Today we’d like to introduce you to Kirsten Miccoli.
So, before we jump into specific questions about the business, why don’t you give us some details about you and your story.
Growing up, I was always looking for ways to express myself creatively. As a child I would often write, draw and paint. I was very interested in the story-telling aspect of imagery and art but it wasn’t until high school when I discovered my first camera and I realized I had found my true passion. I started out doing documentary photography and gradually progressed into portraiture and fashion. In school, I would submerge myself in fantasy while constructing elaborate sets in my backyard. I would dress up and take self-portraits in hand-made clothes strewn together from materials I found around the house. I went to college at Columbia College Chicago and continued to grow and learn about my craft. Shortly after graduating, I started my own business and I have been working as a photographer based in Chicago ever since.
Great, so let’s dig a little deeper into the story – has it been an easy path overall and if not, what were the challenges you’ve had to overcome?
Photography itself has always been the easiest part of what I do as it comes very naturally to me. One of the most difficult parts of my path thus far has been learning how to run my own business in a very competitive industry. When I started my business after college, I really just threw myself into the deep end and forced myself to learn how to swim. It was a huge risk at the time because there was no guarantee of success. I encountered many high highs and low lows along the way and at times I wondered if the hard work I was doing would ever pay off. Even now, as my business continues to grow and prosper, I still hit bumps in the road but overall, I try my best to learn from my past mistakes and be better because of them.
Kirsten Miccoli Photography – what should we know? What do you guys do best? What sets you apart from the competition?
The main categories of photography that I specialize in are fashion, editorial, portraiture and advertising. It is really important for me to have an individual and unique style. I try to capture something that feels real even in the most surreal settings. I love the idea of the ‘moment in between the moment’ and achieving that balance between candid and staged. I try to tell a story with every photo and I think that is what sets me apart. In order to achieve the right emotion in my photos I have to be able to make my subject really comfortable. I direct a lot while on set and I am known for being laid back, outgoing and slightly goofy. You wouldn’t necessarily know that by looking at my work. As a company, I feel most proud when I can make my client or subject feel really excited and happy about what we are doing. I have had big successes and break through moments but nothing compares to creating something that excites or evokes an emotional response in others, whether it is an individual portrait session or large-scale production, that positive response is what I strive for.
What moment in your career do you look back most fondly on?
I have had a lot of really cool opportunities and amazing clients that have taken me all over the world but I think some of my proudest moments are when I hear my friends and family talk about the work I am doing or ask to display my photos in their homes. There is something so personal and intimate about that and it means a lot to me to have the support of the people I care about the most.
Contact Info:
- Website: www.KirstenMiccoli.com
- Phone: 219-588-4013
- Email: Kirsten@Kirstenmiccoli.com
- Instagram: @KirstenMiccoli
- Facebook: Facebook.com/KirstenMiccoli
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