Today we’d like to introduce you to Kira Shannon.
Kira, please share your story with us. How did you get to where you are today?
I initially started gaining followers on my instagram when I came to Miami as a freshman attending UM in the Fall of 2017, and my first shot was through a DM request for a project with a well-known streetwear brand based in NYC. After that, I found that I had a knack for learning how to pose and what expressions are good in front of a camera, so I continued to shoot with anyone that I could for the next three months, building relationships with local photographers and directors. And suddenly, changing in alleyways turned into getting paid to shoot, and requests from brands for representation.
Every morning for an entire summer, I woke up every day, packed four-five looks in my suitcase, did all my own hair and makeup, and took the bus into the city to shoot with a different photographer, and go to my serving job at night. This continued until I was lucky enough to build a name for myself through Instagram and the modeling community, and when I was approached by an engagement company for representation is when I found that those summer bus ride trips were finally paying off. Now, I am promoting my Instagram, working directly with brands both new and established, and able to charge an hourly rate for any photographer or director that approaches me for a shoot. I went from making $3 an hour plus tips to hundreds because I focused on my worth and what I personally was good at.
Overall, has it been relatively smooth? If not, what were some of the struggles along the way?
I don’t think it will be a smooth road for anyone. Before I started gaining followers in my early shooting days I went to open call after open call with nothing. No jobs, no agents, not a single contract. I wasn’t completely clear on my type and my brand and that’s one of the most important things agencies want to see.
I have so much to say to women. We have to work that much harder to be able to be taken as seriously as a male in our respective fields. Something that I am commonly approached with is fake requests for photoshoots so men can hit on me, one of the most frustrating things I can probably speak on. Remaining professional in these situations can be difficult, but it is integral to remember that not everyone can understand that this IS actually a real job and real business.
This often happens with photographers as well, more commonly on the amateur side. If anything they say ever makes you uncomfortable, no one is making you stay at the shoot. Comments on your body/face/etc. that is more than directions for a pose are completely inappropriate in a shoot and this is definitely a red flag I see in some photographers. Always remember to stay assertive and to put your foot down. You don’t owe people shots if they are going to be rude, harass you, or objectify you.
Please tell us about your work.
I specialize in streetwear looks and bikini. I am definitely most known for my bikini shots and they are more popular, but I have been featured in numerous style IGs such as the account @likelamar. I dance and model in music videos for local artists and have been working on a few projects that I’m really excited to release.
Pricing:
- $50: one hour SPECIAL for voyager readers if you DM my page from this article. Any print or portrait shoot.
- $100: one-hour SPECIAL bikini or boudoir shoot
Contact Info:
- Email: kira.m.shannon@gmail.com
- Instagram: instagram.com/kirashannon_
Image Credit:
Derek Brackett, Will Adam
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