Tidewater Member Spotlight

Kim Kiely (Tidewater District, Williamsburg, VA)

You’ve been in business for 20 years. What has changed the most in how you see your work or yourself as an artist over that time?

Honestly, I think I’ve just relaxed into it. In the beginning, I had a bad experience with someone I thought would be a good mentor, but his approach to photography was just too rigid for me. I wanted to be more artistic than technical in how I created. This pushed me… it’s like someone saying you can’t do that and it just makes me want to even more. Now, I trust myself!  I’m focused on creating work that carries meaning—something that feels timeless and lasting.

Fine art photography can mean different things to different people. How do you personally define “fine art” in your work?

For me, it’s all about intention and that blurred line between painting and photograph. It’s not just about taking a pretty picture—it’s about creating something that makes people pause. There’s intention behind it, but I leave room for it to breathe. I’m always thinking about what stays with someone after they’ve seen the image. If it lingers, it makes me happy.

What does your creative process look like from idea to finished image? Are you more of a planner or do you let things evolve as you go?

I’m definitely a mix. I usually start with a spark—sometimes something I’ve seen in a museum or an old painting. I’ll plan out the general direction, especially with light and tone, but once I start shooting, I let things unfold. Some of the best moments come from not overthinking it.

Over a long career, it’s easy to plateau. What has helped you continue to grow and push your work forward?

Studying and researching—that’s been the biggest thing. I still take workshops, I still learn from other artists, and I try to put myself in situations where I’m not totally comfortable. Being around other creatives—like my best friend Becky and my colleagues—really fuels me. It keeps everything fresh.

Is there a body of work or personal project that feels especially meaningful to you right now? What makes it important?

Right now I’m leaning into quieter, more introspective work. It feels more personal—less about expectations and more about what I want to say. Studying and researching have been the most significant aspects of my journey. It’s helped me slow down, look deeper, and bring a quiet depth into the work. That shift has been really important to me.

You bring a lot of creativity and energy to planning and decorating the convention party each year. What do you enjoy most about that, and how does it connect to your artistic side?

I love creating an experience. It’s very similar to what I do with photography—just on a bigger scale. I’m thinking about mood, light, and how people move through a space. And honestly, it’s just fun. It gives me a chance to be playful and collaborate in a different way.

What’s one decision you’ve made in your business or creative journey that had a bigger impact than you expected?

Investing in education early on was huge for me. It changed how I saw my work and what was possible. And later, fully leaning into fine art—that was a turning point. Once I trusted that direction, everything started to fall into place. Stepping away from the noise and focusing on what was calling me, instead of what others were doing, made all the difference.

Looking ahead, what are you most interested in exploring or experimenting with in your work?

I want to push further into that painterly direction—really playing with light and texture and creating images that feel like they could live in a gallery. More storytelling, more depth… less about capturing what’s there and more about creating something from it.

Some of Kim’s Favorite Images She’s Ever Taken

Richard St. Peter (Tidewater District - Carrollton, VA)

My career job in the Air Force was as a Motion Picture Cameraman. Additionally, I operated still cameras as back up to my coverage of events. I also operated as an Aerial Photographer in Vietnam both motion picture and still photography. Upon return to the states, I was assigned to a Television Production unit and operated Video cameras. The concept was that the basics of operating and using the different cameras was similar in the areas of framing/composition; lighting; exposure; focus etc. 

1966-1978 U S Air Force, motion picture cameraman, still photographer, and aerial photography.

1978 – 1992  Civilian GS11/12 Video Producer Ft. Eustis, script writer, video camera operator 

1996 –2011   Contractor with Northrup Grumman, Video Producer, script writer, video camera operator, video editor

(40 year career with hands-on experience) 

What first pulled you into photography, and what has kept you behind the camera all these years? 

It was either become an Air Policeman after basic training or a photographer. Both careers were available and I chose photographer. After basic training, 12 weeks of photography training and then OJT under more experienced photographers. Being a photographer was a good job and provided lots of travel opportunities. We covered events the Air Force needed documentation coverage of, i.e. C5 roll out in GA, later C5 flying first time, Thunderbirds show team at Las Vegas, Best summary is we were like ABC, NBC and CBS for the Air Force. Later, as my 12-year career sent me places, Vietnam—112 aerial missions, Bob Hope Christmas show in Vietnam—twice, search and destroy missions with Vietnamese soldiers, 88 POWs returning from Vietnam to Kelly AFB, Texas, and then Wilford Hall Medical Center, San Antonio, for medical treatment, covering riots in cities after Dr. King’s assassination, etc. To me, my job In the Air Force was the best job you could have. Travel, experience and a job that could transfer to civilian life when discharged.                                        

Is there an early assignment or moment in your photography career that still sticks with you?

Just the opportunity to do my job at many locations and see the results in the monthly commander's call film, Air Force Now. It showed the Air Force story each month, and I would be a part of it. 

What part of photography brings you the most satisfaction today?

Still, the hands-on shooting which was what I enjoyed the most. The sitting behind a desk editing or writing a script did not bring the same satisfaction. The photographer captured the moments and then the editors told the story. I preferred the many different locations, events etc that were mine alone. 

What’s one piece of practical advice you’d share with newer photographers?

Keep a camera with you and keep your eyes open for a moment to capture. 

What type of photography do you specialize in, and how has your style evolved over time? 

My favorite style of photography is the documentation of events. However, my style changed to include weddings, sports events etc. I also photograph scenics whenever I am travelling and selling these images or displaying them at events.

How has being part of VPPA influenced your growth or your work? 

Very simply. In 1994, I joined VPPA to complement my photo partner at photographic events. I tell people, VPPA taught me the creative side of photography after the documentation/war style my career had been. Monthly meetings, conventions, and other photographers encouraged my efforts to broaden my abilities. Print competition also rewarded the efforts to show my ability and be rewarded. I became an AFP, FP, and was also awarded Best of Show for my prints. It is a good feeling. 

What do you enjoy most about being involved in this association?

The ability to interact with other photographers through monthly meetings, social events and seminars of photographic methods, i.e., lighting, posing etc. You can always learn something no matter how many years you have been behind the camera. Print critique was and is a good opportunity to hear comments to improve your image. Learning from others is a great way to improve your skill and your final image. 

What’s something you’re currently excited to learn, explore, or create?

To be honest, I currently enjoy my retirement status that allows me to travel, still learn from VPPA events, and photograph what I like, people, landscapes, covered bridges and lighthouses. After a career of over 40 years, heading for locations on one hour notice and being gone, even if I might not want to be, it is nice to be able to relax, learn and apply without any stress but good opportunities to apply the new or “teach a dog a new trick.” My 31 years in VPPA have made me a better photographer and allowed me to feel confident about my images and my stories I can tell of the past and present. I have had an enjoyable and good life as a photographer. Thanks VPPA for your part in my development. 

Some of Richard’s Favorite Images He's Ever Taken