
HI, I'M KAYLA
I was born in Pittsburgh, grew up in New Jersey, and now me and my family currently live in Traverse City, Michigan. Im a film and digital lifestyle photographer. I adore capturing love-filled images that tug on your heart strings.
In my spare time, I enjoy hanging out with my two pups, working out, spending time with my incredible husband and daughter. My guilty pleasures include spooning sun butter from my pantry, watching movies, and discovering new places with the people I love.
I live by a few mantras, one of them being, “love what you do, and you’ll never work a day in your life.” I’m extremely blessed to say that my passion and career are wrapped up all in one. I would love the opportunity to meet and photograph your beautiful family soon.
WHY I LOVE WHAT I DO
I was that kid who always had a camera in hand. My trusty chunky Polaroid accompanied me everywhere, capturing life's fleeting moments which I would eagerly paste into scrapbooks.While I deeply admired the artistic creations of others, my journey into photography, which began in 2021 with the birth of my business, was sparked by misgivings and profound loss. Newborn photography was an opportunity I regrettably missed. When our daughter entered the world, my husband and I found ourselves in an incredibly challenging situation, almost without a home to call our own. Amid the whirlwind of my husband's new job and the sale of our house, we were temporarily without a place to settle. Gratefully, my parents opened their doors to us, offering a haven while we navigated this tumultuous phase. In the midst of this chaos, I captured snippets of our journey on my phone. However, I failed to seize the moment to create beautiful, lasting portraits with my daughter – a decision I now deeply regret.
About a year later, my husband, daughter, and I had found a new home in Dallas, Texas. Yet, life took an unexpected turn when my husband's mother passed away suddenly. The pain of that loss was profound, but it was the realization that we had so few tangible memories of her for our daughter that truly haunted me.My business has emerged from the crucible of loss and regret, driven by the fervent desire to spare you from those heart-wrenching emotions. I am committed to capturing your most cherished moments, ensuring that your memories are beautifully preserved. My journey is rooted in preventing others from facing the sorrow of missed opportunities and the ache of unrecorded moments. I realize this even more than after having a child. They grow up so fast and life doesn't slow down which has made my passion for photography grow even stronger. When you book with Kayla Mari Photography, you are booking with a wife, a mother and a friend who understands what you're looking for out of an image and I am eternally grateful for these opportunities.
featured podcasts
BRANDING FOR PHOTOGRAPHERS
Join me, Kayla Victor, as I sit down with photographer and host of the Rooted at Home podcast, Grace Paul. In this engaging episode, we dive deep into the art of creating a business brand that truly reflects your unique identity.
​
Discover invaluable insights on how to find lasting inspiration and strategies to overcome the comparison game, helping you to genuinely appreciate and love what you have. Whether you're a seasoned professional or just starting out, this conversation is packed with practical advice and heartfelt wisdom to empower you on your branding journey.
​
Tune in and get ready to transform your business brand into an authentic representation of who you truly are!


LISTEN TO MY STORY
I am thrilled to share my recent appearance on The Motherhood Anthology Podcast, where I had the pleasure of discussing the heart and soul behind Kayla Mari Photography. In this episode, I join the wonderful hosts to explore the intricacies of capturing the essence of motherhood through photography.
​
We delve into the emotional and creative processes that drive my work, sharing stories and insights about what it means to preserve those precious moments of motherhood. From tips on how to create a comfortable and genuine atmosphere during photo sessions to the importance of building a meaningful connection with clients, this conversation is packed with valuable takeaways for both photographers and mothers alike. Listen in as we discuss: the inspiration behind my journey into motherhood photography., techniques for creating authentic and heartfelt images, and the significance of celebrating and documenting the beauty of motherhood.
​
Whether you're a photographer looking for inspiration or a mother wanting to cherish the special moments of your journey, this episode offers a glimpse into the passion and dedication that fuels Kayla Mari Photography. Tune in and join us for an inspiring conversation about the power of capturing motherhood's timeless beauty.
RESOURCES FOR PHOTOGRAPHERS
As an Enneagram One, I am committed to lifelong learning. In a world where change is the only constant, maintaining a balance between staying up-to-date and staying true to oneself can be challenging. I've been lucky to work alongside amazing people in both the arts and business, and I've learned the importance of mutual support and encouragement.
​
With a deep love for print media, community building, and continuous learning, I launched a unique project alongside Adrianne Shelton and Marie Tilkens: The Kindred Path Magazine, the first print magazine specifically for family photographers. TKP showcases the stunning work of family photographers worldwide, offers valuable educational content, and hosts in-person workshops for industry professionals to connect, learn, and grow together.
​
My goal is for this expanding collection of educational courses to inspire and empower you in your business ventures. If you ever need advice or help on your path, please reach out—I'm here to support you every step of the way.


