Alright – so today we’ve got the honor of introducing you to Kayla Oaddams. We think you’ll enjoy our conversation, we’ve shared it below.

Kayla, looking forward to hearing all of your stories today. Before we get into specifics, let’s talk about success more generally. What do you think it takes to be successful?

I believe the foundation of success is built on adaptability, hustle, and resilience. My journey has been far from easy—filled with no’s, setbacks, and unpredictable moments. One of the biggest turning points in my life was having to drop out of college due to financial hardship. For a long time, I saw college as a key marker of success, so losing that felt like losing a significant part of my future. But God had a different plan for me. I reached a crossroads: either let my circumstances define me, or adapt and redefine what success looked like on my own terms. I chose to adapt.

That decision gave me the courage to leave my hometown and move across the country to Los Angeles, with nothing but a dollar and a dream. This is where resilience truly became essential. There were moments I was scared, exhausted, and uncertain, but I kept going. That persistence helped me build my foundation and sharpen the hustle I needed to break into the competitive, often gate-kept photography industry in Los Angeles. I’ve had to believe in something I couldn’t see, and trust that my effort would bring it to life.

From that hustle, I became a Creative Director—overseeing campaigns and leading branding, photography, and design efforts that resulted in partnerships with brands like KIA Motors, GoDaddy, and Eventbrite. That body of work opened the door to my role as the second intern for the Getty Images × Crown + Conquer program. Since then, I’ve grown into an integral part of the Getty Images team, consistently covering high-profile events while deepening my knowledge of editing, event production, client relations, and navigating complex industry systems.
Today, I specialize in capturing culturally significant moments, ranging from red carpets and award shows to concerts, product launches, and celebrity events. I’ve photographed the Oscars, Grammys, Versace Fashion Week, the NAACP Image Awards, the Roots Picnic, TIFF, and the BET Awards, among others. By the end of my internship, I had documented over 115 events, and my work has been featured in more than 200+ global media outlets, including Vogue, Vanity Fair, LA Times, and People Magazine

At the core of it all—through every challenge and every triumph—has been my willingness to adapt, the hustle to keep going, and the resilience to believe in myself even when the odds were stacked against me. I’ve learned that sometimes you’re not just chasing your own dream—you’re building a path for someone else to follow. And in doing so, you become the blueprint. That’s what I believe it takes to be successful.

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?

My name is Kayla Oaddams. I’m a Photographer and Creative Director, originally from North Philadelphia and now based in Los Angeles. My journey into this industry wasn’t traditional—I didn’t have a roadmap, just faith, hustle, and a relentless passion for storytelling. I picked up a camera at 16, and now, with over a decade of experience, I’ve built my personal brand, Kayla.Optics, from the ground up.
Currently, I’m an Editorial Entertainment Photographer with Getty Images, covering a wide range of editorial and commercial assignments for major entertainment events and clients like Hulu, Netflix, and Amazon Prime.
I specialize in capturing culturally significant and visually impactful moments through both photography and creative direction. My work spans red carpets, award shows, concerts, festivals, product launches, and brand campaigns. I’ve had the honor of covering iconic events including the Oscars, the Grammys, Vanity Fair, BET Awards, NAACP Image Awards, Toronto International Film Festival, Versace Fashion Week, Roots Picnic, and many more. My photography has been featured in Vogue, LA Times, People Magazine, and over 290 global media outlets.
As a Creative Director, I’ve led teams of photographers and videographers and developed branding and campaign strategies that led to partnerships with major brands like KIA Motors, GoDaddy, Eventbrite, USC, and Cann, particularly through my work with SoulfulofNoise. My creative leadership spans visuals for on-site events, digital media, and press outreach.
But what I offer goes beyond photography, provide a full creative experience. Whether I’m capturing a once-in-a-lifetime moment or building a brand’s visual identity, my work is rooted in storytelling, emotion, and cultural relevance. I help clients tell their stories in a way that feels bold, authentic, and lasting.
What sets me apart is that I’m self-made, I had to become my own blueprint. I know what it’s like to chase a vision before it’s fully formed. I show up with heart, grit, and an unwavering drive not just to take photos, but to create legacy-level imagery. I’m rooted in community, representation, and legacy. Every shot I take carries the weight of my own dream and the dreams of those who don’t yet see themselves in these spaces. I’ve made it my mission to be that reflection and to be a blueprint for others.
For potential clients and collaborators: I don’t just show up—I pour in. I believe in making people feel seen, celebrated, and elevated. My brand is rooted in intention and the power of visual impact. I’m not just capturing moments I’m helping shape culture through them.
Above all, I’m most proud of how far I’ve come, the people I’ve inspired along the way, and the community I continue to build through my lens.

We often hear about learning lessons – but just as important is unlearning lessons. Have you ever had to unlearn a lesson?

A lesson I had to unlearn was being too humble in spaces where I should have stood fully in my light. While humility is a beautiful and grounding quality, I learned that when taken too far, it can dim your presence in rooms that were meant for you. Early in my journey, I often downplayed my accomplishments or stayed quiet about my work, thinking it was the “right” thing to do. But over time, I realized that playing small doesn’t serve anyone—not me, not the people I want to inspire, and not the clients who are looking for confidence and vision. I had to unlearn the idea that humility means silence. Now, I’ve learned to own my space, speak up about my value, and let my work and voice shine unapologetically.

Is there something you think non-creatives will struggle to understand about your journey as a creative?

I think what many non-creatives struggle to understand is that our path is far from linear. There’s no guaranteed blueprint, and often, we’re working from a place of passion and purpose even when the tank feels empty. We pour so much of ourselves into making the impossible possible, often without the comfort of stability or recognition. A 9–5 isn’t always the answer, especially when your calling doesn’t fit inside a box. Our journey comes with risks, sacrifices, and silent wins that rarely get celebrated. So if you have a creative in your life, support them before their success. Speak life into their dreams, show up for them, and be present even when the results aren’t visible yet. That kind of belief can make all the difference.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://kaylaoptics.myportfolio.com
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/kayla.optics/
• Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/kayla-oaddams-a264b619a/
• Other: https://www.gettyimages.com/search/photographer?photographer=Kayla%20Oaddams&assettype=image&sort=best&license=rf%2Crm&page=2

Image Credits

(Photo by Kayla Oaddams)