Meet Kiara Madrigal | Lifestyle Photographer

We had the good fortune of connecting with Kiara Madrigal and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Kiara, how has your work-life balance changed over time?
OMG! Where to begin, my work life balance has changed incredibly over the last two years but in a good way. Besides being a photographer I work a full time job at an elementary school as well as being a college student earning my bachelors degree in communications. When I decided I was serious about taking on photography as more than just a hobby, my husband and I talked it over and he asked me if I was ready to give up my weekends lol! He knew I was already busy working my day job and being in school, weekends were my only free days, but if I was serious about pursuing photography he knew I would be able to handle it. I’m not going to sugar coat it, the balance between everything can be overwhelming at times with running a small business, school, work and life! Sometimes I wish there were more hours in the day but being disciplined and organized helps a lot! However at the end of the day I am so grateful I get to spend my time doing something I truly love and enjoy doing!

Let’s talk shop? Tell us more about your career, what can you share with our community?
Photography started off as a hobby for me when I was in high school, I was always the one to take my camera everywhere with me within our friend group and even took photography courses as an elective in college. I’ve always been intrigued when it came to taking pictures and when the pandemic hit, it allowed me time to really study my camera, the ins and out of becoming a photographer. I started to take pictures of friends and families to allow myself to get some hands on training and from that moment on it just took off. There’s something so special and magical about being able to capture a special moment for someone allowing them to have that moment frozen in time forever. I am so proud that I took the risk and put myself out there and started this journey, many aren’t able to do this due to fear or rejection but you won’t know until you put yourself out there and try! I’m proud to call myself a photographer, I get to do something I love as a living. I got where I am today thanks to a lot of practice, education and help from others. You never stop learning in this industry and even though I am nowhere near where I want to be I will continue to educate myself to ensure I perfect my art. Becoming a wedding photographer is the next goal set for me. I’ve had the pleasure of helping other photographers capture weddings this past year and it’s definitely something I’ve really enjoyed doing. This is just the beginning and I can’t wait to see where I’m at in five years.

Let’s say your best friend was visiting the area and you wanted to show them the best time ever. Where would you take them? Give us a little itinerary – say it was a week long trip, where would you eat, drink, visit, hang out, etc.
Living in Southern California there are so many things to do! All of these plans would take place during the early summer time because I feel like there is something that makes you so happy being in sunny California during this time lol! First things first, on Monday we would spend the day in Los Angeles/Hollywood and check out all of the tourist spots! I am a sucker for being out in the city during the summer time. We would eat at a local restaurant such as Urth Caffe in hopes of seeing a celebrity, next visit the Griffith Observatory, hike the Hollywood sign, attend a show like Jimmy Kimmel, or The Late Late Show with James Corden. On Tuesday we would go to Disneyland, because hello why wouldn’t you visit the happiest place on earth while in town. We would eat some birria tacos from California Adventure while enjoying a nice cold beer, making sure we save room for a churro and a dole whip from Disneyland. This is key when visiting the parks. On Wednesday we would drive down to Orange County and visit Corona Del Mar beach. This is one of my favorite beaches since it’s not too packed. We would take some poke with us and enjoy it on the beach while enjoying the fresh ocean breeze. Later we would enjoy a late lunch/dinner at a rooftop restaurant like The Rooftop Lounge, I enjoy going to this location because it’s small but the views are amazing! On Thursday we make our way back to Los Angeles but to catch a dodgers game! Did you even visit SoCal if you didn’t go see the boys in blue play?? Prior to the game we would visit Mohawk Bend, they’re located on Sunset Blvd down the street from the stadium. They have some of the best pizzas like their pb&j pizza (pineapples, yes they belong on pizza haha, bacon and jalapeños) along with their wide selection of beers. After the game, Leo’s taco truck is a must, their tacos al pastor are sooo good!! On Friday we would end the week by waking up early and we would head down to Wish You Were Here Coffee in downtown Pomona. They serve amazing coffee along with a delicious menu option like their granola bowl and fruit, it’s sooo tasty!! For lunch we would head down to Claremont and find something yummy to eat in the Village like Espiau’s or Bardot. Finally we would enjoy the night by getting dressed up and going to some fun speakeasy bars in Hollywood. My favorite spot is Good Times at Davey Wayne’s, its’ like going back in time to the 70s when you go in. You’ll definitely be tired after this fun-filled week but the memories will last a lifetime!

Shoutout is all about shouting out others who you feel deserve additional recognition and exposure. Who would you like to shoutout?
I am so thankful that my husband Vincent has been one of my biggest supporters throughout this journey. From the moment I told him I wanted to pursue photography more than just a hobby, he was fully on board. He knew how much I enjoyed taking pictures that taking it to the next level and creating a business out of it was no different, he was going to be there every step of the way. When I first began this journey and not knowing any photographers YouTube university and local Facebook photographer groups really helped when I needed some photography advice. I want to thank all of my photographer friends I have made in the last year and a half, they have really welcomed me into this community and I will be forever grateful. A few specific photogs I would like to give credit to is Suzanna @shotbysvz, she allowed me to shadow her during her sessions, showing me some tips and tricks while allowing me to build up my portfolio. I was able to capture my first wedding this year as her second shooter, giving me an insight what it’s like to photograph a wedding. My mentor of the last three months Arlyne @arlynereneephotography has literally been amazing and an open book. I know if I have any question whether its business related or editing she’ll be able to help me out. She is a huge believer in community over competition and that’s something I appreciate as it can be really scary starting out, so having people within the community welcome you with open arms has been so great! Lastly, styled workshops have allowed me to capture content in order to expand my portfolio. I wouldn’t be able to add even more creativeness to my portfolio if it wasn’t for La Linda Vida, The Counterfeit Wedding, Arlyne Renee Photography & Genevie Photo. They have put on some amazing workshops which have made me think outside the box, push the limits, be creative and learn from other photographers, I am forever thankful!

Website: https://capturedbykiara.mypixieset.com

Instagram: capturedby.kiara

Other: Email: Capturedbykiaramadrigal@gmail.com