Meet Kayla Palmer

We recently connected with Kayla Palmer and have shared our conversation below.

Kayla, so excited to have you with us today. So much we can chat about, but one of the questions we are most interested in is how you have managed to keep your creativity alive.

I take breaks! My creative work style resembles a wave. I take breaks for months at a time after months of prolific creation. This isn’t a learned behavior; it’s just the innate flow I have with my work, and I think it definitely helps to lean into this pattern. After my breaks, I usually feel a rush of inspiration and want to shoot as much as possible, and juggle many different concepts while trying out new lighting techniques, working with new collaborators, etc. I don’t rely on my photography practice for my day to day income, so I have the space to allow for this natural creative cycle. If I relied on my photography to survive, I would need to develop habits that allow me to create all year long and I commend those who have figured out the balance between work and play in their creative practice.

Great, so let’s take a few minutes and cover your story. What should folks know about you and what you do?

I am a fashion photographer on weekends and a financial analyst during the weekdays. I first picked up a camera at 15 years old and have been developing my photography practice ever since, with a long hiatus during college. I’ve always been pragmatic when it comes to survival, so when it came time to decide my professional path, I felt pursuing a more traditional career was the safer option. I definitely do not regret that decision. In my mid-20s, I realized that I am an eggs-in-many-baskets type of person who thrives in balancing different pursuits at once instead of focusing all my energy on one thing. Although my goal is still to become a full-time fashion photographer, I am currently enjoying the balance between my professional and creative pursuits.

I am thrilled to start shooting larger productions again this fall and winter. Over the past three years, I’ve gotten involved in the New Orleans creative community and have worked with so many talented artists. What I love most about shooting is the collaborative process—developing a concept as a team and then bringing it to life on shoot day. Seeing it all come together is the most rewarding experience.

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?

Curiosity, adaptability, and courage. I’m a firm believer in trying out many different things and quitting when I lose interest. I don’t think that is traditional advice, but I think it’s important to see what sticks. I’ve found that sustained curiosity is a good indicator of endeavors that would be fulfilling over the long term. If you’re someone who is still figuring out your passion, I think you should try out everything that interests you and quit with conviction when it’s no longer fun. Don’t be afraid of the pivot!

How can folks who want to work with you connect?

I am always looking for inspiring collaborators and I would love to work with more aspiring fashion designers. If you are a fashion designer and think our creative styles would align well, I would love to hear from you. You can email me at kaypallm@gmail.com or direct message me on Instagram @kpalmtrees.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://kaylapalmerstudio.com/
• Instagram: kpalmtrees

Image Credits

Justyce Williams (Liza Seelig, stylist)
Natalie Steuer
Kat Cardenas
Leili Shabani
Erica Mays (Evelyn Carriere, stylist)
Madison Randolph