We were lucky to catch up with Kayla Cardinal recently and have shared our conversation below.

Hi Kayla, thanks for joining us today. So let’s jump to your mission – what’s the backstory behind how you developed the mission that drives your brand?

My motto is “Taking Picture, Keeping Memories.” For me, this means putting the client’s memories above my photography business. I price my photos and sessions at a lower rate than most business, to allow everyone to have access to professional photography. Which, I really believe is important. I want to bring professional type photos to everyone. For me, they are not just photos capturing a moment. They are capturing memories.
The best example I have of this, is the Celebration of Life sessions I offer for pet owners. Loosing an elderly or sick pet is such a hard thing to go through. With my Celebration of Life session, I am able to take a still shot of a memory for owners to cherish forever.

I also love candid moments. Many clients during a session do not see the beauty behind candid photographs. But they are some of my favorite memories to capture. Those are real raw moments caught in time, you can’t pose that.

Kayla, love having you share your insights with us. Before we ask you more questions, maybe you can take a moment to introduce yourself to our readers who might have missed our earlier conversations?

I am a traveling Equine, Pet and LIvestock Photographer based out of south/west Missouri. While I have settled my roots in rural Missouri, I was born and raised in the suburbs of Chicago. There I grew up riding and showing horses… and that horse bug never left me. Throughout high school I played around with a camera, and in college my love for photography really grew.

I majored in Equestrian Science at William Woods University. I have a minor in art, with a consideration in photography. And can you guess it….I specialized in Equine Photography. Throughout college I took photos non-stop at the horse barns. Horse shows, student portrait sessions and facility shots. I was always found with a camera around my neck or tucked away in my locker. I wanted to capture everything I saw, every moment and memory. And today, that’s what I get to do!

I recently had an past college professor express her words to describe my photography. In her conversation, she mentioned how I see the photo before it even happens. That could not be more true. I find myself scanning my surroundings, immaging a picture in my head, and then striving to get that shot.

I photography what I see. Or, at least what I imagine in my head. For example, I take a photo of cattle in the snow, but I wish it were to be snowing…. So in post production, I add snow. When doing a blackout session with a horse and rider, I see the entire background to be black (even if it isn’t in real life). So in post production, I edit a sold black background. I think what clients need to know is that the post production of photography takes a long time. There is so much detail and enhanced editing that goes into one photo to make my vision come to life. Now we are not talking about the term photoshopping. Post production work means to enhance the highlight and lowlights. To soften a background or brighten the light around a face. All that work takes a long time and trial and error.

Do you have multiple revenue streams – if so, can you talk to us about those streams and how your developed them?

As I mentioned, I specialize my photography business in Equine, Pet and Livestock. But what most clients do not know, is that I do a to of graphic design work on the side. Logos, sale ads, banners, even stickers! I’ve done many logo designs or re-designs for other business and farms. Most people ask “do you know of anyone who can do this?” And I always send back a excited response! I start with asking 5 or so questions about what they are envisioning and a reference photo or idea. That way I can visualize what the client has in mind. I make 2 or 3 mock-ups. From there the clients pick their favorite and we send back and forth communications to finalize the logo. Same thing goes for sale ads or banners. My favorite part is the clients reactions when they see what I can create!

Have any books or other resources had a big impact on you?

Honestly…. OTHER photography businesses or small business. The best source I have is my peers. I often reach out to facebook groups that are equine specific photographers. Those forums offer a place to exchange ideas and advice from people all over the country. They are truly supportive and helpful people who offer constructive criticism and share their own tricks. I’ve also reached out to local small business owners. Many times its for pricing or clients communication advice. I can share my specific situation and in return get their point of view. It isn’t just photographers, but trainers, vets, lesson programs, feed store…. You never know what those owners have experienced and advice they have to offer.
Lastly, I have a good friend who is a graphic designer and works in the newspaper layout departments. She is my go-to-girl for design questions and listening to me word vomit my ideas. I love running my next greatest idea past her!

Contact Info:

• Website: http://krcartistry.mypixieset.com/
• Instagram: krc_artistry
• Facebook: Kayla Rose Artistry

Image Credits
Personal image of me – Crystal Olney Photography