Today we’d like to introduce you to Kayleigh Kamienski.
Hi Kayleigh, thanks for sharing your story with us. To start, maybe you can tell our readers some of your backstory.
I have always been into different creative fields, but when I was in 6th grade, I joined the yearbook staff at my middle school. That was my first real experience with a camera and ignited my passion for photography. I continued doing yearbook for the next 7 years, achieving editor in chief for my last two years of high school.
At that point I was using the school cameras to do grad sessions with some of my friends. At the end of high school I saved up to buy my own camera, a Canon Rebel T7.
In college I shot my first couple’s shoot for my roommate and her boyfriend at the time. I absolutely loved it (although my posing certainly could have used some help haha!). In my sophomore year I joined the video staff for Clemson Football.
I loved working for the team , even more so when I pivoted into doing post production video. However, I knew this wasn’t for me and I had a passion for photo, not video.
In 2023 I saved up to purchase the camera I currently use, a Canon R5. I started to take photography more seriously. I continued to do grad sessions, couple sessions, and began second shooting weddings.
My first wedding I ever shot, I booked all the way up in Maryland. Not only was it my first solo wedding, I also had never driven that far alone. To this day, that bride is still my friend and I am forever grateful that they trusted me to capture it.
I was busy enough to quit my serving job and go full time in early 2025. I am just so grateful for everyone I have worked with who has made that possible for me, and I wouldn’t trade it for the world.
Alright, so let’s dig a little deeper into the story – has it been an easy path overall and if not, what were the challenges you’ve had to overcome?
It has certainly not been easy. In fact, I feel like I’ve faced struggles every step of the way.
My family did not have money growing up. None of the things I have were handed to me. I worked all throughout high school to finally save $800 for my first camera.
When I was in college, I worked ~40 hours a week at football to get me a scholarship while also juggling a serving job to pay my rent, gas, etc. All of this on top of my schoolwork.
Making the decision to buy the camera I have now was a huge one for me. It was $4000 and would be me taking a huge gamble on myself. But this was my passion, and it was worth it.
The photography industry is not easy. There is a delicate balance between friendship and competition, and some of my close friends in the industry are also people I really struggle with comparing myself to. Gaining confidence in my style and ability to balance the workload was a process. Knowing I had nobody to fall back on financially if things failed wasn’t easy. But this job has brought me so much joy and opportunity and I wouldn’t trade it for the world.
As you know, we’re big fans of you and your work. For our readers who might not be as familiar what can you tell them about what you do?
I am a wedding photographer specializing in both documentary and editorial style. I have a true to color editing style because I want to capture wedding days true to how they were experienced.
I think what sets me apart is my ability to work with people. I’m highly efficient but also make sure my clients know I care about them as individuals. I am incredibly passionate about what I do and who I work with, and I think that allows me to stand apart from others.
What are your plans for the future?
To continue doing what I’m doing, to be honest. I’d love to scale further, to take on even more clients each year. I love the flexibility that my job gives me and all the places it takes me. I’d love to travel more for my job. This year I am getting to shoot a wedding in Prague.
My process is going to remain the same, because no matter how big I get, I want to provide the same care and intentionality to all of my clients.
Pricing:
- My wedding packages range from $3500-6800 depending on the coverage, but all packages are customizable.
- I also provide 30 minute, 1 hour, and 2 hours sessions ranging from $275-$550. This includes proposals, grads, families, etc.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://kayleighkamienskiphotography.com
- Instagram: https://instagram.com/kayleighkamienski
- Facebook: https://Facebook.com/kayleighkamienski
- TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@kayleighkamienski
