We’re excited to introduce you to the always interesting and insightful Kalyn Barbary. We hope you’ll enjoy our conversation with Kalyn below.
Kalyn, we’re so excited for our community to get to know you and learn from your journey and the wisdom you’ve acquired over time. Let’s kick things off with a discussion on self-confidence and self-esteem. How did you develop yours?
I am a self taught photographer as well as a creative. There were nights where I would stay up until 4am on YouTube; trying to figure out how to elevate my craft and set myself apart from everyone else. Imposter syndrome is real and getting distracted by everything and anything that other people are doing can be discouraging sometimes. Creating your own lane and finding out what works best for you helps with having and maintaining that confidence that you’ve worked so hard to obtain in the first place.
Great, so let’s take a few minutes and cover your story. What should folks know about you and what you do?
I approach my life and my business with a deep feeling of warmth and a sense of gratitude. How did I gain the confidence to trust my internal compass and find my career path? If I could go back in time and tell my younger self to start my journey sooner I would. Growing up I dreaded all the pictures my mother took and how long it would delay our day by taking pictures as a family.
I started my Photography journey 2 years ago, after my younger sister passed, because in that moment of my life I was extremely grateful of the memories that were captured by my mother. Memories we would cherish forever, memories at the time we wouldn’t know would be memories we would be able to look back on in the future. I cherish my memories so much that I decided to help others do the same. Now, I carry that feeling of excitement with me every day because my job is more than just a job to me, I am apart of an industry that captures and keeps the memories of others.
Growing up in Atlanta Georgia, and only seeing the surrounding states, I decided I felt most of my joy traveling. This inspired me to become a travel photographer. I travel back and forth between the coasts doing something I love. I am grateful for having such a free-spirited personality which has forced and instilled a love of the arts, food, creativity and fueled my passion for life. Being a gatekeeper of memories; life continues giving me the tools to create deep and meaningful connections and help others.
Looking back, what do you think were the three qualities, skills, or areas of knowledge that were most impactful in your journey? What advice do you have for folks who are early in their journey in terms of how they can best develop or improve on these?
The ability to admit you don’t know or have the knowledge of knowing everything. There is always room for improvement. Remaining humble as well as being Kind and treating people how you’ll like to be treated.
Who has been most helpful in helping you overcome challenges or build and develop the essential skills, qualities or knowledge you needed to be successful?
My peers and creative community has been an amazing asset to forming the person I am today, being teachable and capable of listening as well as following instructions keeps be wild and free.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.alwayselizabethlanae.com/
- Instagram: http://www.Instagram.com/always_elizabeth_lanae
- Facebook: Always Elizabeth Lanaé Photography
- Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/kalyn-barbary-94479125b
