Kyra Snyder of rural Bowen has had a longtime passion for photography, at least partially fed by her grandparents. The circumstances surrounding old photographs fascinated her.

“I remember sitting and looking at all of the black and white photos that my Grandpa and Grandma Steenberg had and feeling like I was transported back to when the photo was taken when they would tell me about the photo,” Snyder said.

“I maintained the interest in photography throughout school, participating in the Yearbook Club, newsletters, and taking additional photography classes in high school.”

But the birth of her son a dozen years ago truly ramped up her passion even further. “I wanted to be able to have the same moments with him someday that I had with my grandparents,” she continued. “I wanted to flip through photos and share the stories with him.”

Although things began to blossom when she decided to buy a better camera for photographing him, that began to extend to family and friends who wanted her to shoot photos for them as well. It’s true that when you build a better mousetrap, the world beats a path to your door.

“I decided I would offer my services under the name ‘K. Snyder Photography’ and I would keep the prices reasonable for the families and individuals that I worked with,” she said. “I have had so much joy in seeing clients that I took their family photos, then their children’s senior photos, and now I am getting ready to take photos of their grandchild. It has been an honor to capture those special moments.”

With her impending marriage and accompanying name change, she chose to rebrand the business as Rustic Roots Photography, reflecting her desire to capture family legacies which would last forever. One of the key elements of her work has been a passion for natural lighting photography.

“It is only using light in photos created by the sun,” Snyder explained. “I do not use additional lights, reflectors, etc. Although this sounds like it would be the easiest form of photography, that is not always the case. Knowing when that ‘golden hour’ is at any given point is crucial in taking certain style photos. Finding locations that are not too shaded, too bright, and where the clients are comfortable are key.”

Snyder said that the biggest challenge is to be able to be flexible as lighting conditions change, being able to adjust to get the desired results. “Those who know me well know that I love a challenge and this keeps me on my toes,” she said.

Snyder said that she specializes in photography of families and children. “I have found that I enjoy the candid moments of the children being ornery, silly, and being ‘themselves.’ It is important to me that I capture your family the way that they are, personalities included. My goal is to capture photos that are authentic and true, and that you can enjoy for many years to come.”

Families and children also fit well with Snyder’s own personality. “I have a silly side, and it always brings me so much joy to get a good belly laugh out of a dad or grandpa, a silly smirk from a kiddo, and genuine smiles from everyone in the photograph.”

Her market area is primarily in Hancock County, which isn’t a huge leap for a woman originally hailing from Keokuk, Iowa. She found that moving across the bridge was, in essence, finding a new home. She became the manager of the U. S. Cellular location on Carthage Square. After that business closed six years ago, she brought her management experience to Blessing Hospital, first as their contract administrator and then, currently, as their business coordinator.

While her specialty remains family and children, Snyder said that she has been hired to do weddings, baby showers, local bands, promotional materials, lifestyle sessions (done in the clients’ home) and professional headshots for businesses.

During a two-year break from photography, Snyder used the time to remodel a home she purchased and develop a hobby farm featuring a large flower garden and a host of different animals. This also has become a setting for some client photography. Her upcoming marriage to Ryan Hellyer also played a role in the business restart.

“I am sure that the entire Hellyer (family) would tell you that I am pretty hard headed and determined,” she said. “That is where I am able to find ways to make things work. Ryan reassured me that there has to be a way and if anyone could figure it out, it was me.”

“I plan to have several set-ups to accommodate all sizes of families and age groups of children,” Snyder continued. “I do still have appointment times available, if interested.”

In that regard, she can be reached by calling 217-430-8415 or by email at kyrasnyder@gmail.com.