We caught up with the brilliant and insightful Kiersten May a few weeks ago and have shared our conversation below.

Kiersten, thanks for taking the time to share your stories with us today So, naming is such a challenge. How did you come up with the name of your brand?

“Kanded” is everything! It’s a little piece of our hearts – the “K” and “E” represent us, Kiersten and Enrique, the duo behind the lens(es). Kiersten and Enrique, the two passionate photographers who eat, sleep, and breathe capturing all of the beautiful moments – posed included. But the real heartbeat of “Kanded” lies in our deep love for candid photography. We believe the most beautiful stories are told in the moments you don’t even realize are being captured. Yes, we’ll guide you and make sure you look your best, but our true joy is in those bursts of genuine emotion that make us say, “YES! That’s pure you!”

The name “Kanded” wasn’t an overnight brainstorm. We actually went through a few… “less inspiring” options! Nothing quite captured the essence of who we are and what we do. Then, one day, I was sitting on the couch editing a gallery of our favorite candid shots – the kind that just make you feel something. It hit me: that raw, authentic energy is at the core of our work. We wanted a name that hinted at that magic, while also being personal to us. Combining our initials with our love for the candid felt like a the perfect fit and Enrique thought it was a hit! It was simple, sweet, and had this undeniable cool factor that just stuck. The moment “Kanded” came to mind, we knew we had found our perfect fit.

Kiersten, before we move on to more of these sorts of questions, can you take some time to bring our readers up to speed on you and what you do?

For me, Kiersten, my journey into visual storytelling began remarkably early – almost as soon as I could hold a camera. I’ve always been captivated by creative imagery and even as a child, I was experimenting with forced perspective photography, staging whimsical scenes like a person across the street appearing to drive a Barbie car. That early fascination with manipulating perspective and directing even extended to our old home videos, where I’d enthusiastically guide my younger sister to bring my visions to life. I also vividly remember being inspired by the artistry of photoshoots on a particular modeling show, which truly ignited my passion for the field.

My husband and photography partner, Enrique, began exploring visual media nearly fifteen years ago, initially through videography. In fact, one of our early dating memories involves him spontaneously filming me eating a sandwich – a testament to his artistic eye finding beauty in the everyday! He transitioned into photography around the same time and consistently amazes me with his innovative and imaginative shots. His creative perspective is truly a constant source of inspiration. He also gained valuable experience as a sports photographer at what is now the University of Lynchburg several years ago, demonstrating his versatility behind the lens.

Together, through Kanded Photography, we offer photoshoots that intentionally move beyond conventional approaches. Our aim is to create an environment where individuals feel genuinely comfortable, beautiful, and at peace, allowing their true personalities to shine. We actively encourage our clients to incorporate elements they love into their sessions, making the experience deeply personal. Furthermore, we are deeply committed to showcasing diversity and inclusivity in our work. It’s paramount to us to affirm that everyone possesses unique beauty that deserves to be celebrated and shared with the world.

What distinguishes Kanded is our proactive approach to seeking inspiration in unexpected places. We challenge ourselves to find artistic potential in any environment – even a seemingly ordinary back alley with a broken flowerpot could spark an idea for a compelling image, perhaps positioning a client within it as a symbol of growth and resilience. (True story – this did happen) We are dedicated to achieving our creative vision, even if it means immersing ourselves fully clothed in water to capture the perfect angle. Our priority is for our clients to leave their session feeling valued, celebrated, and genuinely happy. Additionally, we occasionally offer themed sessions born from our own creative explorations. These are often more experimental and offered at a reduced rate, as our primary motivation is artistic expression.

Ultimately, the core message we want to convey about Kanded is one of universal welcome. We operate under a strict principle of non-discrimination, ensuring that individuals of every race, religion, color, national origin, age, disability, gender identity, sex, or sexual orientation are not only welcome but celebrated. Your unique story and beauty are what drive our passion, and we are excited about the opportunity to bring them to life through our photography.

What’s worked well for you in terms of a source for new clients?

For us, it has consistently been word-of-mouth referrals. There’s no greater compliment than someone enthusiastically recommending our work to their friends and family. The trust and confidence that comes with a personal recommendation are invaluable, and we are deeply grateful for every single one.

Closely following word-of-mouth, we also greatly value the impact of Google reviews. In today’s digital landscape, those testimonials provide prospective clients with genuine insights into the Kanded experience. When someone takes the time to share their positive feedback on Google, it significantly helps others in the Lynchburg area who are searching for a photographer and allows them to see the experiences of our wonderful clients firsthand. We truly appreciate that effort.

How’d you build such a strong reputation within your market?

I believe a significant factor in building our reputation within the Lynchburg market has been our commitment to being unapologetically ourselves. From the very beginning, we decided to embrace our unique personalities and let that shine through in our interactions and our work. We’re a little weird, we’re definitely out there with our creative ideas, and we genuinely strive to bring laughter and joy to our clients’ experiences.

This authenticity, I think, resonates with people. In a world where many services can feel transactional, our clients often comment on the genuine connection they feel with us. Our inclusivity is also a core value that we actively demonstrate in our work and our interactions. We believe in celebrating everyone, and that commitment to making everyone feel welcome and seen has undoubtedly contributed to the positive reputation we’ve built.

Our ‘out-of-the-box’ thinking has likely played a key role. We’re not afraid to push boundaries, to find inspiration in unexpected places, and to offer creative concepts that go beyond the norm. This willingness to be different and to offer a unique experience often leads to memorable and shareable results, which in turn helps spread the word about Kanded.

I believe our reputation has grown organically because people sense our genuine passion, our commitment to inclusivity, and our willingness to step outside the traditional mold to create something truly special and personal for them. It’s about building genuine connections and consistently delivering an experience that is authentically ‘Kanded’.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://kandedphoto.square.site/
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/kandedphoto
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/kandedllc