Meet Summer Kais

Alright – so today we’ve got the honor of introducing you to Summer Kais. We think you’ll enjoy our conversation, we’ve shared it below.

Summer, thank you so much for taking the time to share your lessons learned with us and we’re sure your wisdom will help many. So, one question that comes up often and that we’re hoping you can shed some light on is keeping creativity alive over long stretches – how do you keep your creativity alive?

By staying in motion. I don’t wait for inspiration — I keep creating, even when it feels quiet. Ideas tend to show up while I’m planning, designing, or picking up on moments that feel like something more. I stay open and observant. A shift in light, a phrase someone says, an image that sticks with me — those little moments build something bigger. I don’t slow down often, but creating keeps me energized. It’s how I move through the world.

Let’s take a small detour – maybe you can share a bit about yourself before we dive back into some of the other questions we had for you?

I’m a photographer and designer focused on portraits and commercial work, with a clean, modern style that values connection and simplicity. I work with individuals and small brands to create visuals that feel true — honest, strong, and thoughtfully made.

Through my studio, I offer portrait sessions, personal branding, and creative content for businesses. Whether it’s a one-on-one session or a larger campaign, I aim to keep the process easy, collaborative, and personal. The goal is to create work that’s true to you and communicates clearly to the people you want to reach.

I’m also developing a portrait series that explores identity, cultural roots, and shared humanity. It’s a slower, more personal project, but one I’m deeply invested in. The hope is to offer a more human lens and help shift how people are seen and understood.

If you had to pick three qualities that are most important to develop, which three would you say matter most?

Looking back, three things have made the biggest impact on my journey: curiosity, adaptability, and a strong visual sense. Curiosity keeps me engaged. It’s what drives me to keep learning and evolving creatively. Adaptability has been just as important. Creative work is unpredictable, and learning to adjust without losing your direction has helped me stay grounded through all kinds of shifts. And over time, I’ve learned to trust my visual intuition. It’s not just about what looks good, but what feels right. That sense has guided so much of my work.

For anyone early in their journey, my advice is to stay open and keep creating. You don’t need to have it all figured out. Try things, make mistakes, change direction if you need to. The more you pay attention to what excites you, the more your voice will take shape.

Okay, so before we go we always love to ask if you are looking for folks to partner or collaborate with?

I love working with people, brands, and organizations who care about telling a clear, meaningful story through imagery. Whether it’s a portrait, a campaign, or something in between, I’m drawn to projects that feel intentional and personal. My style is modern, minimal, and human — and I aim to create work that reflects the heart of what you do.

Alongside client work, I’m developing a portrait series that explores culture, identity, and the stories we carry. It’s about honoring the beauty in our differences — the backgrounds, traditions, and lived experiences that shape us — while also recognizing what connects us. I’m looking to work with people who want to share something personal about where they come from and how it’s shaped who they are. If that speaks to you, feel free to reach out through summerkais.com or on Instagram @summerkais_photo_design.

Contact Info:

• Website: www.summerkais.com, www.skportraits.com
• Instagram: @summerkais_photo_design, @skportraits