We were lucky to catch up with Kyndal Stockdale recently and have shared our conversation below.

Kyndal, appreciate you joining us today. We’d love to hear about when you first realized that you wanted to pursue a creative path professionally.

From the moment I could hold a crayon, creativity has been my way of expression. Growing up, I was deeply inspired by my mother, an interior designer with a unique artistic vision who encouraged me to forge my own creative path. My childhood was brimming with imaginative projects, including elaborate crafts, constructions, canvas painting, and endless other creative endeavors. This innate drive to create naturally led me to explore graphic design as I grew older. I was drawn to the power of visual communication, crafting layouts and designs to tell stories and convey ideas. However, this need for visual storytelling took on a new dimension when I first held a camera. Suddenly, the world around me transformed into a series of potential narratives waiting to be captured. The way light danced on the water, the fleeting expressions on people’s faces, the intricate details of everyday life – all became elements of a visual language I was eager to learn. Photography became my way of romanticizing the everyday, finding beauty and significance in the little things. It became the perfect extension of my creative journey, building upon my understanding of design while allowing me to freeze moments in time and share my unique perspective, a passion that continues to inspire me.

Kyndal, 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?

I’m Kyndal – a photographer and designer that is passionate about celebrating the beauty of life, both for myself and those around me. Ever since I can remember, I’ve cherished the wonder of the world and the beauty that surrounds us. I believe I have a unique perspective on life, and I’m embracing it wholeheartedly.

Coasting with Kyndal Photography represents a significant leap of faith, one that felt incredibly daunting at the time. Following a job loss due to the pandemic, and feeling adrift, I was propelled by a desire for something more. With prayer and the unwavering support of my husband, I took the plunge. Hindsight being 20/20, I only wish I had started sooner.

Photography has gifted me the incredible privilege of witnessing and preserving the unique beauty and cherished moments in the lives of others. Beyond that, it has unlocked a profound joy within me, allowing me to express emotions through my art in a deeply moving way that fills me with gratitude. With the belief that these abilities are a blessing from God, I am following my calling to be your trusted photographer for all of life’s significant milestones, from the joyful emotions of a wedding to the miraculous feelings surrounding a newborn. Driven by an innate creative spirit, I find immense fulfillment in expressing myself through both photography and design, and I am truly blessed to share my vision with the world.

What’s the most rewarding aspect of being a creative in your experience?

The creative journey in graphic design and photography thrives on continuous learning, experimentation, and adaptation. The exciting challenge of mastering new techniques, software, and artistic approaches offers immense fulfillment and excitement. As an artists, I also find great pride in cultivating a unique artistic voice and style that earns recognition. But perhaps most profoundly, it’s the ability to forge a deep emotional connection by creating visuals that make people feel something—joy, inspiration, nostalgia, passion, or understanding—that truly rewards me. Whether it’s a moment of true love on a wedding day that captures the soul or a design that moves someone to action, this power to evoke emotion is truly incredible.

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

Being a creative, especially through photography, is a deeply personal journey often defined by an invisible struggle: the constant pull of comparison and self-doubt. It’s a path fueled by intense passion but also profound vulnerability.

As a photographer, every shutter click and carefully composed frame is a part of the vision. We pour ourselves into capturing moments and stories, hoping they resonate. But then, the insidious whisper of comparison begins. Scrolling through endless online feeds, seeing seemingly “perfect” shots from others, can make our own work, which moments ago felt significant, suddenly seem inadequate. It’s a relentless mental game, measuring your own unique perspective against curated, often flawless, external standards.

This constant comparison frequently leads to self-sabotage. I’ve even questioned my skills, doubted my eye, and sometimes even second-guessed my creative choices. “Is this good enough?” silently likes to creep its way in. I’ve even deleted images I once loved and delayed sharing my work for the fear of it not measuring up. This isn’t just fleeting insecurity; it’s a deep battle against our own creative spirit, threatening to stifle the very impulse that drives you.

Others can certainly understand the sting of comparison in their own lives—in careers, relationships, or personal achievements. They might empathize with feeling “not good enough.” But for artists, especially in visual arts like photography, the struggle operates on a different level. Our art isn’t just a skill or a product; it’s an extension of our soul. The act of creating is an intensely personal unveiling. So, when our art is judged, or when we perceive it falling short, it feels like a judgment of our very essence.

The world often sees only the beautiful final image, rarely witnessing the hours of effort, the missed shots, or the internal wrestling match. It’s the unique burden of the artist to continuously put a piece of ourselves out there, knowing it will be seen, interpreted, and potentially compared, all while battling our loudest critic: the one within. The true victory, then, isn’t just in creating a beautiful photograph, but in continually choosing to create despite the self-doubt, reclaiming your own artistic voice one click at a time. It’s finding that confidence and inner joy that you know you can do it, and that you will do it! For me personally, I find comfort in my faith in Christ, because I know he is always with me.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://www.coastingwithkyndalphotography.com
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/coastingwithkyndalphotography/
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/coastingwithkyndalphotography

Image Credits

Coasting with Kyndal Photography; Honorable Mention – Kimberly Kimble