Life & Work with Kanella Powers of Kanella Photography

Today we’d like to introduce you to Kanella Powers.

Hi Kanella, please kick things off for us with an introduction to yourself and your story.
Photography started as a hobby for me back in 2009. At the time, I simply wanted a creative outlet and hoped it could one day grow into something I could continue while raising a family. Like many photographers, I began by photographing friends and family for little to no cost, using every opportunity to learn, practice, and improve.

Looking back, my editing style has certainly evolved. In the beginning, I chased the trends, and if I’m being honest, those edits haven’t stood the test of time. Over the years, I discovered what truly resonated with me: a timeless, true-to-color style that feels authentic and genuine. I believe wedding and family photographs should be just as beautiful decades from now as they are the day they’re delivered. My goal has always been to create images that never feel dated—photos my clients will proudly display and cherish for generations.

As my business grew, I had the opportunity to second shoot alongside incredibly talented photographers who generously shared their knowledge. Those experiences taught me far more than technical skills like lighting and off-camera flash. I taught myself how to create an experience where people feel comfortable, confident, and completely themselves in front of the camera. I believe that’s where the most meaningful photographs are made.

Today, I still approach every wedding and session with that same mindset. I genuinely love what I do, and I want to continue loving it for many years to come. That’s why I intentionally limit the number of weddings and sessions I accept each year. Rather than chasing volume, I’m committed to giving every couple and family my full creativity, attention, and care.

I’ve never been motivated by being the biggest name in the industry. My focus has always been on being authentic, continually refining my craft, and becoming a better photographer than I was yesterday. For me, success isn’t about competing with others—it’s about creating timeless images, serving my clients well, and never stopping the pursuit of excellence.

Would you say it’s been a smooth road, and if not what are some of the biggest challenges you’ve faced along the way?
Absolutely not. Like most small business owners, there have been plenty of challenges along the way.

One of the biggest struggles in the beginning was simply learning everything. Photography is so much more than owning a nice camera. It’s understanding light, posing, editing, running a business, marketing, client communication, contracts, taxes, and constantly adapting to an industry that is always changing. There isn’t a shortcut—you have to put in the time and be willing to keep learning.

Another challenge was finding the confidence to trust my own style. Early on, it’s easy to compare yourself to everyone else or feel pressure to follow the latest editing trends. Over time, I realized that comparison steals creativity. The moment I stopped trying to create work that looked like everyone else’s and focused on creating photographs that felt authentic to me was when my business truly began to grow. I look back and look at past editing from the beginning and say to myself “oh my gosh…. that was not good…. I have changed so much”

The wedding industry can also be demanding. You’re entrusted with one of the most important days in someone’s life, and there are no do-overs. That responsibility carries a lot of weight, but it’s also what motivates me to continually improve my craft and prepare for every possible situation.

Like many business owners, I’ve also learned that saying “no” is just as important as saying “yes.” I intentionally limit the number of weddings and sessions I take each year because I never want to sacrifice quality or lose the passion that made me fall in love with photography in the first place. Prioritizing my family is also important to me. My children are only little one time and I want to be present and soak up as much of them as possible.

Looking back, I wouldn’t change the difficult seasons. Every challenge taught me something valuable, shaped the photographer and business owner I am today, and reminded me that growth comes from consistently showing up, even when the road isn’t easy.

Can you tell our readers more about what you do and what you think sets you apart from others?
I specialize in wedding photography, with a focus on creating timeless, true-to-color images that feel authentic and emotionally honest. While I also photograph engagements, families, and portraits, weddings are where my heart is. There is something incredibly meaningful about documenting one of the most important days in a couple’s life and preserving those moments in a way that allows them to relive them for generations.

What I’m most known for is creating an experience that feels relaxed and natural. Most of my couples tell me they aren’t comfortable in front of a camera, and that’s perfectly okay. I don’t expect anyone to know how to pose or what to do. My job is to guide them every step of the way while allowing genuine moments to unfold naturally. When my couples receive their gallery, I want them to remember how the day felt—not just how it looked.

One thing I’m especially proud of is that I have never built my business around chasing trends. Whether it’s editing styles, social media, or the latest photography fad, I’ve always stayed true to what I believe will stand the test of time. I want my clients to pull out their wedding album on their 25th anniversary and feel like their photographs are just as beautiful and relevant as they were the day they were taken.

At the end of the day, I don’t measure success by the number of weddings I photograph or the size of my business. I measure it by the trust my couples place in me, the relationships I build, and knowing I’ve created photographs that will become part of a family’s history. That is what I’m most proud of, and it’s what continues to inspire me every time I pick up my camera.

Are there any books, apps, podcasts or blogs that help you do your best?
I have enjoyed several podcast over the years. The Heart & Hustle and Live Free with Josh Howerton. These have great information and framework to apply to a business and my personal life.
I’ve enjoyed several podcasts over the years, but two that have had the biggest impact on me are The Heart & Hustle Podcast and Live Free with Josh Howerton. Both have provided valuable insights and practical frameworks that I’ve been able to apply not only to my business but also to my personal life. I appreciate content that encourages growth both business wise and personally.

Pricing:

• Weddings from $2,500- $4,500
• Daily sessions $325-$500
• Destination weddings from $4,000- $5,000

Contact Info:

• Website: https://www.kanellaphotography.com
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/kanellaphotography/
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/KanellaPhotography/
• TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@kanella.photograp