Meet Kira Goff | Brand + Family Photographer and owner of KINDLE Photo Studio & Event Space

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

Hi Kira, how has your work-life balance changed over time?
From the moment I fell in love with photography, I’ve busted my butt to learn everything I can and grow this business. But after I had my first kiddo, my work-life balance definitely had to shift more towards the LIFE side of things as I dedicated time to raise him. Thankfully, I was able to figure out how to still do what I love in the midst of it, but it has taken a lot more schedule management. I have a nanny 2.5 days a week and do as much as I can for my businesses on the other days and during his naps. I actually have another little one on the way so I’ll have to re-evaulate balance yet again once he is born this fall! But I’m looking forward to the challenge of raising both babies and both of my businesses at the same time since I adore both so much!

Let’s talk shop? Tell us more about your career, what can you share with our community?
When I was a freshman in college, my dad bought me my first DSLR (cough, “big girl” camera) for Christmas. I’d been carrying around my little snap-and-shoot camera with me everywhere since middle school, but when I unwrapped that DSLR, I knew photography was what I wanted my life to be all about.

I started taking photos for friends and family, then I got hired for a wedding (and more weddings). And pretty soon I realized: Wow, this photography business can actually work. But in reality? Turning this into a sustainable business took 9 long years.

We hear a lot about the freedom and flexibility of being an entrepreneur and it all sounds so luxe, but believe me, it’s not all butterflies and rainbows. Not only have I had to learn how to support people through intimate moments, but I’ve also had to navigate long hours and figure out how to set boundaries.

Plus, growing my expertise and confidence took LOTS of time and financial investment. But, it’s truly been worth it. Not only do I have an incredibly entrepreneurial spirit, but I’ve also discovered that I have the grit to stay the course.

Every challenge that I faced fueled my determination to make this dream a reality! I figured that if so many others could do it, why not me too?

I’ve come a long way since that first year…
photographing over 100 weddings
capturing thousands of family sessions and memories
making a sustainable living that helps support my family

And today, I focus mostly on my bread and butter: Brand Photography.

I love helping small business owners define their visual brands and connect on a deeper level with their audiences (and end up with more $$$ in their bank accounts because of it)

I’ve also opened a second business called KINDLE Photo Studio & Event Space which I use for my own clients *and* rent out to other photographers to use!

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.
For anyone visiting Colorado Springs from out of town, I would definitely suggest staring at Kinship Landing and visiting The Well, Switchback Coffee, Lumen8 Rooftop Social, and The Rabbit Hole for food and drinks. A trip to Garden of the Gods is a must whether hiking or just stopping along the route for photo opportunities and the Penny Arcade in Manitou Springs is such a fun spot for kiddos if the weather is nice enough outside.

Shoutout is all about shouting out others who you feel deserve additional recognition and exposure. Who would you like to shoutout?
I want to dedicate this shoutout to my husband, Preston Goff. He is the VP of Global Communications at The Exodus Road, a non-profit based here in Colorado Springs that is dedicated to fighting human trafficking around the world. We are coming up on 10 years of marriage and he has always been my biggest supporter and encourager in the midst of the challenges of entrepreneurship. He is always up for helping me with my crazy ideas and letting me take calculated risks that have the potential to affect our family (thankfully all of which so far have turned out well). I couldn’t do what I do without his steadfast support and adoration.

Website: www.kirawhitney.com and www.kindlecos.com

Instagram: @kirawhitneyphotography and @kindlecos

Facebook: @kirawhitneyphotography and @kindlecos

Image Credits
Kira Whitney Photography