We recently connected with Kaliyah Cannon and have shared our conversation below.
Hi Kaliyah, thanks for sharing your insights with our community today. Part of your success, no doubt, is due to your work ethic and so we’d love if you could open up about where you got your work ethic from?
I owe my work ethic to my dad, Matthew. Growing up, I watched him work tirelessly—rain or shine, snow or heat, it didn’t matter. He showed up every single day. And when his regular hours were over, he was either on call or lending a hand to someone in need, never turning away from the opportunity to help.
We weren’t a wealthy family by any means, but my dad always found a way to provide. Whether it meant working overtime or picking up extra shifts, he made sure that my siblings and I had everything we needed—and often, even what we simply hoped for. His selflessness and unwavering commitment left a lasting impression on me.
Now, as an adult with a family of my own, I carry that same drive. I strive to give my daughter everything she could ever need or dream of, just as my dad did for me. No matter how long the hours or how demanding the work, it’s all worth it when I see her smile or hear her sweet little voice say, “Thank you, Mommy.” Knowing I made that moment possible—it means everything.
Great, so let’s take a few minutes and cover your story. What should folks know about you and what you do?
As a photographer, the most meaningful part of my work is the opportunity to preserve moments that will last a lifetime. There’s something incredibly powerful about knowing that the images I capture today may one day be cherished by future generations—grandchildren or even great-grandchildren—looking back at these galleries and seeing the joy, love, and connection that defined their family’s beginnings. It’s a beautiful thought: love frozen in time, forever remembered.
Photography is so much more than a business to me—it’s my passion. With every session, I carry the reminder that these photographs will become treasured memories, passed down and held close by families for years to come. As my business continues to grow, I’m excited to be planning and booking even more special moments to capture and share.
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?
Looking back on my journey as a photographer, three qualities have truly shaped and sustained me: empathy, consistency, and a deep commitment to continuous learning.
Empathy has been at the heart of my work. Being able to connect with people, understand their stories, and see the beauty in their genuine moments is what allows me to capture images that feel personal and timeless. It’s not just about posing people—it’s about making them feel seen, safe, and celebrated in front of the lens.
Consistency in both my craft and client experience has also been vital. Honing my editing style, showing up with professionalism, and delivering on promises—these habits have helped build trust and lasting relationships. It’s the small, dependable actions repeated over time that build a strong, respected brand.
Lastly, continuous learning has been a constant. Whether it’s improving technical skills, staying inspired through others’ work, or learning the ins and outs of running a business, I’ve always tried to approach my career with humility and curiosity. Photography is as much about growth as it is about creativity.
For those just beginning their journey, my biggest advice is this: show up with heart. Focus on making real connections with your clients, be patient with your progress, and never stop being a student of the art. The passion you pour in will always come through in your work.
To close, maybe we can chat about your parents and what they did that was particularly impactful for you?
The most impactful thing my parents ever did for me was raise me in a home grounded in faith. They didn’t just talk about God—they lived their faith daily, through prayer, through love, and through unwavering trust in Him, even during the hard seasons. Watching them turn to God in both joy and struggle taught me that my strength doesn’t come from my circumstances, but from Christ who sustains me.
They instilled in me the importance of grace, forgiveness, and putting others first—not just as good values, but as reflections of Christ’s love. Their example shaped the way I see the world, the way I treat others, and even the way I approach my work.
Knowing that I was covered in prayer and led by example has been one of the greatest gifts of my life. It rooted me in something eternal, and that has guided me through every chapter since.
Contact Info:
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/denae._photography?igsh=aWUwYnhveHUycmx4&utm_source=qr
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/share/g/1B9AcAU2Q6/?mibextid=wwXIfr
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