Today we’d like to introduce you to Kayla Aponte.
Hi Kayla, so excited to have you with us today. What can you tell us about your story?
Photography has always been part of my story, even before I realized it would become my career. I was the kid constantly taking photos on family trips, documenting the everyday, and playing around with composition long before I had any formal training. After high school, I pursued social media marketing in college because I loved the visual storytelling aspect—but it was during that time that my passion for photography really solidified.
In 2018, I moved to Hawaii with my husband, and that’s where Kayla Jordan Photography was officially born. What started as a side hustle quickly turned into something so much more. I fell in love with capturing the in-between moments—the raw, joyful, messy, beautiful reality of people’s lives—and realized I wanted to build a business around that.
We later relocated to Charleston, SC, and from there, I expanded my wedding and family photography offerings across the East Coast. I’ve been lucky to document everything from large destination weddings to quiet, heartfelt family sessions.
We all face challenges, but looking back would you describe it as a relatively smooth road?
Like most small business journeys, it definitely hasn’t been a completely smooth road—but every bump has taught me something valuable.
One of the biggest challenges early on was learning how to run a business while also nurturing my creative side. I quickly realized that being a photographer is only part of the job—there’s also marketing, client communication, contracts, editing, taxes, and everything in between. It was a steep learning curve, but I embraced it.
Another challenge has been navigating major life transitions while keeping my business going strong. As a military spouse, I’ve moved multiple times, which meant having to rebuild my client base and visibility in new locations. I’ve had to stay adaptable and find creative ways to maintain momentum, even when starting over in a brand new city.
And of course, being a mom to three young kids adds its own layer of chaos and joy. Balancing motherhood and entrepreneurship is a constant juggle, but it’s also a huge part of why I do what I do—documenting the fleeting, beautiful mess of family life has never felt more personal or important.
Thanks – so what else should our readers know about your work and what you’re currently focused on?
I’m a photographer who specializes in storytelling—whether it’s the whirlwind joy of a wedding day or the quiet beauty of a mother snuggling her newborn. While I began my career in the wedding world, I’ve recently shifted my focus more toward family and motherhood photography. That space feels incredibly meaningful to me, especially as a mom of three myself. I understand how fast these years go, how chaotic and tender they can be, and how important it is to bottle up those fleeting moments before they pass.
I’m known for my ability to make people feel at ease in front of the camera. My sessions are play-based and connection-driven—I don’t overly pose, and I don’t rush. I create space for genuine emotion to unfold naturally. Whether that’s toddlers running wild on the beach, a bride wiping away tears, or parents soaking in the joy of their growing family, I aim to document moments that feel real, not staged.
What I’m most proud of is the trust my clients place in me. Whether I’m showing up to photograph a wedding, a fresh newborn, or a returning family year after year, I don’t take that responsibility lightly. I’m honored to preserve their stories, and I want every gallery I deliver to feel like a time capsule of love.
What sets me apart is that I truly invest in each family or couple I work with—I care deeply, I communicate intentionally, and I bring both a professional eye and a personal touch to every experience. My job isn’t just to take pretty photos—it’s to help people remember what it felt like.
Is there a quality that you most attribute to your success?
I think the most important quality that’s contributed to my success is my ability to connect—with people, with emotion, and with the moment. I genuinely care about the people I photograph, and I think that shows in my work. I’m not just there to take pictures; I’m there to hold space, to guide gently, and to help people feel seen and celebrated exactly as they are.
Consistency and adaptability have also played huge roles. Whether it’s showing up professionally every single time or learning how to pivot through life changes, moves, or motherhood—I’ve built my business on being reliable, flexible, and always evolving.
At the heart of it all, though, is empathy. I try to approach every client interaction with kindness, understanding, and a reminder that this moment matters to them. That’s what keeps me grounded and keeps my work intentional.
Pricing:
- Wedding Starting at $4,500
- Families Starting at $550
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.KaylaJordanPhotography.com
- Instagram: https://www.Instagram.com/KaylaJordanPhotography
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/kaylajordanphotography
Image Credits
All Images by KaylaJordanPhotography
