Today we’d like to introduce you to Kyla Graves.
Hi Kyla, thanks for joining us today. We’d love for you to start by introducing yourself.
After leaving an abusive relationship, I wanted to find ways to love myself a little more, so I started booking photoshoots for myself. I had always followed photography and model accounts, but never actually booked a shoot for myself until late 2020. After I did my first one, I felt so good and confident about myself which made me start booking a shoot at least once a month. I met a lot of photographers and friends along the way, and eventually, photographers started reaching out to me to model for them and receive the photos for free! In the last year, my free work has turned into some paid work here and there, and I’ve discovered I’m living my own dream. I never knew I would like modeling, but I’m in love with it and continue working towards it every day. Paid jobs are not always steady, but it is all a work in progress that I love!
I’m sure you wouldn’t say it’s been obstacle free, but so far would you say the journey has been a fairly smooth road?
My struggles along the way have mostly been finances. Many photographers that want to work with me are a couple hours away, so I find myself driving a lot and having to make myself available. I have another job besides modeling because the income is not always steady when you’re starting out. I have definitely missed some really cool opportunities by not being available because of work and finances. The more I grow my portfolio and connections, it seems to get easier.
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 love to model for creative photography. I do my own makeup, hair, and sometimes do my own styling. I like to collaborate with photographers in ideas, so we both get what we want out of a project. I think among photographers and models I am most known for being down for anything, anywhere and any time! I am most proud of all the friends and connections I have made. The photography community is so positive, friendly, and respectful. What sets me apart from others is that I’m usually willing to take the risk whether that be a photographer wanting a model to travel to the other side of the country to shoot with them or doing a crazy concept that’s never been done before!
Is there a quality that you most attribute to your success?
I think being flexible and understanding is important to my success. I also think being friendly and open-minded is important to be successful in this industry.
Contact Info:
- Website: http://linktr.ee/kylayw
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/kylayw/
Image Credits
Mikayla Russell Photo
