We were lucky to catch up with Kayla Freeman recently and have shared our conversation below.
Hi Kayla, we’re so appreciative of you taking the time to share your nuggets of wisdom with our community. One of the topics we think is most important for folks looking to level up their lives is building up their self-confidence and self-esteem. Can you share how you developed your confidence?
It’s funny to reflect on my journey as a photographer. During college, while studying Graphic Design at Chadron State College, I worked for a professional photographer over the summers. My mentor at the time would always tell me, “You’re going to be a photographer someday.”
I’d laugh and brush it off, saying, “No way!” I gave her every excuse—I’m too shy, I don’t take photos of people, and I’d never want to do something like that. The truth was, I had zero confidence in myself.
Looking back now, I’ve realized a pattern in my life: I gain confidence only after I’ve put in the work. When I dedicate myself to learning and practicing, there’s a moment when I look back and think, “Wow, I’m actually pretty good at this.”
It’s probably not the perfect advice, but for me, “fake it till you make it” really does work. You don’t have to be an expert to start—you just need enough confidence to take that first step. Over time, with practice and a positive mindset, confidence and expertise will come. It’s all about starting before you’re ready and believing in the possibility of what you can become.
Appreciate the insights and wisdom. Before we dig deeper and ask you about the skills that matter and more, maybe you can tell our readers about yourself?
As a photographer, I focus on capturing authentic, heartfelt moments that tell a story—whether it’s a couple celebrating their love, a family coming together, or someone shining in their own light. My work is all about connection and creating an experience that feels personal and fun.
One of the things I’ve recently incorporated into my business is adding disposable cameras and even a camcorder to certain sessions. For couples and weddings, I provide a camcorder to the bridal party to capture parts of the day through their own eyes. The goal is to create true, raw footage—moments that feel natural and unfiltered, without the pressure of a big professional camera or a stranger filming them. It’s a way to preserve not just the big moments, but also the in-between, candid ones that might otherwise go unnoticed.
The same goes for disposable cameras—I hand them to couples or families and let them have fun capturing moments from their own perspective in part of the session. It’s interactive, nostalgic, and adds another layer of storytelling to their session.
What excites me most about my work is the opportunity to make photography more than just about the final image. It’s about creating an experience where people feel comfortable, connected, and free to be themselves. My goal is to preserve memories in a way that feels as genuine as the moments they come from.
There is so much advice out there about all the different skills and qualities folks need to develop in order to succeed in today’s highly competitive environment and often it can feel overwhelming. So, if we had to break it down to just the three that matter most, which three skills or qualities would you focus on?
1. Adaptability:
In both photography and life, things rarely go exactly as planned. Learning to adapt—whether it’s adjusting to changing light, working with different personalities, or pivoting my approach when something doesn’t go as expected—has been crucial. For those starting out, my advice is to embrace flexibility. Step outside your comfort zone, experiment, and be open to learning from unexpected situations. Every challenge is an opportunity to grow.
2. Persistence:
Building confidence and expertise takes time and effort. Early on, I lacked confidence, but I’ve learned that showing up consistently and putting in the work leads to improvement. My advice? Don’t give up just because something feels hard or you aren’t where you want to be yet. Keep practicing, stay patient with yourself, and trust that persistence will pay off.
3. Connection:
The ability to connect with people has been a game-changer for me. Whether it’s understanding a client’s vision, making someone feel comfortable during a session, or building genuine relationships, connection is at the heart of everything I do. For those starting out, focus on listening and creating an experience where people feel seen and valued. It’s not just about the work you do; it’s about how you make others feel along the way.
No matter where you’re at in your journey, remember that growth takes time. Be willing to learn, embrace challenges, and stay true to the reason you started in the first place. Your unique perspective is your superpower, so let it shine!
Alright so to wrap up, who deserves credit for helping you overcome challenges or build some of the essential skills you’ve needed?
The person who has been most instrumental in helping me overcome challenges and grow in my photography journey is undoubtedly my husband. His unwavering love and support have been the foundation that keeps me grounded and motivated, especially during the times I doubted myself or felt overwhelmed.
When I first started out, I had moments where I questioned if I was good enough or if this path was even meant for me. But my husband never let me give up. He’s always been my biggest cheerleader, encouraging me to push through challenges, celebrate my progress, and keep chasing my dreams.
Beyond emotional support, he’s been there in so many practical ways, too—helping me brainstorm ideas, carrying gear, and being a sounding board when I’m stuck on decisions. He’s believed in me on the days when I couldn’t believe in myself, and without him, there’s no way I’d still be doing photography today.
His faith in me has taught me the value of perseverance, and it’s a constant reminder that I’m not in this alone. For that, I’m endlessly grateful.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://elementsbykayla.com
- Instagram: @elementsbykayla
- Facebook: @elementsbykayla
- Youtube: @elementsbykayla
Image Credits
Elements by Kayla – Kayla Freeman
so if you or someone you know deserves recognition please let us know here.
