We recently connected with Sycayia Dorsey and have shared our conversation below.

Sycayia, appreciate you joining us today. We’d love to hear the story of how you went from this being just an idea to making it into something real.

I stumbled into photography by accident! I’ve always been drawn to the editing side of things—I’ve long been the go-to person in my circle for selfie touch-ups or quick color enhancements. I also happened to be the makeup guru in my group, mostly because I learned to do my own really well.

Back in 2019, my sister’s best friend was getting married and asked me to do the makeup for her bridal party. I said yes without hesitation. Then she asked if I’d also take the wedding photos. Without realizing how big of a commitment that actually was—or how bold it is to launch a photography journey by shooting a wedding—I agreed. At the time, I didn’t know how to properly use a camera, let alone navigate the chaos of a wedding day.

Long story short: the photos weren’t amazing, but they were full of heart, and to this day, she still cherishes them. After that, I didn’t pick up a camera again until 2024, when someone gifted me an old film camera—and something just clicked. I rediscovered my interest in photography, but this time with a much deeper appreciation and curiosity.

As I started shooting again, things felt surprisingly natural. I began taking photos of family members and was getting solid results—though I knew I had room to grow. That pushed me to dive deeper. Lately, I’ve been studying exposure, lighting, and composition, attending workshops, and joining photography meetups to soak up as much knowledge and experience as I can.

I don’t know exactly where this journey will take me, but I’m genuinely excited to keep learning, growing, and having fun with it along the way. I listen to a lot of podcasts about building a business, mastering marketing, etc. My next steps are to establish an LLC, and become a legitmate entity.

Great, appreciate you sharing that with us. Before we ask you to share more of your insights, can you take a moment to introduce yourself and how you got to where you are today to our readers.

Hi! I’m a portrait and lifestyle photographer based in the DMV area, and my journey into photography was anything but traditional—I actually stumbled into it by accident.

My first official photography gig happened in 2019, and I didn’t fully step into photography until 2024, when I was gifted a vintage film camera. That gift reignited something in me, and I’ve been chasing the craft ever since.

Now, I provide portrait, lifestyle, and event photography with a focus on documenting natural, in-between moments—the ones that feel real and unposed. My style leans into warmth, emotion, and authenticity. I’m not about stiff smiles or overly curated shots; I want to help people feel like themselves in front of the camera, and walk away with photos that reflect their true energy. I provide minimal editing on my photos, instead relying on natural lighting- and my stunning clients- to set the tone for my work.

What sets me apart is my ability to create a comfortable, collaborative environment—whether I’m working with an individual, a family, or a brand. I have a strong eye for capturing genuine moments, but I also understand the importance of intentional storytelling, especially for businesses looking to visually communicate their identity. I don’t just show up with a camera—I come with a clear creative vision, a flexible approach, and a deep respect for the unique story behind each client or project.

For individuals, I focus on creating portraits and moments that feel like you at your best—relaxed, confident, and true to yourself. For businesses and creatives, I offer images that align with your brand’s message while still feeling authentic and engaging. I work closely with clients to understand their goals, audience, and aesthetic so that every session delivers purposeful, high-quality results.

Whether it’s a personal milestone or a brand launch, I bring both artistry and strategy to the table—so your images don’t just look good, they mean something.

I’m proud of how far I’ve come in a short time, especially as someone who’s self-taught and constantly learning. I’ve thrown myself into workshops, meetups, and hours of practice, all driven by a deep love for storytelling through imagery. I may still be in the early stages of building my business, but I’m committed to growing with intention, and to offering my clients work that’s both beautiful and personal.

If you’re looking for photos that feel like you—not forced, not overdone—just real, grounded, and joyful, I’d love to work with you.

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

Photography isn’t exactly known for being a goldmine—and I’m definitely feeling that reality right now. I’ve invested a lot into building this business, both financially and emotionally, and so far, the return hasn’t matched the effort. But the truth is, I’m doing something I’m genuinely passionate about.

For people who don’t consider themselves creative, it can be hard to grasp why anyone would pour so much time, energy, and money into something that might not “pay off” in the traditional sense. From the outside, it might look like a gamble with little to gain. But to me, that perspective is incredibly limiting.

I could take a million photos and maybe no one ever sees them. Maybe they never go viral, never sell, never even leave my hard drive. But that doesn’t mean it wasn’t worth it. Because each image is a reflection of my perspective—a snapshot of how I see the world. It’s proof of my existence, of my creativity, of my voice. And that, to me, is invaluable. It scratches the creative itch, the NEED to create, and it leaves something behind that no one else could have created. That’s the kind of fulfillment no paycheck or applause can replace.

Are there any resources you wish you knew about earlier in your creative journey?

Podcasts and Facebook groups have been incredibly valuable resources. Podcasts offer tons of insightful information—from tips on improving my craft to navigating the business side of photography. I’m currently listening to the Beginner Photography Podcast and Photography Side Hustle, like, everyday!

Facebook groups have been great for discovering local events, connecting with other photographers, and getting feedback on my work from a supportive community.

Contact Info:

• Website: sysnaps.zenfoliosite.com
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/sycayiasnaps/
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/kiya.dorsey.35/

Image Credits
Sycayia Dorsey