Kayla Creightney
Kayla Creightney
Photographer
Los Angeles, CA
www.kaylacreightneyphotography.com
instagram (photo) @kaylac_stills
instagram (personal) @kay_la_celine
WHAT DO YOU DO?
“I’m a photographer based in Los Angeles.”
I've studied photography and loved it throughout the majority of my life. In the past I have taught students digital photography, worked on personal art projects, and have dabbled in freelance.
WHAT STEPS DID YOU TAKE TO GET TO WHERE YOU ARE NOW?
I discovered my love for photography when I was in middle school after taking my parent's camera and shooting outside for a couple hours for fun. At that moment I realized that I wanted to explore taking photos more so I started taking photography electives at school.
When I transitioned to high school I continued to study photography and art in general by taking studio art classes and photography classes at the same time. I also had the privilege to attend early college programs at the School Of Visual Arts in New York and The School of the Art Institute of Chicago during my summers in high school. Attending those programs confirmed to me that I needed to pursue a career in photography and I really pushed myself and grew as an artist during that time. I went outside of my comfort zone and even though it was tough at times. I know that I wouldn't be where I am today without taking those creative risks that paid off.
I only applied to art schools when I was going through the college process and ended up attending NYU Tisch School of the Arts to study photography! I ultimately transferred out (New York was rough for me, but I still do appreciate the time I spent there) and currently attend Whittier College where I will get my degree in Studio Art with a concentration in photography by the end of 2021! Throughout the journey I have taken with school, I'm satisfied with where I am as an artist and I only want to grow more within my field. I'm currently working freelance assisting photographers during shoots and working on my own projects on the side. I've done BTS photography and portraiture mostly and I really enjoy doing that!
How do you stand out in your field?
Being creative on a budget is something that I have been doing for years. Not having access to an enormous amount of resources will not affect how I reach my creative goal. And because of that I'm very detail oriented when it comes to my work. Also I have been recently digitally manipulating portraits in Photoshop and Illustrator to achieve a multi dimensional feel through color blocking and inverting effects. But I also really enjoy working with color and B&W film processes!
WHAT ARE YOU WORKING ON RIGHT NOW?
I'm working on growing as an artist within the freelance community. Also connecting with different people and brands to collaborate and create work that we are proud of. I’ve been building relationships with creative people beyond just work and that’s one aspect of life that I’m happy about.
WHAT'S YOUR STYLE/PERSPECTIVE/TASTE? DO YOU HAVE A PROJECT THAT REPRESENTS THIS?
Lots of black with pops of color. I have a softness that's shown in my work like my Sofia on Film and Asia on Film series. But also a slight harshness that's reflected in my SASHA series.
WE ARE ALL SLASHIES WITH MULTIPLE SKILLS, WHICH ONE DO YOU WISH YOU COULD DO MORE OFTEN?
I wish I could focus on perfecting my drawing skills and being more willing to spend a few hours sketching. I love illustration but I don't put as much of an emphasis on that as I do with my photography. It would be cool if I could combine drawing and photography.
WHAT IS FRUSTRATING YOU RIGHT NOW?
Coping with the pandemic and the lack of work out there is frustrating. I've been putting a lot of effort into reaching out and connecting with other creatives and possible clients but these circumstances make it harder. Also finding jobs in the photography field on traditional job search sites is tough and limited. And I would like to be properly compensated for my work.
IF YOU COULD HIRE SOMEONE FOR $20/HR, WHAT WOULD YOU HAVE THEM DO TO MAKE YOUR DAY EASIER?
Dropping off and picking up film and prescriptions that have been waiting for me to tend to! Also Trader Joes grocery runs :)
LET'S BRING OUT THE TIME MACHINE. WHAT DO YOU WISH YOU COULD HAVE TOLD YOURSELF, WHEN, AND WHY?
Telling myself to be less hard on myself. I tend to put a lot of pressure on myself especially when I want to achieve something badly. It's never a bad thing to take a step back and relax my mind. I still need to remind myself that today. But most importantly, it’s okay to ask for help.
IF YOU COULD TALK TO AN EXPERT TO GAIN MORE INSIGHT ON SOMETHING, WHAT WOULD IT BE ABOUT?
I would want to know more about how they built and maintained their list of clients! And what professional routes they took when they were just starting to freelance.
WHAT KIND OF OPPORTUNITIES/PROJECTS ARE YOU LOOKING FOR?
I'm in search of opportunities in editorial work and portraiture specifically but I'm willing to branch out into product photography. I would love to collaborate with smaller up in coming businesses as well as bigger ones!
DESCRIBE YOUR IDEAL JOB/CLIENT/COLLABORATION.
I'm looking to work with someone who also has a creative vision for a photoshoot. I like the idea of collaborating with clients that are just as excited to bring a unique idea to life that fits their brand. But also allows and trusts me to put my spin on it.
Who is a creative that has helped you elevate your work?
My uncle Dorrell Creightney was an incredible photographer in Chicago has had a huge influence on pushing myself to evolve my work and to share it with others! Also my cousin Karsten Creightney who's a master print maker has been a very supportive mentor to me and my art.
HOW SHOULD SOMEONE APPROACH YOU ABOUT WORKING TOGETHER?
Shoot me an email or a DM and we can find a time to Facetime about your ideas for a collab! We can discuss rates, dates, and times over the phone.
HOW DO YOU STAY CREATIVE?
Self encouragement and scribbles on paper.
This member profile was originally published in April 2021.