Meet Kiley Bond

Today we’d like to introduce you to Kiley Bond.

Every artist has a unique story. Can you briefly walk us through yours?
I grew up in rural Arizona but have spent the past few years moving around the west coast (Alaska, California, Idaho, Washington, Oregon).

I got into photography when I was living in Portland. I had recently bought my first I phone. (I was a little late to the game/reluctant.) But it didn’t take me long before I was sucked into Instagram. Having a camera on me, even just an iPhone, opened my eyes to how I was seeing the world around me on a day to day basis. I also was so inspired by the creatives I previously had no knowledge of or access to before. My eyes opened to just how wonderful it was to exercise a new muscle.

Suddenly I was taking photos every day. It was within these first years that my hunger for learning these new skills really took off. I was determined to master composition and creative expression through photo. When I returned to Arizona, I decided to take it a step further and learn how to shoot on a DSLR. I loved the challenge of the technical skill that was required, unlike on my phone. I began taking photos for family and friends. I quickly realized how my love for connecting with people could be paired with photography. So, I decided to pursue portrait work more seriously. I started doing family sessions purely from word of mouth. It’s been over two years since then, and I am still loving it and learning daily! I shoot any sort of portraits and am eager to continue to grow. I would definitely consider it a passion of which I am proud of and thankful for.

Please tell us about your art.
I shoot on a Canon 1DX, and have shot graduates, engagements, weddings, announcements, maternity, lifestyle branding, blog etc.

I’m passionate about people. Who they are, what they care about, and what they’re really about. I think taking someone’s photo allows me to get to know them in a really unique way. When I take a photo that captures someone as they truly are, I couldn’t be happier. When someone looks at their photos and can see themselves in a new light, or feels represented in a beautiful and real way, that’s when I feel like I’ve achieved something good. Something that other people can resonate with and admire.

So, because of that, I don’t really like to over pose or force anything that doesn’t feel natural to the person. I just try to set the stage and allow them to feel the most comfortable they can in front of the camera, because that’s when I can get the best laughter and real moments. I also am really passionate about providing high quality work, I strive for that. That’s kind of how I approach my portrait work. It’s been a fantastic way for me to insert my creative passion into more of a practical vehicle.

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?
Today’s artist provides something vital to the world. Art challenges the way we see the world, and the way we encounter each other. Without art, our understandings of people from different places and perspectives would be so easily overlooked or missed. In whatever trade or skill, we bring to the table, we are sending a message to our audience. In today’s world, this is huge. Things feel polarized in this modern day, and I believe that art can provide a language for empathy. Some may say that art is not necessary for survival, but if we consider what really brings value to our lives it’s people, and it’s the art they make.

I personally desire to create art that speaks to the beauty of each individual. To their value, and to their own perspectives and strengths. People deserve to have that highlighted for them.

How or where can people see your work? How can people support your work?
I am working on getting a website, but you can access my work on my Facebook page, “Kiley Bond Photography”. You can also access my work on Instagram, under @kileybondphoto. I also have a personal Instagram where you can see my travels and what inspires me on a daily basis. That is under @kibondki.

Contact Info:

• Phone: (208)301-8253
• Email: kibondki@gmail.com
• Instagram: @kibondki, @kileybondphoto
• Facebook: Kiley Bond Photography

Image Credit:
myself

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