Rising Stars: Meet Kiera S. Thomas of Los Angeles/ Inland Empire

Today we’d like to introduce you to Kiera S. Thomas

Kiera S., we appreciate you taking the time to share your story with us today. Where does your story begin?
I’ve always been a nostalgic and sentimental person. I love flipping through old family photos, yearbooks, and personal keepsakes, taking me back to past moments. Growing up, my dad had cameras around the house, documenting our lives in a way that I now see as a big influence on my own journey, and has grown my appreciation for documenting life.

My first real exposure to photography as a profession came from my aunty Suzan. She’s a nurse and but first had a photography business during my childhood years. I recall going to a maternity shoot with her and being her assistant, I loved it. I was so inspired by her having a career in nursing and photography. By third grade, I knew I wanted to be a doctor and a photographer.

By middle school, I had a point-and-shoot camera that became my constant companion. I documented my life, taking pictures of my friends, travels, and all the places we’d explore. Photography became a natural extension of how I experienced the world. During my freshman year of high school, I took my first photography class with Mrs. Usher (now Dr. Usher*), where I learned more about the art and craft of taking photos and editing. That experience changed everything for me.

Through that class, I joined the yearbook club and began photographing sports, like basketball and football, naturally drawn to capturing the energy and emotion of athletes in action. After high school, I went off to college and shifted my focus to pursuing a degree in Biology. I had an big interest in medicine, so photography took a back seat. For years, I didn’t pick up a camera (besides my phone), and pretty much forgot about how much I loved photography. College was a difficult time for me because I struggled with undiagnosed ADHD on top of a rigorous pre-med schedule with no means of expression. I was in a very low place, suffering in silence, depressed, and questioning my path in life. I stuck it out, graduated college in 2020 but I wasn’t sure what I would do next. I took that time of not knowing what I was doing with my life to focus on myself and my mental health and began my healing, self-discovery, and spiritual journey.

Fast Forward to spring of 2022, I was ready to quit my job at a COVID-19 testing clinic due to being overworked and burnt out. I attended an event in Hollywood when I met someone that asked me a question that changed everything. They asked, “What’s your creative outlet?” No one has ever asked me that before so I was stumped. I went home and the next day was thinking, “ what IS my creative outlet?” I didn’t think I was a creative person, but I know that as humans we are all born creative, so I had to really think about it. I thought back to my childhood because I know that’s when we’re most creative, then it dawned on me I used to want to be a photographer.

A week later, I stumbled upon an old point-and-shoot film camera in my childhood home. I just knew it was a sign from God to return to myself and pursue my childhood dream of being a photographer. Since then, I’ve taken a camera everywhere, documenting my life along the way.

In December 2022, I attended Black Women Photographers’ first LA exhibition, and in 2023, I started joining their meetups. It was at one of these meetups that I had my very first photoshoot. After sharing those photos on Instagram, I was immediately booked for my first paid shoot, and the opportunities have been flowing ever since.

In 2024, I began showcasing my work in art exhibitions around LA, experiencing a full-circle moment when my first photography exhibition was the Black Women Photographers LA 2024 exhibition. That moment was really special, affirming the decision I made to follow my creative instincts and trust the process.

Alright, 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?
No, it has not always been a smooth road. Learning both the photography business and the technical nuances of shooting on film has been a journey filled with trial and error. Like many self-taught film photographers, I’ve faced challenges such as mastering proper exposure, navigating manual settings, and making rookie mistakes—like accidentally opening the camera mid-roll and exposing the film to light. Each setback has been a valuable lesson, shaping me into the photographer I am today. I’m forever a student, continuously learning and evolving.

One of my first lessons in photography came during my very first paid shoot in April 2022, I drove over an hour to the location only to realize I had forgotten my main camera at home. It was a frustrating experience, but it taught me the importance of staying organized and double-checking my gear. I told myself this could never happen again, and it hasn’t. I learned my lesson.

Early on, photography became my only source of income during a time of unemployment. It was tough not knowing when I would get booked or when payments would come in. One experience stands out: after completing a photoshoot for a brand and delivering all the images, I anxiously waited for my payment to cover bills. That’s when I learned about terms like “net 30 & net 60” and how many creatives endure long waits for corporate payments.

That experience, along with others, made me realize that having a consistent income while building something new may be the best approach for someone like me. It takes the pressure off needing to photograph purely for survival, allowing space for creativity to thrive and the freedom to pursue projects that genuinely inspire me while I really get my foundations down.

Alright, so let’s switch gears a bit and talk business. What should we know about your work?
I am a documentary and portrait film photographer with a deep passion for storytelling and capturing moments that feel genuine and full of life. My work spans portraits, event documentation, travel, and commercial projects, but at the core of everything I do is a focus on connection and community. Much of my work celebrates Black joy, especially in outdoor and natural spaces such as beaches, rivers, and lakes.

Around the time I discovered my passion for film photography, I also began surfing. This dual journey has inspired a long-term documentary project centered on the Black surf community in Southern California.

What sets me apart is my unique perspective, shaped by my lived experiences and the relationships I’ve built within my community. I approach each project with a focus on genuine storytelling, capturing not just the visual moment but the emotions and connections behind it.

I’m most proud of my ability to celebrate and amplify the beauty of my community through my work, creating images that feel timeless and deeply rooted in love and authenticity.

We’d be interested to hear your thoughts on luck and what role, if any, you feel it’s played for you?
I wouldn’t necessarily call it luck; I believe in destiny and divine alignment. If something is truly meant for you, it will find its way to you without you having to chase or look for it. Photography is destined for me—it found its way back into my life when I wasn’t even looking for it. Embracing this path has affirmed that I’m walking in my purpose, and I trust that my steps are guided. My faith reminds me that as long as I put in the work, God will handle the rest. My genuine love for photography and the joy it brings me, creates an energy that attracts a supportive community and opportunities that perfectly align with my journey.

Contact Info:

• Website: Email : kierasthomasphotography@gmail.com
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/kiera.s.t/
• Other: Portfolio: https://lightroom.adobe.com/shares/50c07e97beac44dea2560b11b402653a

Image Credits
Malik Laing (personal photo)
Kiera S. Thomas