Meet Kim Davidson | AZ Lifestyle Photographer

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

Hi Kim, why did you pursue a creative career?
I found my path to photography, oddly enough by persuing a career that was not a great fit for me. Straight out of college, I went to work in the financial industry. At that time, working in corporate America was my view of success. Work for a big corporation, 9 – 5, five days a week, benefits, paid time off, you get the picture. I stayed in the industry way longer than I probably should have. I met a lot of great people along the way, including my now husband, but I came home most days unfulfilled and unhappy. I have always had a passion for photography. Most of my lunch hour at work was spent perusing photography blogs and websites. Reading the stories of the couples, the pregnancies, the little one’s who lives filled up those pages. I loved the story that those images told.

Shortly after we were married, my lunch hour also started to fill up with fertility treatments. My path to motherhood was grueling. Multiple rounds of treatments, over three and a half years, with many losses along the way. I had never wanted something so badly in my entire life. Once we became pregnant, my husband and I both decided that I would become a stay at home mom. I worked so hard to bring this little person into the world, that the thought of being away from him was just too much to handle. Once he was here, I picked up the fancy camera that my husband had gifted me a few years prior, and never looked back.

I was determined to learn to capture the beautiful images that I saw over my lunch hour, when I would escape into the photography world. I spent many a nap hour and late nights taking online photography courses and watching ‘YouTube’ videos. My subject of course was the sweet little bundle of joy that we had just welcomed into the world. Like most mommy’s do, I was sharing these images on my social media platforms. Over time, as my images became stronger, I was slowly getting the nudge from both family and friends to start pursuing photography as a business. It’s taken me a long time to dip my toes in the water so to speak. That being said, I can’t wait to see where this all leads.

Alright, so let’s move onto what keeps you busy professionally?
I am a natural light photographer, residing in Litchfield Park, AZ. My photography style is definitely lifestyle in nature. While perfectly posed images of your family looking at the camera are lovely, I most love capturing those in between moments. The mama knelt down in the grass, looking for ladybugs with her little one. The daddy tossing his baby into the air. A mama’s hands resting on an expectant belly.

The everyday, in between moments that most see as ordinary, I find to be extraordinary. That is where the most genuine smiles are captured. That is where the most natural, authentic images of your loved ones can be found.
While my photography journey is just beginning, I have definitely found myself leaning towards all things motherhood. From maternity up through those very early years, capturing the connection between a mama and her little one’s is where I find the most joy, the most fulfillment.

If you had a friend visiting you, what are some of the local spots you’d want to take them around to?
Head up north. I promise your friends will tell you at least a million times “I can’t believe that Arizona looks like this!” Drive the switch backs between Sedona and Flagstaff. Take a crazy jeep tour through the rugged terrain of the Sedona Red Rocks. If your friend happens to be a photographer, also make certain to plan for an epic photo shoot at Bell Rock, or Crescent Moon Park. Anticipate at least one shopping day, starting with Tlaquepaque Village, before heading down to the antique stores in Cottonwood. I have a little train enthusiast in my life, so we would definitely be spending an entire afternoon on the Verde Canyon Railways, taking in all the sights and sounds that the canyon has to offer. Did I mention I love antique shopping? Prescott has some of the best antique stores in the state and with at least a dozen to choose from, you can’t go wrong. On our way back to the Valley, we would make certain to stop at the Rock Springs Café in Black Canyon City for some of the best pie you have ever tasted. They are legendary!

Once back in town, a little brunch at Hash Kitchen and shopping at Fashion Square is in order. Of course, any trip to AZ isn’t complete without some amazing Mexican food. I like to take my friends to Barrio Café in Phoenix and relax with some drinks at Bitter & Twisted. We would definitely need to work off all of the delicious food that we had been partaking in all week, so hikes at both Camelback and the White Tank Mountains would also be in order. As a last hurrah, we would wind the week down at The Wigwam Resort, specifically the LeMonds spa, where both a full body massage and facial would be in order, followed by drinks at the pool. To toast to a fabulous week with friends, we would end with a five star meal at Litchfield’s.

Who else deserves some credit and recognition?
I made reference to the nap time and late night hours I spent devouring any photography education I could put my hands on. Everything I know about photography, from how to operate my camera in manual mode to choosing my lighting priorities and even posing, is due to Amy & Jordan Demos. Their courses are phenomenal and I simply can’t recommend them enough.

Website: under construction

Instagram: @kimdavidsonphotography

Facebook: Kim Davidson Photography

Image Credits
My personal headshot was taken by Devon Stoebe Photography