Today we’d like to introduce you to Kiera Simpson.
Hi Kiera, thanks for sharing your story with us. To start, maybe you can tell our readers some of your backstory.
I realized I wanted to be a photographer long-term when I made all of my projects speak through a lens rather than the disciplines office jobs gave me. I got my first ‘big girl’ job the year I graduated at the University of the Arts London, studying BA Graphic Design. This job was a creative lead for a vintage company. I then found myself in marketing for some stability. I soon enough realized that I wanted and needed to be on set to thrive as an artist.
September 2023, I took a leap into the world of freelance. It has been the most challenging time of my life so far but the most rewarding. Having that ability to develop your own personal projects and connect with like-minded individuals has been my fuel. Collaborating with these people has enabled me to further develop my journey and realize I also want to pursue a career in cinematography. Having that emotive touch in your narrative with minimal room for perfection allows authenticity to flourish within your work. That is why I do what I do.
Less than a year ago, I had never shot on a film camera, I didn’t know what an ARRI was, I didn’t know how to operate a boom or even know a basic light set-up. Progress comes in all shapes and sizes and devotion to my craft and staying true to myself has allowed me to keep ticking boxes. The most exciting part is that I will be forever learning!
We all face challenges, but looking back, would you describe it as a relatively smooth road?
It certainly hasn’t been smooth. I have found myself worrying about whether or not I could afford rent, comparing myself to my peers, and having creative block more times than I’ve had hot dinners.
Taking a moment to breathe and gather perspective has been helpful. Although this seems cliche, it is cliche for a reason. To add, social media is a facade, something I have a love-hate relationship with. It is a huge part of my job, but we need to remind ourselves that no one will post something that doesn’t 100% reflect their efforts (as this is how most photographers gets jobs these days). Something I have also learnt recently is that not everyone is going to like you. Styles, concepts, and visuals merge, and insecurities can certainly get the better of some people. It’s a real shame. This industry is a relationship/networking game too, just as much as talent. The world would be a much more attainable place if we could all give as opposed to always being on the lookout to knock others down. Your peers’ successes won’t affect your own.
I constantly strive to stay true to myself, and I do really struggle with how unauthentic some people can be. Despite this, I have the most incredible people around me that make this creative journey worthwhile.
As you know, we’re big fans of you and your work. For our readers who might not be as familiar what can you tell them about what you do?
I am a fashion / commercial photographer and aspiring cinematographer from Sunderland, a semi-small city in the UK. I am known for my heavy use of color and saturation within my imagery, yet still believe I haven’t found my exact style yet and that’s ok! I do know that a huge part of my work that won’t ever change is my bold color ways / expression.
I am most proud of the music video ‘Cherry Pie’ I have just directed and DoPd on. We had full control over the concept as a creative team, which enabled us to make great use of what we had around us for our first video. It really was a special collision of fond efforts (and I got to make it with my best friends). I would say I’m also really proud of my ability to run with any discipline I want to thrive in. It’s still an ongoing process, but that’s the fun of it!
If we knew you growing up, how would we have described you?
Growing up, I was very introverted. I didn’t feel like I had a voice, yet I kept myself to myself and always found myself in the art classroom. I then joined my local drama school and found a new sense of confidence. I will forever be grateful for that. My love for music, theatre and screen very much impacts my work as I love providing weird and wonderful expression in my work.
I have always been a people person, which helps me a lot in my career. I also grew up very working class. It has provided me a space to re-harness my craft and direct new opportunities towards those who didn’t quite have access to this knowledge growing up, as I certainly didn’t. I do hope I can expand on this more in 2024.
Growing up in a small city very far from London allowed me to be delusional – this is very much a good thing. It allowed me to have aspirations that were so insane to some, but very much achievable and all the more worthwhile when you have come from nothing. I’m very grateful for the opportunities I have been granted.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://kierasimpson.com
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/kiers/
