Today, we’d like to introduce you to Kayla Adamson.
Hi Kayla, thanks for sharing your story with us. To start, maybe you can tell our readers some of your backstory.
I first started using a camera at a local photo studio while I was going to school at Utah Valley University. I thought it would be a fun hobby, but it became my career. To be honest, I thought it would just be a cheesy JCPenney situation, but it ended up being way more professional than I was expecting. I went through a 1-2 week training all about lighting and posing for all different types of portrait sessions.
I worked there for about five years and worked my way up to being a manager of one of their studios. I think I learned more as a manager than I did any of the other years of being a photographer. When critiquing other photographers, I realized the areas I needed to improve the most. I started to love everything with photography; before I knew it, I was doing my photography on the side. I had to adapt and learn, but the hardest obstacle was learning outdoor sessions independently. It was fun to learn, but from mostly being indoors at the photo studio, it was a challenge. It took a lot of work and help from other local photographers. I would not be where I am today without the dedication others took to advise me.
While working at the studio, I decided to further my education, and I spent two years earning my Interior Design Certificate from Salt Lake Community College. Eventually, in 2022, I left the studio to move to southern Utah. I am a full-time stay-at-home mom with two kids, but I also spend up to 40 hours doing my photography. I have thrived the most with my photography in the warmth of this cute, friendly town. I have made a lot of friendships with clients and connections, and I seriously love being a photographer down here.
We all face challenges, but would you describe it as a relatively smooth road?
It is definitely not smooth, haha. I still am learning to this day and have been doing photography for eight years now. It is very difficult, especially in Utah, with the over-saturation of photographers. It is super easy to get into the imposter’s syndrome trap of comparing yourself and not thinking you’re enough or don’t belong in this industry.
But that is another reason I have loved being down in St. George. There are still a lot of great photographers, but I changed my mindset about a year ago. I realized everyone has something to bring to the table and has their own niche and creativity. When you start thinking of fellow photographers as a community rather than a competition, it takes a weight off your shoulder.
But saying that is easier said than done. You must put some mental work into it and realize what you can bring specifically to the table and why you admire others in their work.
Appreciate you sharing that. What else should we know about what you do?
I specialize in portrait photography and do a little bit of everything. I would say I do the most with individuals and couples trying to do a lot of creative shoots or minis for every season. For example, last March I did Mommy and Me Minis and in October I did Spooky Minis. And with couples, I try to make each couple’s session unique to their story and style.
Lately, I have actually started to include a Polaroid photo sample I take during each session for my clients to take home. But I also do any type of family session since I exclusively did those and newborns at the photo studio I worked at for five years. Another thing I try to implement is the graphic design work I learned in school by offering to make invitations and announcements for my clients. I also try to do other fun things with photoshop by making GIFS or cute graphics for my Instagram.
I changed my major a few times and ended up graduating in interior design so that is also something special with me knowing that the setups are well planned out for minis and studios. Some day I hope to own my studio to rent out for other photographers that is unique and designed by me.
The crisis has affected us all in different ways. How has it affected you, and any important lessons or epiphanies you can share?
Oh my goodness, yes. During that time, I was offering ‘Porch Minis,’ and I would just have my clients pay whatever they could during that crazy time.
People were getting let go from their jobs and we were all in our tough situations. I think overall it was just a humbling experience and a good time to get creative with what I had.
Pricing:
- $25o for family and portrait sessions
- $300 for newborns
- $600-1800 for a couple of packages
- $75 for headshots
- $400 for extended family
Contact Info:
- Website: lensofkayla.com
- Instagram: instagram.com/lensofkayla
- Facebook: Facebook.com/lensofkayla
