Meet Kayla Martinez | Georgia Lifestyle + Wedding/Elopement Photographer

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

Hi Kayla, we’d love to hear more about how you thought about starting your own business?
Hey there I’m Kayla! A Georgia lifestyle + wedding and elopement photographer. For me this question is quite simple. I’ve never loved the idea of working a 9-5 until I retire. Being my own boss and creating a life and schedule around doing what I love just seemed like a dream to me. I’ve been a creative since I was able to speak, whether that was with music, arts and crafts or now photography! I’ve also always been a hopeless romantic, so it just makes sense that photographing other peoples love stories would be my career choice! lol

Alright, so for those in our community who might not be familiar with your business, can you tell us more?
I believe my use of prompts sets me aside from your “typical” photographer. I use these to give creative direction and movement to my couples so I can capture more candid/authentic moments rather than super stiff/posed images “smile at the camera” type stuff. lol

Getting to where I am today has definitely NOT been easy. I took my first “paid gig” in 2017 and started booking consistently a little before our last holiday season (September of 2021). That’s about 4 years of hard work/dedication, hosting “mini sessions” that never get booked up, and posting very open availability (haha) before things really started to look like I could do this part time and hopefully one day full time.

In that I’ve learned to never give up on what you love or what you’re passionate about. I will never ever take where I am or where I’m going for granted.

I am also truly grateful for every single one of my clients!!

You guys are slowly but surely making my dreams come true and I’m so grateful for all the support and genuine relationships/friendships I’ve gained from it.

If you had a friend visiting you, what are some of the local spots you’d want to take them around to?
Honestly speaking I love adventure so my antennary would probably be to plan some sort of fun hike with beautiful views like cloudland canyon and get some good food after lol. They are definitely gonna see my dogs as well!

The Shoutout series is all about recognizing that our success and where we are in life is at least somewhat thanks to the efforts, support, mentorship, love and encouragement of others. So is there someone that you want to dedicate your shoutout to?
A few people come to mind when I read this question. I’ve always been inspired by other photogs through social media! To name a few – Maddie Mae with Adventure Instead, Henry Tieu, & Becca Cannon! Maddie and Henry host wonderful workshops for literally anyone regardless of what stage you’re in photography wise, that are not only great and educational but also inspiring you to be creative. (not to mention their work is breathtaking) Becca also helps with creative inspiration and has YouTube videos where you get to be “behind the scenes” for some of her shoots. This can help give you ideas and confidence going into certain sessions. I also wanna shoutout some people in my personal life that have supported me along the way. My mom bought me my first two cameras and her and my sisters who have supported and encouraged me through the years. David and Diana for being my first couple “client wise” and taking a chance on me to capture their moments from the very beginning. Anna and Brent with ReesMedia for helping me learn some technical and back end business stuff that helped me gain extra confidence and knowledge in my business!

Website: https://www.kaylaenidphotography.com/

Instagram: @kaylaenidphotography

Facebook: @kaylaenidphotography