We were lucky to catch up with Kyla Rys recently and have shared our conversation below.

Alright, Kyla thanks for taking the time to share your stories and insights with us today. What do you think it takes to be successful?

Photography itself largely represents and influences how viewers may feel about an event, company, or moment. I think shaping into a positive experience is important. The most rewarding aspect of being an artist for me is the satisfaction of getting “the shot”. I love the process of photography, from the studio, to the darkroom, to my backyard or the woods. Having a vision, working for it, and seeing it come to life is incredibly powerful.

Kyla, before we move on to more of these sorts of questions, can you take some time to bring our readers up to speed on you and what you do?

My name is Kyla Rys. I am a 21 year old photographer born in Hunan, China and raised in Frisco, Colorado.

My passion for photography began at age twelve. I began working for the local paper, animal shelter, and a service dog organization, Canine Partners of the Rockies. My early work with pets has been published with appearances in National Geographic and The Huffington Post.

Since attending the Savannah College of Art and Design for a B.F.A in Photography, I wanted to expand my skills and subject matter into fashion and portraiture. Alongside my classes, I started working at the SCAD Photo Studio and now the SCAD Visual Media department to learn and grow as a professional. My work with clients such as Measure Fabric, Savenac 1921 and Victory Grips varies from high end jewelry to crossfit accessories. I strive to make each image natural and modern across clients and my personal work. I love that photography can serve as an outlet for visual branding and creativity, offering new ways to build and alter a brand image.

This past summer I had the opportunity to work in the photo studio with Ralph Lauren as a creative services intern in New York. After graduation I hope to return to Ralph Lauren and assist photographers in my freetime. I am looking forward to continuing to build my own brand, as well as contribute my ideas to a highly acclaimed fashion house.

How did you build your audience on social media?

I started photography when I was twelve, when apps like Instagram and Facebook were becoming newly popular. At the time, I wanted to photograph my aging dog, Roxy. I had hoped these images would capture her grace and essence before she passed. I used the open spaces of Colorado to create different versions of her character, sometimes changing with the seasons.

I wanted to share and track my progress, so I created an Instagram account called Mountain.Mutts and a National Geographic Kids My Shot account called Fortheloveofadog. After almost every shoot, I would upload my edited images and get immediate feedback. The project took off and pushed me to start photographing other pets, people, and places on a daily basis. I loved seeing people like, comment, and even build a friendship with me through photography and a love of pets. My success on National Geographic Kids My Shot led me to be published and printed several times, once in Vice President Joe Biden’s office. My success on Instagram led to several meetups, branding opportunities and working with clients.

I think using social media to share your work or company is highly beneficial to being seen and gaining exposure. Photography is so visually driven that social media was a great way for me to not only share my work, but get feedback on what I could improve on and what worked well.

For you, what’s the most rewarding aspect of being a creative?

Photography itself largely represents and influences how viewers may feel about an event, company, or moment. I think shaping into a positive experience is important. The most rewarding aspect of being an artist for me is the satisfaction of getting “the shot”. I love the process of photography, from the studio, to the darkroom, to my backyard or the woods. Having a vision, working for it, and seeing it come to life is incredibly powerful.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://www.kylarys.com/
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/kyla.rys
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=100005621506617
• Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/kylarys/

Image Credits
Talent in order of Image number. 1- Victoria Duhaime 2- Jillian Snapp 3- Eldar Isgandarov 4- Soowoo 5- Morrison Donnovan 6- Brittney 7- Victoria Duhaime