Today we’d like to introduce you to Kayla Mercier.
Hi Kayla, we’d love for you to start by introducing yourself.
My passion for photography began in high school when I was involved with the yearbook and had the opportunity to capture moments at various sports events such as football, dance, cheer, and track. These early experiences sparked a deep love for storytelling through images. However, when I moved back to Nevada during my senior year, I lost touch with photography and focused more on self-portraits, taking fewer photos overall. After graduating, I returned to Texas, and something felt missing in my life. It was then that I began picking up my camera again, starting with traditional portraits, family and couples sessions. As I delved deeper into the craft, I realized that photography wasn’t just a hobby—it was my calling.
In 2023, I decided to take the leap and officially pursue my dream by launching my own photography business. While I wasn’t entirely sure which direction I wanted to take it, I knew I had a genuine passion for the work. The journey started slow, but everything changed when I met Michele from 1836 Photographie in late 2023. She was looking for a lighting assistant, and although I had no experience with lighting, I felt a strong pull to try it. After working with her at the wedding, I was hooked. There was something incredibly special about being part of such a beautiful moment, capturing love in its purest form. From that moment on, I knew this was the path I wanted to follow in my photography career.
Can you talk to us a bit about the challenges and lessons you’ve learned along the way. Looking back would you say it’s been easy or smooth in retrospect?
Starting my own photography business was far from easy. In fact, it came with a lot of struggles. I had zero knowledge about how to begin or run a business, and that lack of experience made every step feel like an uphill battle. Growing up, I was taught that the only path to success was through a 9-to-5 corporate job. This belief limited my perspective and held me back from pursuing my true passion for a long time. Overcoming that mindset and realizing that there were other, non-traditional routes to success was one of the biggest challenges I faced.
One of the hardest things was dealing with my own self-doubt. I struggled with a lack of confidence, constantly questioning if I was good enough or if I could actually make this work. My mindset was often negative, and I found myself doubting every decision I made. But as I continued on this journey, I began to learn and grow—not just as a photographer, but as a person. The process of starting a business forced me to confront my fears and push past the limiting beliefs I’d held for so long.
Running a business required more than just passion—it required long hours, financial sacrifices, and the ability to juggle multiple roles. There were moments when I felt overwhelmed and unsure of how I would keep going. But as I navigated these challenges, I started to discover my true potential and the strength within myself to keep moving forward. Through every setback and obstacle, I grew stronger and more determined. In the end, the struggles became a beautiful part of my journey, teaching me lessons about resilience, perseverance, and self-discovery.
Alright, so let’s switch gears a bit and talk business. What should we know about your work?
I specialize in capturing vibrant, dynamic moments that bring out the true essence of people. I focus on creating bold, colorful images that showcase the authenticity of families, couples, and individuals. Whether it’s a spontaneous dance session or a quiet moment of connection in a sun-drenched park, I aim to capture the raw emotion and genuine interactions that make each relationship unique.
What sets me apart is my approach to photography. I encourage playfulness and candid moments, infusing every session with energy and color. My work is known for its vibrant aesthetic and its ability to reflect the personal style and individuality of each client.
What I’m most proud of is the trust my clients place in me to capture their most meaningful moments. Each session is an opportunity to create something beautiful and personal, and I’m honored to be part of that experience. My goal is always to make your photos feel as alive and unique as your relationships.
How do you define success?
Success for me is creating meaningful, timeless images that capture the unique stories and emotions of my clients. It’s about building lasting relationships based on trust and delivering an experience that makes people feel valued and understood.
On a personal level, success means doing what I love every day and having the opportunity to grow both as a photographer and as an individual. It’s about continually learning, pushing the boundaries of my creativity, and evolving my craft. At the same time, it’s about achieving balance—managing my business in a way that aligns with my personal values, maintaining a healthy work-life balance, and ensuring that I remain connected to the passion that inspired me to start this journey in the first place.
Ultimately, success is not just about the number of photos taken or business milestones reached. It’s about the joy and fulfillment that come from creating meaningful work, building a community around that work, and knowing that I’ve had a positive impact on the lives of those I’ve worked with.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.kayla-mercier-photography.com/
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/kaylamercier.photography?igsh=czMyNGZtazlxaDVt&utm_source=qr
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/share/14biZQJeNy/?mibextid=wwXIfr
Image Credits
Confirming I am the owner and individual who took all the images.
