We’re excited to introduce you to the always interesting and insightful Latoya Yates. We hope you’ll enjoy our conversation with Latoya below.

Hi Latoya, thanks for joining us today. How did you learn to do what you do? Knowing what you know now, what could you have done to speed up your learning process? What skills do you think were most essential? What obstacles stood in the way of learning more?

I love photography. I have always been the best photographer in my immediate family. So I grew up taking pictures for the family trips. I also worked at a studio called Kiddie Kandids. It was inside Babies R Us. There I learned the technical part of photography. I also learned to pose for different age groups, and families, edit, sell photography packages, and ad marketing. I learned on a canon which is what I shoot with today. I have also shadowed other photographers and taken many workshops to develop the skills I have today. Customer service is key people need to feel very comfortable in front of the lense. The next important skills are the technical way your photograph is followed by posing the client. Posing was a bit of a challenge for me once I got outside of the studio, clients wanted a more edgy look instead of the cookie-cutter studio poses. Overall it was a great learning experience.

Awesome – so before we get into the rest of our questions, can you briefly introduce yourself to our readers.

I have been doing photography for over 10 years. I started working in a photo studio called Kiddie Kandids in 2010. It was a small studio inside of Babies R Us. Unfortunately the company closed however that pushed me to start my own business. I photograph weddings and events. My mission is to capture real moments. I also provide a fun environment so clients are able to be themselves during their photo session. I take pride in my craft therefore I deliver quality work at a reasonable price. Each session can be customized to meet your needs whether inside a studio or outside in nature. It is my goal to ensure I am servicing my clients in the most efficient way possible. I look forward to earning your trust and servicing your photography needs.

What do you find most rewarding about being a creative?

The Most rewarding aspect of being an artist is the confidence that it brings the clients. My job as a photographer is to pump my client full of positive affirmations. I do my best to make them feel they are the most beautiful and the sexiest person alive at that moment. Confidence is the key to a great photo.

Have you ever had to pivot?

Before covid, I was used to doing huge weddings and events. Significant events with over 100 guests were the norm. During covid, march 2020 to be specific the whole world stopped. Large Events and weddings were canceled. I had to pivot immediately to keep my business afloat. I became a wedding officiant so that I could legally marry couples and provide small intimate weddings. In Georgia, couples do not need a witness to be married. So I began to l marry couples all over Georgia in small ceremonies and offer photography services to capture their special day.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://www.photosbylyla.com
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/photosbylylaweddings
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/photosbylyla
• Twitter: photosbylyla

Image Credits
Photosbylyla