We were lucky to catch up with Cyda Moon King recently and have shared our conversation below.

Cyda Moon, thanks for joining us, excited to have you contributing your stories and insights. Can you tell us the backstory behind how you came up with the idea?

My career as a professional photographer began in 2018. Both my father and my incredibly talented grandfather were professional photographers. However, it wasn’t until my father suddenly passed away from pancreatic cancer that I truly understood how short life really is.

In the midst of coping with the deep sorrow of losing my father and managing a demanding full-time corporate job in the ever-evolving healthcare industry,I realized I needed to take a leap of faith and make a change.Life is too short and precious.

So in March of 2018, with a heart full of emotions and a bag of camera gear, I nervously entered Biggs Camera Store seeking guidance on how to navigate this new chapter.  I shared my story with a couple the staff, who remembered him and they helped me with getting started,

Equipped with my father’s Nikon D3 camera, I lovingly nicknamed Nikki, I ventured into entrepreneurship by assisting my friends on their own business ventures.

From podcast hosts to makeup artists and realtors, I captured moments for their websites and social media. Every event and fashion show became a chance for me to shine.

As always, we appreciate you sharing your insights and we’ve got a few more questions for you, but before we get to all of that can you take a minute to introduce yourself and give our readers some of your back background and context?

My name is Cyda King aka Moon (dad’s nickname for me)

I am a 3rd generation professional photographer. My specialty is capturing moments..get it? “Moon King Moments”

As a former commercial actor and model, deciding to move from the front of the camera to behind the camera has been a magical transition.

I believe this is part of what made the transition smooth. Witnessing my father carry rolls of film into his makeshift darkroom and then emerge with incredible photos was a defining experience. Observing how much his clients trusted and admired him, along with empathizing with the vulnerability of being in front of the camera, hoping not to appear silly or unattractive, I understood the lasting impact of images and the importance of capturing them well.

I look out for my clients in that way.

Helping them feel comfortable and confident in front of the camera.

Having the eye and honesty to help them poses or facial expression

Even after years in the industry I spend a lot of time staying on top of trends and “the new and improved” whether it be new camera equipment or fashion or marketing strategies, cool new lighting setups.

When clients book me I take time to research their industry, I look through their current social media and talk to them about their current clients and potential clients they want to work with and then I let my creative mind do the rest.

I love being able to collaborate and come up with ideas for brands. I don’t care if you make toe socks or you bake avocado flavored cakes shaped like dolphins, I know I will come up with some creative way to showcase your talent.

When I cover events. My goal is to meet and take at least one photo of each guest. I capture lots of candids and when there is nothing going on, or no special moment happening, I go out and recruit “models” at the event to help create moments. It may be a couple that I ask to do a little 2step for me or a I ask a couple of girlfriends to “big laugh” while toasting champagne. I need multiple “money shots” at each event and so the event host can feel, yes feel the vibe from that event even if it’s years later. They can truly relive the moment.

What’s a lesson you had to unlearn and what’s the backstory?

My experience in the industry has definitely had its challenges and I imagine its that way with any and every business. I think my greatest challenge has been leading with my heart, my love for photography and seeing people happy, I tend to overextend myself and give too much away.  When your enthusiasm for something shines through, people may overlook the business aspects.

After opening my own photography studio, Luna House Studios, I had a serious wake up call. Being an entrepreneur can be tough but the responsibilities that come with brick and mortar is even more of a challenge. Coming to realization that if I wanted to continue doing what I loved, it would require balancing between having fun with photography  and running a successful business.

It was a tough lesson to learn but  to sustain this passion, finding a balance is crucial.

Photography is my passion, so I embrace the ups and downs, learn from experiences, and improve over time.

Can you tell us the story behind how you met your business partner?

I met my business partner at a nightclub. Yes, you read that correctly – a nightclub, and I am fortunate enough to have him not only as a business partner but also as my husband. Corey has been incredibly supportive throughout this journey. Not only is he a fantastic husband, but he is also an outstanding father to our three children. We make a great team, from him being the best DJ at events I’ve covered, to capturing drone footage for my real estate branding and couples’ shoots. I couldn’t imagine sharing life with anyone else.

In many ways, our business and our family life are intertwined.  Whether we are in our home office or the photography studio, it always becomes a  creative hub where ideas flow.  It’s not uncommon for me to be editing photos while Corey is mixing music tracks as background inspiration for our projects.

Despite the challenges that come with balancing a business and family, we’ve found that our love and trusting the process keeps us grounded. We make it a point to carve out family time, going on little adventures or simply having a movie night at home. These moments are so important, reminding us of why we started this journey in the first place.

Our clients often comment on the good energy and team spirit they feel when they work with us. They say it’s not just our professionalism that stands out, but the genuine care and fun we bring to every project. This feedback means the world to us, confirming our belief that blending business with family can create something truly special.

As we look to the future, we are excited about the endless possibilities that lie ahead. We dream of expanding our business, perhaps even opening a music studio next.

For now, we continue to enjoy each day, embracing the beautiful chaos that comes with being partners in both life and work.

Contact Info:

• Website: www.moonkingmoments.com www.lunahousestudios.com
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/moonkingmoments?igsh=MWU5dzhxZWF5MGljag== and https://www.instagram.com/lunahousestudios?igsh=MTYyNXI5N2dhNjVwcg==
• Facebook: Moon King Moments and Luna House Studios
• Linkedin: Luna House Studios, Moon King Moments

Image Credits
Moon King Moments