Today we’d like to introduce you to Kya Martin.
Hi Kya, it’s an honor to have you on the platform. Thanks for taking the time to share your story with us – to start maybe you can share some of your backstory with our readers?
People often say they’ve “always been creative,” and while it may sound cliché, that’s truly been my story.
From the time I was a little girl, I was known as “the creative one.” As I grew older, I found myself drawn to painting, writing, and drawing—anything that allowed me to create. Creativity felt natural to me, but I never imagined it could become a career. Before I was born, my mother was a professional photographer. She studied photography and the arts at HACC, and some of my earliest memories are of watching her create beautiful images. Looking back now, I realize those moments planted the seed that would eventually lead me to pick up a camera myself.
In November 2023, I photographed a friend’s maternity session at her home using her Canon Rebel T7. It was a simple, spontaneous session, but it became a turning point in my life. During the shoot, she looked at me and said, “You should do photography. It fits you. This is you.” Something about those words stayed with me.
The following week, I immersed myself in learning everything I could about photography. YouTube became my classroom, and Facebook groups became invaluable sources of knowledge and support. In early December 2023, I purchased my first camera and shortly afterward photographed my first free session. It was far from perfect, but it ignited something in me. I spent countless hours studying, practicing, and refining my craft.
When 2024 arrived, I continued offering free and low-cost sessions while I built my experience and confidence. At the same time, life was incredibly full. I was expecting our third child, and my husband and I were preparing for our wedding in May 2024. Despite the busy season, opportunities continued to appear.
Then I booked my first wedding. The couple happened to be people I had known since middle school, and it felt special to witness their story come full circle. The wedding was a success, and they loved their photographs. More importantly, it gave me the confidence to believe I could truly do this.
From there, my business began to grow steadily. More weddings followed, and with each one, I learned something new. By November 2025, I listed my business on The Knot, and the response exceeded anything I could have imagined. Inquiries poured in, and for the first time, I felt like the dream I had been working toward was becoming reality. I remember sitting there in tears, overwhelmed with gratitude and disbelief.
In January 2026, another dream came to life when my best friend and I found a studio space together. She’s a photographer as well, though in a different specialty, and the opportunity arrived at exactly the right time. It felt like another reminder that everything was unfolding as it was meant to.
Through every step of this journey, my faith has been my foundation. I firmly believe that God was guiding me long before I ever realized where the path would lead. Every challenge, every lesson, every opportunity served a greater purpose. None of this would have been possible without His grace, and I am deeply grateful for the experiences and opportunities I’ve been given.
What I love most about photography is the ability to create something meaningful through a single piece of glass. A camera lens may seem simple, but it allows me to preserve emotion, connection, and moments that can never be recreated. Seeing my clients’ reactions when they receive their images, the joy, the tears, the memories, is what makes this work so rewarding. It’s more than taking photographs; it’s creating something that will be cherished for generations.
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?
Absolutely not. The road to building my business has been anything but smooth. It has been challenging, humbling, and at times incredibly difficult.
One of the biggest struggles I’ve faced is imposter syndrome. No matter how much progress you make, there are moments when that little voice in your head tries to convince you that you’re not as talented as people think you are, or that you don’t deserve the opportunities you’ve been given. Learning to push through those thoughts has been one of the most difficult parts of this journey.
Starting with very limited resources was another challenge. My first camera was a Canon Rebel T100 paired with a basic kit lens. Altogether, I spent about $190. That camera will always hold a special place in my heart because it represents where everything began. While it wasn’t professional-level equipment, it allowed me to learn, grow, and prove to myself that passion and determination matter far more than having the most expensive gear.
There were also moments when I questioned whether I should continue at all. Like many entrepreneurs, I’ve experienced seasons where I felt like I was failing—failing myself, my clients, and the goals I had set for my business. Financial obstacles, self-doubt, and the pressure of building something from the ground up can feel overwhelming.
What many people don’t see is the work that happens behind the camera. Photography is so much more than showing up and taking pictures. It’s spending hours culling galleries, learning editing techniques, communicating effectively with clients, managing a business, and constantly improving your craft. Developing those skills took time, patience, and a willingness to keep learning, even when I felt discouraged.
Looking back, those challenges shaped me into a stronger photographer and business owner. They taught me resilience, perseverance, and the importance of believing in yourself even when the path ahead feels uncertain. Every obstacle became an opportunity to grow, and every setback became part of the story that brought me to where I am today.
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 professional photographer specializing in wedding and boudoir photography. While those are my primary focuses, I also offer a variety of portrait sessions like Fresh48 sessions, maternity sessions, couple sessions and branding sessions etc., throughout the year and enjoy documenting many of life’s meaningful milestones.
Beyond photography, I hope people know me for my faith, my family, and the way I serve others. My relationship with Jesus is the foundation of everything I do, both personally and professionally. I strive to lead with kindness, compassion, and a servant’s heart in every interaction.
I’m also a wife and mother to three wonderful children, which means life is often beautifully chaotic. My friends would probably tell you I’m known for taking on a lot at once—and, if we’re being honest, occasionally running a little late. But they would also tell you that when I care about something, I pour my whole heart into it.
Photography is one of those things. I am deeply passionate about preserving memories and creating images that families can treasure for generations. There is something incredibly meaningful about documenting moments that become part of a family’s story.
Above all else, I am most proud of my family. My husband has been my biggest supporter through every season of life and business. He has encouraged my dreams, believed in my vision, and stood beside me through some of the most challenging moments of my life. I truly would not be where I am today without his unwavering support, and I am grateful every day for the life we’ve built together.
Are there any books, apps, podcasts or blogs that help you do your best?
One book that has had a lasting impact on me is Forgiving What You Can’t Forget by Lysa TerKeurst. I first read it several years ago, and its message has stayed with me ever since. Throughout my life, I’ve experienced difficult family dynamics, including the loss of my grandfather, who was more of a father figure to me than my own father ever was. I also spent many years carrying the weight of situations I felt responsible for, often apologizing for things that were never mine to apologize for in the first place.
This book challenged me to look at forgiveness, healing, and personal growth in a completely different way. It helped me recognize patterns and truths that I wish I had understood much earlier in life. More importantly, it reminded me that healing doesn’t always mean forgetting—it means finding the freedom to move forward.
As for podcasts, one of my favorites is The Vendor Table. It offers a wealth of practical advice and insight for photographers and wedding professionals, but what I appreciate most is that it doesn’t take itself too seriously. There’s plenty of humor mixed in with the education, and I think that’s important. Life and business can be demanding, and sometimes a good laugh is exactly what you need to keep going.
Pricing:
- Couples Sessions: $350
- Family Sessions: $375, $10/per person past 5 people.
- Fresh48 Sessions: $300
- Branding Sessions: $350
- Wedding Packages starting at $1,150
Contact Info:
- Website: https://kyamartinphotography.mypixieset.com
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/kyamartinphotography/
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/p/Kya-Martin-Photography-61557113199623/
