Meet Kayla Middleton | Photographer

We had the good fortune of connecting with Kayla Middleton and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Kayla, what led you to pursuing a creative path professionally?
My creative journey started in high school when my uncle gave me my first camera before he passed. I used it to capture everyday life and event but I knew I wanted to do more. My love for music and artistic creatives pulled me into the world of creative portraits and music photography. My freshman year of college was spent experimenting with my friends with different types of editing and photoshoots and slowly I began to develop my style and place in the art scene. As I continued to grow in my craft and meet so many talented people along the way, this career has allowed me to combine all my passions into one. Every time I pick up my camera, I’m reminded of my uncle and how his creativity and lives within my work.

Let’s talk shop? Tell us more about your career, what can you share with our community?
When it comes to my concert photography, I believe my photography reflects my passion for the music and the fans that surround it. I’ve spent years in fandoms and I’ve amerced myself in the culture sounding the music. This allows me to navigate my photo taking in a way that appeals to the fans. When it comes to creative portraits, I’m always looking for inspiration within the world around me. As a Black woman, our voices are often not heard in many regards but, my work aims to shout until they hear what I have to say.

Any places to eat or things to do that you can share with our readers? If they have a friend visiting town, what are some spots they could take them to?
To begin the day we are grabbing a coffee and a yummy grilled cheese from Brass Tracks. Next, we’d stop by my favorite Family Thrift. To round out the night, we’d grab a drink at Grand Prize or Pistolero’s before going out to Boondocks, where it’s probably Track ID night and my favorite DJs IDKRYAN and Amarji King are playing!

The Shoutout series is all about recognizing that our success and where we are in life is at least somewhat thanks to the efforts, support, mentorship, love and encouragement of others. So is there someone that you want to dedicate your shoutout to?
Definitely my parents! They have pushed me to become the person and I am and continue to remind me to take up space in the places I occupy. Being entrepreneurs themselves, they have helped guide me on the ins and outs of owning a business and working for yourself.

Website: https://photosbykaylasimone.squarespace.com

Instagram: @photosbykaylasimone

Image Credits
Photo of Artist by Kyrstin