Today we’d like to introduce you to Kim Monson.
Hi Kim, so excited to have you on the platform. So before we get into questions about your work-life, maybe you can bring our readers up to speed on your story and how you got to where you are today?
I started my photography journey 29 years ago—when my son turned one. I brought him to a photoshoot and thought, I can do this. What began as a simple idea quickly became a side business that I nurtured for years.
Taking the leap to go full-time was nerve-racking, but it was one of the best decisions I’ve ever made. Along the way, I’ve had incredible mentors, faced plenty of ups and downs, and grown more than I could have imagined—not just as a photographer, but as a business owner.
Today, I’m proud to say Kim J Photography, LLC has been going strong for 15 years. I’ve poured my heart into this work, and I truly love what I do.
We all face challenges, but looking back would you describe it as a relatively smooth road?
Where do I even begin? Let’s just say this journey hasn’t been all sunshine and smooth roads.
Over the years, I’ve gone through two divorces—one from a husband, and one from a business partner. (To be clear, two different people!) One was an easy decision—I’m not great at sharing—and the other was one of the hardest choices I’ve had to make. But in the end, I realized I’m better off owning my business and making my own decisions.
That independence has been everything. It’s built my confidence, shaped my voice, and reminded me of what I’m capable of. It even inspired the tattoo on my arm: “Actually, I can.”
I’ve earned every step of this path, and I wouldn’t trade it for anything.
Alright, so let’s switch gears a bit and talk business. What should we know about your work?
One of my greatest passions is dreaming up and bringing to life my creative sessions. I get these visions in my head—an idea, a feeling, a story—and I start building around it. I make inspiration boards, gather or create the pieces I need, think through locations, and find the right models to bring it all together.
These sessions have produced some of my favorite images. They’re more than just photos—they’re pieces of me. Each one tells a story, even if that story looks a little different to every viewer. That’s the beauty of art.
For me, these sessions are how I express what I sometimes can’t put into words. When words fall short, I create. And that’s where I fall in love with my work over and over again. I have found it’s important to create art just for me.
What makes you happy?
When I’m able to get these images out of my head and printed onto a canvas. There is a great sense of pride and almost relief. Then the next idea starts bubbling to the top
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.kimjphotography.net/
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/kimj.photography/
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/thruhimphotography
- LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/kim-monson-513567187/
