you tell us about your story?
I started photography as a hobby and learned how to use my dad’s film camera around 2002. I spent every lunch break I had at a local garden, photographing roses to learn how to get lighting/focus right. It quickly turned into a passion of mine and I started working as an assistant for wedding photographers. At the same time, I transitioned to digital photography and traveled doing church directory photos. When I quit church directory photography, I began a retail photo lab job but also did my own photography on the side. I shot everything from weddings to families and newborn babies. My passion started fizzling out for a bit until a friend suggested I try boudoir photography. We asked another friend to model for me and my love for boudoir photography blossomed. For many years, I did small shoots for friends and models. I spent most of my time learning about boudoir photography and taking workshops all over the country to improve my skills. Boudoir photography started to really catch on and I got to the point where I was so booked up that I quit doing any other photography and just focused on boudoir. Fast forward to 2019 and I started booking out months in advance for boudoir shoots. The only genre I shoot now is boudoir and I’m continuing to stay booked.

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?
No, it hasn’t been a smooth road. What has been the biggest eye-opener is how much of the business/marketing side you need to know about in photography. Your skills alone can only get you so far. You have to learn how to be a people person, stay organized, price yourself to make a profit and learn how to say no. Boundaries are so important. There is constant competition and you need to learn how to stand out from the crowd. Luckily I have an awesome mentor to help me through it. Being a working mom is also very hard. I’m continually trying to find balance between my mom’s life and my work life. Work/life balance is always a struggle.

Thanks for sharing that. So, maybe next you can tell us a bit more about your work?
I am a natural light boudoir photographer. I specialize in photographing everyday women and making them feel amazing. All of my poses are very thought out and intentional. I pose women in ways that show off their beautiful curves in a classy yet sexy way. I’m known for making women feel extremely comfortable and also, my amazing tushy photos. I’m most proud of how much my work has changed and grown. I really feel like I’ve found my style and most clients can pick my work out of a lineup. What sets me apart is my quirky, down-to-earth personality. I make jokes as I’m shooting and talk about random things as the shoot is going along. I think this relaxes people. I want women to know I am just like them. My worries, insecurities and fears are just the same as any other woman.

Have you learned any interesting or important lessons due to the Covid-19 Crisis?
Yes, keep money saved for a crisis. Six months of savings is good. Also, learning to pivot with how I do business. I’ve gotten really good at consulting on zoom or over the phone. The crisis has also forced me to slow and be more intentional with my time.

Contact Info:

• Email: hello@jolieboudoir.com
• Website: www.jolieboudoir.com
• Instagram: www.instagram.com/jolieboudoirnc
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/jolieboudoir

Image Credits
Headshot by Ashleigh with Still Shots Photography All other images are by Kira Wood with Jolie Boudoir