Today we’d like to introduce you to Kayla Leitner.
Alright, so thank you so much for sharing your story and insight with our readers. To kick things off, can you tell us a bit about how you got started?
I picked up a camera when I was probably around five or six. It was my dad’s camera, and my Opa (grandpa) was a photographer and passed it along to my dad.
I went out took a picture of my younger sister came back in and my parents were just surprised how well composed it was. That literal moment I knew that I was going to be a photographer and there was no debate about it, it was never a question and it just felt right.
I taught myself almost everything I know and started taking classes when I got to high school did a little in college. I started working as a professional right out of high school. Once I was a working professional, I ended up modeling for other photographers and continuing to take self-portraits and that eventually evolved into freelance modeling. After that, I started posting on TikTok and Instagram and I now have Cosmic Kayla, which has evolved into professional modeling alongside my photography.
At this time, I introduce myself as a professional photographer and a professional model.
Can you talk to us a bit about the challenges and lessons you’ve learned along the way. Looking back would you say it’s been easy or smooth in retrospect?
No one has a smooth road. A lot of people have a much bumpier road than I do, but my bumps in the road are based largely around mental health.
I have had major depressive disorder, anxiety, and ADHD for as long as I have been conscious. I can’t describe how much it used to stop me in every aspect of life. My first job as a working professional I quit within a year because of my inability to get out of bed, eat, feel safe with myself driving, or perform basic functions. I’ve lost clients and jobs because of this feeling of hopelessness and lack of energy and motivation.
I would experience anxiety and ADHD symptoms constantly, but as far as I can remember, I pushed through these symptoms. And of course, as everyone does I’ve had cripplingly low self-esteem. Most creatives will feel imposter syndrome or as if they are leagues behind.
All of which still happen, but as I’ve grown I’ve learnt how to manage my struggles and turn them into something positive because at the same time, I do create from my mental state- and have made some beautiful work because of it.
I’m lucky to be my own worst enemy – and I know some people are driving a lemon up an unpaved mountain while I feel like I have a bike on a hill that has a bit of a poorly made road with some potholes thrown in.
Appreciate you sharing that. What else should we know about what you do?
I specialize in photography, I am known for… my face? My social presence and I’d categorize this under my modeling. I am mostly known as Cosmic Kayla.
I am proud of my ability to create and create a life around being a creative.
I think my attitude does the most to set me apart from others. I have many opinions and thoughts about life and the universe that I like to rant about. And as awkward as it feels, a lot of my art is me pouring my heart out.
Do you have any memories from childhood that you can share with us?
I’m not too big on having one definitive favorite of anything. The first favorite memory that came to mind was when I was on a road trip with my parents and my sister on our way to a soccer tournament in Washington state.
I was in the backseat and we were driving through Oregon in the middle of the night. I remember star watching and just talking to my parents about what I want to do with my life. I felt more connected to my parents than I ever had and being beneath the stars talking about things I love felt unbelievably right.
Pricing:
- Photography sessions start at 300
- Modeling sessions start at 100
Contact Info:
- Email: KL@KaylaLeitnerPhotography.com
- Website: https://www.kaylaleitnerphotography.com/
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/cosmic.k.ayla/
- Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCI6NWJ3GOYXS_bC00M_1Szg
- Other: https://www.kaylaleitnerphotography.com/kaylaleitnermodel
Image Credits:
Kayla Leitner Photography, Isabelle Lee, Liberty Shaub
