Meet Kyle B. | Photographer

We had the good fortune of connecting with Kyle B. and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Kyle, what do you want your legacy to be?
I aspire for my legacy to reflect resilience— a demonstration of how I refused to let obstacles and/or setbacks dictate the trajectory of my life. A legacy that embodies the spirit of transforming “lemons” into “lemonade,” a sentiment beautifully echoed by Beyoncé!

Specifically-

I would like to be remembered by my mother as her son who loved her wholeheartedly and with intention. I wish for my nieces and nephew, Genesis Arrow, Ada Promise, and Judah Cross, to recall me as their Uncle who cherished and loved them in this life and beyond.

On a broader scale, I hope to be remembered as someone who consistently strived for excellence in several key areas:

Striving to embody the principles of Christianity
Striving to love all individuals, irrespective of their identities or labels.
Striving to be a person devoid of judgment.
Striving to extend grace and compassion, regardless of the circumstances.

Can you open up a bit about your work and career? We’re big fans and we’d love for our community to learn more about your work.
What distinguishes me from others is my ability to weave my diverse creative passions into my photography. My extensive background in dance informs the way I pose my subjects, while my affinity for songwriting enables me to narrate a story through elements such as clothing, colors, and the placement of the model. Additionally, as a clothing designer, I strive to understand the intentions behind other designers’ creations, appreciating the messages they seek to convey through their pieces.

I take great pride in the accomplishments I have achieved as a photographer, many of which were unforeseen when I initially embarked on my photography career.

Reflecting on my life, I realize that my passion for photography has always been intertwined with the trust others placed in me to capture moments behind the camera. My earliest memories of falling in love with photography date back to the early 2000s, when my Aunt Sumeko would request my services for a photoshoot twice a year.

The first photoshoot was for her portrait in the church program for The Musketeers Singing Anniversary, an a cappella group comprised of my Aunt Sumeko and five of our cousins. The second occasion was her annual birthday photoshoot. To this day, my favorite session was the cow print-themed shoot, where we used a cow print blanket as the backdrop, and my Aunt donned a stylish black and white top.

My passion for photography further ignited when my best friend, Ashley Strickland Smith, required an album cover for her new single, “That’s Where I Belong,” set to be released internationally on major streaming platforms. We met at Memaw’s (Ashley’s Grandmother) house to discuss her vision for the cover. Given that “That’s Where I Belong” is a love song, the project held special significance in being feminine, graceful, charming, and hopeful. A fun fact: I was present in the studio in Tennessee when she recorded the song, and I was moved to tears because I was so proud of her. During the photoshoot, I felt a profound sense of purpose; being behind the camera was both enjoyable and effortless, especially with my best friend by my side. We ultimately captured a shot of Ashley looking over her shoulder while holding her great-grandmother’s floral scarf.

After the shoot, I found myself standing in the camera aisle at Best Buy in Anderson, South Carolina, contemplating the necessity of purchasing my own camera. My rationale was straightforward: acquiring the camera would yield a return on investment through Homecoming and Prom photography.

That year, I had only one couple for Prom—Ashley’s sister, Chel’c (also my best friend), and her date (now husband), Bryce.

There were numerous moments when I considered selling my camera to pursue a conventional career, yet I convinced myself that my time would come.

The following year, I met Zoe Saavedra and her family at Toccoa Falls for our first of many photoshoots. I photographed Zoe sitting on a rock, gazing into the camera with her striking, rare green eyes. That single photograph altered the course of my business.

A few years later, I was contacted on Instagram by another talented photographer, Caleb Tompkins. After exchanging messages, we met at Centerfield coffee shop, which proved to be a pivotal moment not only for my business but for my life. I remember leaving that meeting and calling my friend Brandon, excitedly sharing that I had found the missing piece to my photography journey. Caleb and I complemented each other perfectly—he possessed the technical expertise while I provided the foundation in posing and style. Caleb thrived without a structured plan, whereas I relied on organization. Eventually, he became captivated by videography, and together we formed a photography and videography duo for weddings. We traveled the country, capturing precious moments and memories, enjoying a friendship that allowed us to spend every day together. Even when Caleb moved an hour away, we made the effort to reunite weekly for pizza or sushi.

In 2021, tragedy struck when Caleb lost his life in a devastating accident. This remains the most challenging experience I have ever faced. I often express that I lost not only my best friend but also a business partner. Photography had been a joyful pursuit for me, largely due to Caleb’s presence. Our partnership thrived on collaboration rather than competition, and the thought of picking up a camera again seemed insurmountable.

One of the most difficult aspects of my career has been fulfilling the weddings we had booked together before Caleb’s passing. While all the couples graciously offered me the option to withdraw from their weddings, I chose to persevere.

I want the world to understand that my story and brand transcend monetary value. My commitment to my craft is a tribute to Caleb’s memory, and I strive to honor him in every endeavor.

Any places to eat or things to do that you can share with our readers? If they have a friend visiting town, what are some spots they could take them to?
I consider myself a foodie, albeit one who tends to avoid taking significant culinary risks.

Here are my favorite dining establishments:

Breakfast at Barney’s: I simply cannot resist the 24 Karat Gold Pancakes.
Benihana: The garlic butter is so delectable that I could enjoy it on its own.
Hsu’s: Their Honey Walnut Shrimp is a must-try.
If Beyoncé is performing, attending her concert at the Mercedes-Benz Stadium is a definite priority!

I also have a keen interest in any Broadway musical at the Fox Theatre.

Lastly, I am always on the lookout for venues that offer excellent karaoke!

Who else deserves some credit and recognition?
I could write a book about each individual I am about to mention, as they form the foundation of my life—people who recognize Kyle as a person rather than merely a photographer.

MY MAMA, ALISA: My mother keeps me grounded. She knows my worth, even when I struggle to see it in myself.

MY NIECES + NEPHEW: Genesis, Ada, and Judah are the driving force behind my motivation. I love you three more than life itself.

MY BROTHER, RASHAUN: He is my steadfast advocate, always supporting my endeavors.

CALEB TOMPKINS: I will always cherish your memory. Thank you for making photography enjoyable and for your unconditional friendship. I hope to make you proud.

ASHLEY RUCKER: I am grateful for your unwavering support and guidance in bringing my visions to life.

ASHLEY SMITH: You held the key to unlock my purpose. Thank you for including me in your journey.

ZOE AND WENDY SAAVEDRA: Without you two, I would never know my abilities. You two have seen me at the highest and the lowest and your love never wavered. I would not be who I am without y’all.

ASLINN + SHERREA BROWN: I love you both more than words can say. Thank y’all for being my biggest supporters and always prioritizing me as a person over being a photographer. Your love runs deep. Thank you for always including me to “Kapture” the big moments.

JORDAN + CHASE PROCURO: Your home has been a sanctuary for me. Thank you for your comforting meals and unconditional love.

GRACE + SONYA ELIIS: I appreciate you both for providing joy and focus after losing Caleb. You have been my reasons to laugh and smile.

THOMASYNE HARRISON | MY DANCE TEACHER: You were the first to recognize my talent and the light within me. Your class was so inspiring that I even believed I could be a break dancer.

TARESA EZELL: Your work continually overwhelms me with amazement. I aspire for others to feel about my work as I do about yours.

JEFF, TONYA, AND DALTON PURCELL AND DRESSING DREAMS: Thank you for giving me an opportunity when I was inexperienced behind the camera. Your loyalty and support in my endeavors—whether through trips, decorations, or family gatherings during Thanksgiving and Christmas—mean the world to me.

RAEGAN DRANE: Thank you for inviting me as your plus one to New York Fashion Week. I am incredibly grateful that God placed you in my life; I wouldn’t be who I am without you.

AUSTIN VALLI: Thank you for believing in me and advocating for my growth.

JENNIFER LEVERETTE, VALERIA ENTRINGER AND THE SHERRI HILL FAMILY: Thank you for setting goals I never knew I needed and for allowing me to grow and evolve in the field of fashion photography. Kaptured x Kyle would be incomplete without acknowledging Sherri Hill.

THE KAPTURED KREW: Claire, Allie, Carson, Zoe, and Aspen. I learned photography because of you girls! I hope you girls always know that you are all beautiful inside and out and worthy of the best that life has to give you.

Website: https://www.kapturedxkyle.com

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/kapturedxkyle

Image Credits
1. Elizabeth Jamrozy for Sherri Hill NYFW
2. Austin Valli
3. Genesis Arrow Brown
4. Grace Ellis
5. Augusta Roach
6. JuJu Long
7.Haleigh Hurst, Liza Greenberg, Ellie Breaux
8. Anna Grace Tompkins