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Rural Roots

I am a native of Sandpoint ID, and have been blessed with growing up in the mountains of North Idaho which has provided me with great photo opportunities right out my back door. I share my life and passions with my husband Luke who is my sounding board for all things, my biggest encourager, and gives me a push when needed. We have 3 amazing kids and 4 WONDERFUL grandbabies. My newest title is GRAMMIE and I have to tell you it is my favorite adventure so far in life.

My love for photography started early in life taking trips with my family into mountain lakes and along alpine ridge tops, the kind of backdrops that many others never see. It continued to grow as I watched my children’s involvement in the outdoors, striving to capture all the little things that helped make them who they are, the type of activities that can’t be easily photographed in a traditional studio. My passion for photography has exploded over the years. Shooting a variety of subjects has helped my work evolve into very beautiful natural light landscapes, wildlife, ranch living, and outdoor life photography.

I am a graduate of Rocky Mountain School of Photography in Missoula, MT, and strive to learn and grow wherever and whenever I can. I am an active member of Professional Photographers of America (PPA), a Certified Professional Photographer (CPP), and have earned my Master of Photography and Craftsman Degree in photographic education through PPA. I am also a member of American Society of Photographers (ASP), PPofIdaho in which I hold the Vice President position on the Board of Directors for 2024 and have earned the Idaho Fellow of Photography and Idaho Fellow of Photographic Education. I enjoy being a part of other state affiliates such as PPW and TPPA.

I have a small studio in the Selle Valley that is my “happy place” where I do a variety of studio work, develop my creative side as a photographic artist, and snuggle lots of cute babies!

While I love to photograph families, children, maternity, newborn, and senior photos, my passion is lifestyle and environmental fine art portraiture in rural settings. You will most likely find me spending time in the saddle, up on a ridge, in my tree stand, or out at the barn with my camera in hand. I hope to portray the lifestyles that many don’t see anymore and help preserve the rural heritage of our land.

Interested in taking a workshop?  Feel free to message me or check out our workshop page for upcoming events.

Continuing Tradition...

My passion for photography started as a baby growing up with my Mom continuously taking photos of me throughout my life, (which hasn't changed by the way). As curiosity arose, I decided to give the other side of the camera a try, and I instantly fell in love with the feeling of being able to capture moments, which inspired me to discover my own style and creativity. 

Photography and video has pushed me to grow in unique ways and try new things that I never would have without a camera in my hand. I especially enjoy taking candid lifestyle shots of people doing what they love in their own element, as well as commercial photography. 

After graduating I have been pursuing a variety of classes and workshops. When I'm not working in the studio or taking classes, you will see me with a camera in my hand, assisting at photo shoots or creating my own work. My journey has just begun, and I can't wait to see how it develops over time. 

I am very excited to meet new people thru photography and capture lifes sweetest moments, telling their story. 

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Kiah Mays

Amy Peterson, M.Photog.Cr., CPP, I.F.P., I.F.P-E

“You don’t make a photograph just with a camera. You bring to the act of photography all the pictures you have seen, the books you have read, the music you have heard, the people you have loved.”
~Ansel Adams