A New Year, New Beginnings

"If there's anything I've learned in the past year, it's that I need to just let go."

Most of my photography, in the past, was portraying the perfectionist in me.. which is exactly what held me back. Sure my photos held some kind of interest and spark but nothing that could make you really feel something. I like seeing photos where I am there, in that moment. It's usually a set of photos that really gets me. Storytelling, or photojournalism, has in particular lead my mind. I remember even as a kid with my very first camera taking pictures of anything and everything. And at the end of the day, I held a story. 

Lately I have felt quadruple-rainbow-master inspired to get better and learn different techniques that will make my work stand out. There's a line between living in a world where you think you've got something special and living in a world where you know you do. I've been living with my heart in my hands for many years, even in the single digits, just waiting for the right moment to reach out.

Now that I am in a place where I am intensely satisfied with what I'm creating, it's all I want to do. It's like falling in love with someone over and over again. Feeding a passion can be stressful and fulfilling. Sometimes I crave photographing so much, but don't have the models. So I deal with what I have. I do not like only shooting when I get paid to. There's a lot of pressure that ties into client shoots. I'm not saying it's stressful on shoot, but what I mean is, I want to be doing creative things that they will like to. But usually what happens is, a client walks into a shoot already in mind with "standard" images planned out. Their ideas are limited but the possibilities are endless. I want to push the boundaries. I want to make things that are beautiful and inspiring, romantic, intimate, and priceless. That's why I've been transitioning into a different style, one where I am very happy with what I've made.. and something I've always wanted and dreamed of doing. Now that I have the courage to do so, I've never been more happy.

I'll be shooting with a number of models this month which excites me more and more each day. They will be free-spirited and story-telling. I'll be sharing these photos as they come.

As I began to describe, I feel emotionally overwhelmed by sets of images with passionate points. This is something I want to continue freeing to other people. I want my images to make people feel something inside of them, burning and fueling some sort of inspiration and desire to be recorded as well.. in an artistic and natural way. If there's anything I've learned in the past year, it's that I need to learn to let go. I'm letting go of the perfectionist composition and letting in all of the natural beauty and story. I'm still going to be the artist I am and be my own worst critic, of course. I could never let that go. It's who I am. But I know my newest approach is going to be for the better. Instead of letting moments slip away, I'll really celebrate them.

I know this is a lot of unorganized and random thoughts, but I sincerely had to write and get them out. I'm not sure who will read it either.. hopefully the right individuals with positive reinforcement mentally and verbally.

My style is not for everyone but for those who can appreciate it, I hope we get to talk to each other very soon.

Kayla Joy Smith