Today we’d like to introduce you to Kayla Marshall.
So, before we jump into specific questions about the business, why don’t you give us some details about you and your story.
To be honest, I didn’t set out to become a photographer. It wasn’t a lifetime dream fulfilled. It really started around the time my first daughter was born. I loved photographing my family. I had friends and family telling me how much they adored my photos and even had inquiries to photograph events and people. The problem was I was just an iPhoneographer (as I liked to call myself) at the time. I didn’t have a camera, nor did I even know how to use one. It really was the encouragement from others that made me pick one up!
Overall, has it been relatively smooth? If not, what were some of the struggles along the way?
I don’t think it’s been a smooth road. Mostly because of the pressure I’ve put on myself. I was easily discouraged by seeing others booking more clients than I was, putting out better content than I was, and I convinced myself that I wasn’t actually good at this. If I could pass along any advice it would be to stop comparing your work to others. There will always be someone “better” but that doesn’t devalue your talents.
What should we know about Flora Meets Fauna? What do you guys do best? What sets you apart from the competition?
I’d like to say I specialize in capturing sweetness. Photographing children is hard, and I’m sure any mama would agree. I know so many women barely hanging on in that day to day grind of life with kids. There is no such thing as instant gratification in parenting. I want to deliver that photo of your little that sits on your mantle, the one in the graduation slideshow, the one that you cry over on their wedding day remembering the joy they brought to your life all those years ago. If I can capture that magic moment that makes you look at your babe and know the struggle was all worth it, then I’ve done my job.
Do you have any advice for finding a mentor or networking in general? What has worked well for you?
I suggest humbling yourself and asking questions. Make friends with others hustling like you. The core purpose of social media, amidst the ugly of it, I think was to bring people together. Use it. Engage with other people and make friends with strangers. Learn from one another and always be willing to help another person wanting to enter your industry.
Contact Info:
- Website: florameetsfauna.com
- Email: florameetsfauna@yahoo.com
- Instagram: https://instagram.com/florameetsfaunaphoto
Image Credit:
My personal portrait is by Danae Smalley
Getting in touch: VoyageATL is built on recommendations from the community; it’s how we uncover hidden gems, so if you know someone who deserves recognition please let us know here.
