Welcome to another episode of The Outspoken Artist. In this episode, I had the pleasure of chatting with Kira Derryberry, the President of the Professional Photographers of America (PPA), and a talented photographer herself. We delved into Kira’s journey, her experiences at Imaging USA, and the vibrant photography community that inspires her. Let’s dive in!
Table of Contents
- Origins with Imaging
- The Community Connection
- Photography Journey
- Creativity Amidst Leadership
- A Memorable Moment
- Advice for Newcomers
- Future of PPA
- Get Your Shoot Together Podcast
- Where to Find Kira
- Conclusion
Origins with Imaging
Kira shared her first experience with Imaging back in 2011 or 2012, as a brand new member. It was in Arizona, and she described it as the biggest event she had ever attended in the photography industry. Despite being a long-time photographer, she was just starting her business and soaking in everything the conference had to offer. Kira attended numerous classes, stayed up late, and made invaluable connections with seasoned attendees who guided her through the experience.
The Community Connection
What kept Kira returning to Imaging year after year? It turned into something she looked forward to annually. As an extrovert, she thrives on being around people, and after transitioning from an office job in advertising to being an entrepreneur, she found herself alone. It was the Tallahassee Professional Photographers group that introduced her to the larger PPA community, which became her core support network.
Photography Journey
Initially, Kira dabbled in various photography genres, avoiding weddings and events, believing that specializing meant not doing those. However, her work in advertising led her to focus on corporate and commercial photography, with about 80% of her work in that field, and 20% in high-end family portraits.
Creativity Amidst Leadership
As PPA President, Kira finds that being surrounded by other creative minds fuels her inspiration. While her time for personal creativity may be limited, the connections she’s made with talented photographers keep her engaged and motivated. She reflected on the emotional support she feels from the community, especially during events like the award ceremonies at Imaging USA.
A Memorable Moment
Kira recounted a touching moment from the award ceremony, where she witnessed a winner burst into tears upon receiving recognition for a photograph of his mother. The emotional atmosphere of support and celebration highlighted the close-knit nature of the photography community.
Advice for Newcomers
If you’re contemplating attending Imaging USA, Kira encourages you to take the plunge. She emphasizes that everyone’s experience will differ, but engaging with the community, attending classes, and participating can lead to personal growth and transformation.
Future of PPA
Kira discussed the PPA’s commitment to making photography a sustainable vocation. The organization is dedicated to educating photographers to thrive as entrepreneurs, ensuring that photography is seen as a legitimate career rather than just a hobby.
Get Your Shoot Together Podcast
Kira co-hosts the podcast Get Your Shoot Together with Mary Fishel Taylor. They share insights, laughs, and their highs and lows in the photography world. The podcast has become a platform for authentic conversations, evolving from a structured format to a more spontaneous and relatable style.
Where to Find Kira
You can find Kira’s work on her website kira.com and on Instagram at @slshakira.
Conclusion
Kira left us with a powerful message: “Nobody cares as much as you think they do.” This quote resonates deeply, especially for those hesitant to put themselves out there. Remember, trying something new inspires others to do the same!
For more episodes of The Outspoken Artist, visit The Outspoken Artist. You can also check out my links for merch, promo codes, and social media at joyqr.com/outspoken.
