Photography student Kiana Bates wanted to bring her Japanese heritage to life.
Last fall, she was able to craft a shoot which made it all possible. Not only did she realize a special and unique shoot, but it was recognized in one of Utah Valley’s most recognizable publications. “Utah Valley Bride magazine is the most prestigious magazine in the state, so it is a huge honor,” says Kiana.
“My culture is a big part of who I am, and I thought it would be fun to honor it in a wedding styled shoot. This shoot was inspired by my heritage and the feeling of fall in Japan. People usually highlight the cherry blossom season, but I wanted to focus on the soft romance of autumn,” she says.
The shoot wasn’t all about style, but authenticity as well. Japanese anemone, geta sandals, origami paper cranes all folded by Bates’s grandmother adorn the setting and enhance the details of the shoot. “There were so many fun little details and themes throughout this shoot that hit near and dear to my heart,” says Bates.
“My grandmother really helped me in the execution of the project. She has always been a huge supporter of me and my photographic career. We pored over her Japanese heirlooms to decide what to include, and she folded over 50 paper cranes for us to use.”
The shoot, in all its simplistic yet elegant beauty, has been on Bates’s mind for years. “Sometimes you can have a vision, and the only reason it does or doesn't happen is because of funding. I am so blessed to have received funding to do this project,” says Bates. She, like many innovative students in the Department of Design, was able to realize goals and stretch her career forward thanks to donor support.
