Today we’d like to introduce you to Kayla Rodriguez
Hi Kayla, thanks for joining us today. We’d love for you to start by introducing yourself.
Ever since I was little, I have always used creativity/art as an escape from life. I remember painting murals in my room, finding joy in dance, and writing poems to signify different seasons I was going through. When I was 16, my parents gifted me a camera and this quickly became my favorite way to capture beauty and raw emotion in real time. I went off to college and put my camera away to focus on school but it was always in the back of my mind. After finishing an undergraduate degree in Psychology, I spent a couple years in the corporate world and actually gave my camera away. One night I had a dream where I was taking pictures again and this beautiful light was radiating out of my camera. I woke up in the middle of the night and then the next day I told my husband. We took a part of our savings and poured it into a Canon Mark IV DSLR after some research. I’m so grateful he has always believed in me. My passion for photography was renewed, and each time I capture the love between a couple, the joy of a family, or the magic of a wedding, I feel truly alive and honored to play a small part in their unique story. As I pursue my education in Speech-Language Pathology, I am dedicated to creating a safe and inclusive space for everyone, regardless of their differences. I understand that some families may experience feelings of overwhelm due to a recent diagnosis or challenging life events, and my mission is to ensure that everyone feels at ease and valued during our time together. I aim to celebrate diversity and foster an environment where everyone can express themselves freely and authentically through the lens of my camera.
We all face challenges, but looking back would you describe it as a relatively smooth road?
The journey hasn’t been entirely smooth, and I’ve encountered several challenges along the way. Overall, business has been slow as I navigate the world of marketing without much prior experience. Most of my photography work has been for friends and family, which I cherish, but I am excited to reach a wider audience. Additionally, balancing a full-time job, school, and running a business has proven to be quite a juggling act, and managing these responsibilities has been a bit overwhelming. However, now that I am focusing on finishing my education, I feel hopeful about channeling that energy into this sweet little business. Despite these hurdles, I am learning to trust the process. I also rely on my faith in Jesus and know that this is part of my journey. A huge life lesson I’m learning is to be present and enjoy this crazy beautiful life one step at a time. My next tattoo might say “progress over perfection”.
Appreciate you sharing that. What else should we know about what you do?
-Families including those with children who may have special needs
-Couples for engagements, maternity announcements, and weddings
What sets me apart from other photographers is my commitment to building a personal connection with my clients; I often meet for coffee or chat beforehand to understand their vision and ensure I capture all the moments they want.
During family and couple shoots, I like to start with movement to help everyone feel relaxed, making the experience enjoyable and fun, because that’s what a photoshoot should be! I also have a passion for creating warm, inviting images, taking the time to thoughtfully edit each photo based on lighting, tone, and the unique atmosphere of the moment. I take great pride in my ability to tell each family’s or couple’s story through my lens, capturing not just images but the emotions and connections that make each memory so special.
How do you define success?
Ultimately, success is doing what you love. It is a deeply personal journey, defined not just by external achievements, but by an inner sense of joy, purpose, and fulfillment in your everyday life.
Pricing:
- Weddings – start at $1,850
- Maternity – $300
- Announcement/Proposal – $250
- Family – $250
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.kaylarodriguezphotography.com/
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/kaylarodriguezphotography/
- Other: https://linktr.ee/kaylarodriguezphotography
Image Credits
Kayla Rodriguez Photography
