KD Created It: Behind The Lens With Kayla Dawkins

In the vibrant world of portrait and entertainment photography, Kaylah Dawkins has carved out a unique niche, transforming fleeting moments into timeless visual narratives. Miss Dawkins has positioned herself not only as a great photographer but also a Media Maven who has worked with some of the most popular names in photography. Her journey into this creative realm is a testament to passion, resilience, and an unyielding commitment to her craft.

Kaylah’s foray into photography began quite organically. “Photography was a hobby for me,” she recalls. “My older sister would ask me to take pictures for her, and somehow that got me into always taking pictures of everybody and everything, especially candid moments.” This early fascination with capturing life’s spontaneity soon became a part of her daily routine. Armed with her camera, Kaylah began documenting everything around her, finding joy in immortalizing memories. This hobby soon turned into a part-time gig, with friends and mutual connections asking her to shoot events and personal projects.

Despite her growing portfolio, Kaylah didn’t initially see herself as a professional photographer. “I never thought to set myself as a photographer until my early 20s,” she admits. “I really thought I was going to be a medical doctor, that’s another story for another day.” However, life had different plans. Immersed in the entertainment industry, opportunities continuously presented themselves, guiding her towards a fulfilling career in photography.

When asked what sets her work apart from others, Kaylah is modest yet introspective. “I honestly wish I could tell you,” she says. “Comparing my work to others is so hard for me to do, and I respect each artist in their own light.” Nonetheless, she acknowledges that her meticulous eye for detail and ability to capture candid moments are often highlighted by those who admire her work. A unique aspect of her process is the custom presets she creates for each project. “Every person I photograph has their own color grade named after them,” she explains, adding a personal touch that clients cherish.

One of Kaylah’s most cherished projects is ‘Heartbreak Motel,’ a deeply personal endeavor that she funded and sourced entirely on her own. “It was such a liberating experience,” she shares. “Passion projects are so important to complete; it helps drive your creativity in ways you didn’t know it could.” This project, inspired by her own experiences, stands as a testament to her dedication and artistic vision.

For Kaylah, photography is about more than just images; it’s about conveying emotion and story. “Emotions, details, I think those are the most important factors in capturing a story,” she says. Her goal is to make viewers feel what she felt in the moment of capture, to see through her eyes and connect with the essence of her subjects.

Like many artists, Kaylah has faced her share of challenges, with imposter syndrome being a significant hurdle. “I feel like I’m still facing this challenge,” she admits. Doubts about her skills and the quality of her work have often held her back from sharing her creations. However, her supportive network plays a crucial role in helping her overcome these insecurities. “If it wasn’t for them, I honestly would take longer to share certain work or even talk about it,” she acknowledges.

Maintaining creativity, especially while traveling or meeting client expectations, can be demanding. Kaylah finds inspiration in music, magazines, and physical activity. “Listening to music and closing my eyes and zoning out helps to give me creativity,” she says. Whether she’s imagining music videos for songs or drawing ideas from her surroundings, she constantly feeds her creative spirit.

Recently, Kaylah’s work was exhibited in a New York gallery, a milestone that left a profound impact on her. “At first, I didn’t really feel anything,” she confesses. However, being part of an exhibition showcasing the art, music, and fashion of Tosh Alexander, alongside other creatives, was exhilarating. “The love and support we all got during the exhibition was so surreal,” she says, feeling motivated to push harder in her craft.

Kaylah’s most recent project, “Pictures Last Forever,” is a heartfelt tribute to her late grandmother, Deslyn Ferguson. The inspiration stemmed from the deep bond she shared with her grandmother and the regret of having only a few photos to remember her by after her passing. To honor her grandmother’s memory and to provide a gift she wished she had, Kaylah organized a free photo event for seniors lacking professional portraits of themselves.

“This project is in honor of my grandmother, Deslyn Ferguson,” Kaylah explains. “I want to give families something I wish mine had—a way to look back and remember. I wish I could hear her stories and ask her about her journey.”

She was a postmistress in Litchfield, Trelawny, Jamaica, who frequently traveled between Jamaica and the United States. She was known for bringing supplies for the less fortunate, supporting her church, and caring for her family and community. She passed away in 2011, and Kaylah laments, “I can’t remember how her voice sounds, and we barely have pictures of her. The ones we do have aren’t as clear as we wish they were. This project is my way of giving others what I wish I had.”

Kaylah’s project was conducted in Kingston, involving three senior participants. Each session included both photography and videography, with the best images selected by family members and printed as keepsakes. Additionally, interviews with the participants were conducted and uploaded to Kaylah’s YouTube channel, preserving their stories and legacies for future generations. “I love being around what I call the ‘well-seasoned’ because they have so much to teach us,” Kaylah reflects. “We often fail to sit down and listen due to our busy lives, but their stories are invaluable and will have meaning, even if not immediately apparent.”

Kaylah’s collaborations with household names like Nike and Kanye West have been significant, yet she dreams of working with artists like Victoria Monet and Teyana Taylor. “Between her and Teyana Taylor, they have been sitting on my list for a long time!” she enthuses, also expressing a desire to work with more fashion brands and editorial magazines.

Despite her growing recognition, Kaylah remains grounded. “I don’t consider myself known yet,” she states. Her philosophy is simple: stay true to oneself. “I treat everyone equally, and I am not afraid to show my true self, because that’s what makes me, me.”

For those looking to break into the industry, Kaylah offers heartfelt advice. “This isn’t an easy industry but do everything from the he(art),” she advises. She emphasizes the importance of passion over profit and the fulfillment that comes from impacting even just one person with your work. “Don’t try to be somebody else, be yourself,” she encourages. Despite the challenges, her mantra remains: “If this is what you really want, push through, commit despite the dysfunction.”

Kaylah Dawkins’ journey is a powerful reminder that with passion, resilience, and authenticity, one can turn a hobby into a thriving career, capturing the soul of moments one frame at a time.