Meet Kiana Tate LaRoche | Documentary Wedding Photographer

We had the good fortune of connecting with Kiana Tate LaRoche and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Kiana Tate, we’d love to hear about how you approach risk and risk-taking
I have always looked at myself as being in the risk taker category. From an early age, we moved around a lot, switched schools, lived in different states and I think that element of change really stuck with me. I love what being a risk taker has done for my career and perspective on being a photographer. I love to constantly put myself out there, travel for anything, and I’m not afraid to start something new. Looking back at the decision to become a full time photographer and knowing that it was one of the greatest risks I’ve ever taken is what pushes me to better myself for my clients and the work I create. Risks allow me to see and experience new things and that never gets old. I look forward to being able to continue to take on new risks with this career in such an amazing industry.

Let’s talk shop? Tell us more about your career, what can you share with our community?
I have such a lust for life and think every story and person that I get the pleasure of learning more about it so special. Their moments and stories stay with me and I am always so honored to be chosen to document them in a way that feels natural and raw. I get to capture and preserve the big and small moments of life for next generations to feel. These moments get to be conversation starters as they hang in the background of peoples homes and shared in albums or online with friends and family. I get to see love in my art and work and that is a driving force when I show up for an intimate family session or a beautiful destination wedding. I get so proud and excited when I book a new client because I know there is a connection and friendship building. I also love incorporating brand/fashion work into my portfolio. Diving into the story they’re trying to get across to their audience is so fun to help bring to life. Being a creative and photographer has always felt natural to me and felt like it was supposed to be my story but the path hasn’t always been easy. There is a lot of doubt, competition and credibility hurtles you’re constantly going through. When I feel any of these things, I go back and look at where I started and admire the work that has gone into where I am now.
To my core, I want the world to know and feel that I am a visual storyteller and have so much passion for what I do and what I can bring to each person that stands in front of my camera.

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.
My mind automatically goes to the tons of fun things to do here on 30a. I would immediately take them to Rosemary Beach to walk around the shops and get drinks at The Pearl Rooftop, apps at La Crema, and head to The Citizen in Alys Beach for dinner. We would start the next day with a yoga class at Myst 30a and then head to the Seaside Farmers Market for some local goodies. Then we would have a beach day in Grayton and of course taking a lunch break at The Red Bar. We would finish the day with a sunset paddle on one of the beautiful dune lakes. Having visitors here on 30a is one of my favorite things. Its the perfect place for feel like you’re on vacation all the time.

The Shoutout series is all about recognizing that our success and where we are in life is at least somewhat thanks to the efforts, support, mentorship, love and encouragement of others. So is there someone that you want to dedicate your shoutout to?
There are a lot of people who I can give a ton of credit t0 where I am today. I have a huge supportive family, amazing fiance, and the endless support from the photography community.

My sister and owner of Loft and Leaf, has been my biggest supporter, motivator, and challenger. The way she has grown her business and art is a daily inspiration and I’m lucky to have her to lean on.

Website: https://www.kianatatephoto.com/

Instagram: @kianatatephotography

Image Credits
Kiana Tate Photo