Today we’d like to introduce you to Kilean Wiles.
Every artist has a unique story. Can you briefly walk us through yours?
I am not your typical photographer. I haven’t always had a camera at my hip since I was 4 and I certainly never considered myself a creative. My siblings and I were all raised with school and sports being the top priority, so I never really dabbled into my creative side until after I went to college. Upon graduating Arizona State University with a bachelors in Nutrition in May of 2017, I was completely lost in what I wanted to do. I couldn’t dream of going the tradition route of working as a dietician in a hospital and so I spent a lot of time reflecting on what I wanted my life to look like while still working at the wellness clinic I had worked at throughout college. In February of this year, I decided that I was going to go for something completely out of my comfort zone by starting an Instagram for my photography and offering it to more than just my family and close friends. I will be the first to admit that I felt like a complete fraud, and most days I still, but I have poured my heart into learning and absorbing as much as I can to better my career as being a photographer. I have recently started transitioning into wedding photography, and that is where my heart and soul belongs! I absolutely LOVE capturing the in-between moments that really show a couples personality and just allowing them to be their complete self, goofy and all.
Please tell us about your art.
I am primarily a wedding photographer here in Arizona, who also takes on couples, engagements, boudoirs, and family photos. My heart completely belongs to my couples who are so apparently in love that I feel like a third wheel during our shoot. I love capturing the in-between moments that truly show, and I pride myself on showing more than just two people strictly posed. And I hope that this is completely apparent in my photos and you can see love and positivity shine through. I also strive to talk about the uncomfortable topics to show people that love is love and that we should also all love the bodies that we are given. Photography is clearly such an easy place to open the door about these conversations, and I strive to become more and more vulnerable with my clients and viewers.
Given everything that is going on in the world today, do you think the role of artists has changed? How do local, national or international events and issues affect your art?
In a world like today where social media is so prevalent in sharing our news, I certainly believe the role of the artists has changed. I strongly believe that as an artist with a following, it is so important to open the door to talking about certain topics that get pushed under the rug, or even just to spread positivity towards others and ourselves. I also think that we can use our artistic abilities to really help people cope with problems that they may be having, whether its a completely personal issue or it’s one due to events occurring around us. Our art can tell such an amazing story and really pull people away from the darkness, and that is something that I always strive to share amongst others. I strive to have a positive community that allows everyone to come as they are, and I hope that by the photos that I share and the captions I create, that is so clear to all of the people who may stumble across a photo of mine.
How or where can people see your work? How can people support your work?
Instagram is going to be the easiest place to find my most recent work, my handle is @kileanryeelphoto. This is the same for my Facebook page, @kileanryeelphoto, or you can check out my website at www.kileanryeelphoto.com. I have completely customized my website on my own and am pretty proud of it, for I am no web designer. If you would like, you can click on my lets chat tab and scroll all the way to the bottom and fill out my contact form if you are interested in consulting to set up a shoot with me. Lastly, my email is kileanryeelphoto@gmail.com, and you can always shoot me an email there too if you have any sort of questions. Please don’t hesitate to reach out! 🙂
Contact Info:
- Website: www.kileanryeelphoto.com
- Phone: 4803530703
- Email: kileanryeelphoto@gmail.com
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/kileanryeelphoto/
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/kileanryeelphoto/
- Other: https://www.pinterest.com/kileanryeelphoto/kilean-ryeel-photography/
Image Credit:
Personal photo was taken by @kinsleynicolephotography.
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