Conversations with the Inspiring Kaila Mae

Today we’d like to introduce you to Kaila Mae.

So, before we jump into specific questions about the business, why don’t you give us some details about you and your story.
I have always had a passion for photography. It started when I was young and watched stuff on National Geographic all the time and dreamed of being a photographer for them- I used to collect the magazines and try to take good nature photos in my back yard. When I was 19, I got a job at a studio taking senior photos and traveling to schools to take yearbook photos. I did that for two years and really enjoyed it and then moved to Colorado and decided to start my business. I had my first child and realized I really wanted to pursue creating in a way that made me feel fulfilled and told others’ stories as well as my own, so I made an Instagram and the rest kind of fell into place.

Overall, has it been relatively smooth? If not, what were some of the struggles along the way?
I haven’t had too many struggles, but I always encourage other creatives that living like you’re in a competition is a waste of time and that your clients are your clients, no one else’s. My biggest advice is to bring what you have to offer to the table and don’t try to look like everyone else.

What should we know about Photography by Kaila Mae? What do you do best? What sets you apart from the competition?
I am really into birth but haven’t been able to pursue that route in photography because of my full time job for the past few years- I just haven’t been in a position to be able to be on call. I am really into capturing whatever is meaningful to the people who trust me to take their photos, no matter what kind of session it is. I just re-branded to mainly family, lifestyle newborn, and maternity sessions. I still love taking photos of couples and shooting weddings if we’re the right fit too. There’s just something special about being able to capture the love between people and give them those photos to keep forever.

I really strive for my brand to be emotive and authentic. I think working in the studio all those years ago made me hate posing people and making them feel awkward- but I had to. I remember I would let them do what they wanted and bend the rules a little or suggest something that wasn’t really typical and they’d end up loving the shots and often thank me, which made me realize what this stuff is all about to me. I don’t want to deliver the same kind of photo over and over. I want to tell their stories.

Looking back on your childhood, what experiences do you feel played an important role in shaping the person you grew up to be?
I was always encouraged to pursue what I was passionate about growing up, but there were also times that I didn’t feel heard or important as a teenager. I think that’s why making sure I’m accurately capturing whoever I’m shooting with and telling their story is so important to me in whatever they’re going through. I measure success by the difference I’m making, in my business and in peoples’ lives. If I can take a photo for someone that is authentic and special to them, that’s what it’s all about.

Pricing:

• Lifestyle sessions and portraits begin at $250
• Elopements and weddings begin at $1200

Contact Info:

• Website: www.kailamae.co
• Email: hello@kailamae.co
• Instagram: instagram.com/kailamae.co
• Facebook: facebook.com/kailamaeco

Image Credit:
Photo of me by Keshia Pietz

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