Kiarra got her start in high school assisting her cousin’s photography business, and since then, she’s photographed nearly 100 weddings! She’s photographed everything from big weddings to tiny elopements, and also has tons of experience with newborns, families, and lifestyle sessions. Kiarra’s super organized, incredibly thoughtful, and always ready to jump in wherever she’s needed—whether that’s capturing the quiet, in-between moments or helping keep the day running smoothly. We’re so lucky to have her on the team! Check out Kiarra’s Q+A below, and when you’re done you can see her full associate portfolio here.

How long have you been a photographer?

9 years!

Tell us about your journey in photography so far! How long have you been a photographer? How many weddings have you shot? What have you learned along the way?

I got my first camera in 2016 during my sophomore year of high school. My brother was heading to Europe for a semester abroad and wanted a camera to document his trip. I paid for half of it, and the deal was that I’d get to keep it when he came back. Around that same time, my cousin had a photography business. She heard about our camera deal and invited me to assist her at shoots. Soon after, she began mentoring me and eventually brought me on as her second shooter. She retired from the wedding industry, so I decided to start my own photography business in 2023 to continue shooting weddings. What began as a side job and hobby quickly turned into my full-time career in 2025. 

I’ve lost track of exactly how many weddings I’ve been part of, but I know it’s somewhere between 70 and 80. Along the way, I’ve learned how important it is to network and to never stop learning. There is always new gear to try out, new shooting and editing styles to explore, and new business advice to implement. I’ll never reach a point where I know it all, and I love that!

What’s your favorite part of being an associate for Celisia Stanton Photography?

I love getting to broaden my reach! Celisia is based in the Twin Cities while I’m based in St. Cloud, so I have opportunities to shoot at new venues and meet clients I might not have otherwise. I also love that I just get to show up for the fun part, taking photos, and don’t need to worry about all the other logistics of a shoot. Not to mention, Celisia’s team is so incredibly kind!

What’s your favorite part of a wedding day to capture?

Details and sunset portraits! Details help tell the full story and are always some of my favorite shots, but sunset portraits are where the magic happens. Couples are usually so relaxed and giggly by that point, so the photos end up being some of their favorites.

What’s your go-to wedding day advice for soon-to-be married couples?

It’s okay (and normal!) to stress about logistics during wedding planning, but don’t stress on the day-of! Almost every wedding gets off track at some point, whether it’s hair and makeup running behind or needing to work around scattered showers. But every single time, the day still turns out perfectly in the end. It’s your special day, and your guests and vendors will happily adjust.

What would you say to a couple who is nervous about having their picture taken?

Don’t be! Almost everyone feels nervous at first, but it ends up turning into such a fun experience. I always try to prompt rather than pose, so you’re never standing there stiffly. Instead, you’ll be giggling and loving on your partner while barely noticing the camera is there!