For Birmingham-based family photographer Kayla Morgan, making beautiful images is about more than just lighting and lenses; it’s also about telling each family’s story. Known for her calm approach and gift for putting even the most camera-shy at ease, Kayla has built a business rooted in connection in front of and behind the camera. Whether she’s photographing a family’s first newborn session or their annual fall portraits, her goal is always the same: to freeze time in the most meaningful way.
In 2017, while going to college and working in downtown Birmingham, Kayla spent lunch breaks and her time between classes walking and around and taking photographs. She posted her pictures on Facebook, and her hobby began to draw attention. “I loved to stroll around town and photograph old buildings and murals,” she says. “Pretty soon people were asking me to take their photos. The very first paid session I ever captured was a session for a family I’d known for years. Upon sharing the photos from their session, I began to receive interest from other families, which prompted me to start advertising and sharing my work more often.”
Kayla Morgan
Kayla’s ease with kids did not go unnoticed by her new clients. One compliment in particular stood out. “People would always tell me how amazing I was with their children, including one mother with a special needs child who said no other photographer could ever get her child to smile and enjoy photos like I could. That’s when I really started to focus on taking “family” photos,” she says.
In 2021, her photography evolved again—this time thanks to the arrival of her first nephew. She began capturing every moment of his life with enthusiasm. “He instantly became one of my favorite subjects to photograph. I photographed him constantly, no matter where we were or what we were doing,” says Kayla. From state parks to pumpkin patches and amusement parks, “you name it, and I would capture the most precious “candid” moments of him. The following year, my younger sister gave birth to my second nephew, and by then I’d become more comfortable and confident working with children. I really started to adapt and change my style to a more candid approach.”
Through photographing her nephews—and the no-pressure creative freedom that came along with it—Kayla realized children are at their most photogenic when simply allowed to be children. “They truly show their personalities when you allow them to play and be children, even during their photo sessions.”
As her family client base grew and her nephews got older—and harder to control—Kayla explains that she found new ways to connect with kids, suggesting fun and playful prompts to their parents. “On occasion, I would have to pull out all the stops, whether that be wearing a spinning rainbow umbrella hat, incorporating bubbles, using shutter huggers, or making a fool of myself with crazy noises and dances,” she says. “Sometimes, I would have the parents laughing more than the children.” Her side hustle grew so much, and so rapidly, that Kayla soon quit her full-time gig to pursue photography alone.
Kayla Morgan
Families who book a session with her can expect a relaxed, pressure-free environment. Kayla has a few pre-session tips. First: Let go of rigid expectations, especially with young children. “Be patient with your children, because I most certainly will be,” she says. “An experienced family photographer should have lots of tricks to help engage your child, and the session should be enjoyable for the whole family.” Don’t worry about scolding or bribing either. “It usually results in a meltdown anyway. “Try to plan around meals and nap times, because—I promise—it makes a huge difference,” she says.
Kayla also understands how overwhelming it can be to coordinate outfits, especially for large families, which is why she offers personalized, seasonal guides in a variety of color palettes, ensuring the process is as smooth as possible.
During a session, she encourages families to “come as you are, and leave the rest for me.” She allows time for breaks, play, and snacks, creating space for real moments to unfold. “I’ll be prepared to adapt to your family’s individual needs in order to capture the essence of your family and the love that you share,” Kayla says.
When those picture-perfect moments don’t go as planned, Kayla doesn’t flinch. From handling camera-shy teens to weather delays, she’s seen it all. “I oftentimes will pull teens aside to a separate area for portraits, because they might feel more comfortable without mom or dad watching,” she says. “And I keep a “treasure box” in my car, and allow children to choose a prize at the end of each session.” She avoids mid-day shoots to reduce fussiness and squinting and offers reschedules when needed. “When it comes to weather, I like to choose a location that allows for indoor photographing, and the Birmingham Botanical Gardens greenhouses are one of my favorites. If my clients are set on an outdoor location, we obviously can’t control the weather, so I’m flexible with rescheduling. I’ve been caught in a downpour before; you make the most of it! I’ve had the opportunity to capture some beautiful photos in a rainstorm.”
And, sometimes, the unpredictable creates the most magical memories. During one session at a state park, as thunder boomed, a family hurried to get in a few photos before the rain hit. “Without much warning, the sky fell out,” Kayla says. They ran for cover, but not before she captured the family sprinting through the rain. One image of their teenage son laughing with pure joy became the mom’s absolute favorite from the entire session.
Kayla Morgan
So what’s her message to families still on the fence about booking? “Documenting your family in a way that preserves memories is a priceless investment,” she says. “One or both parents often get left out of photos because they’re the ones taking them... Booking a session with an experienced family photographer allows for family moments to be captured in a genuine, stress-free, and high-quality way.”
In the end, she hopes every family walks away from their session surprised—in the best way. For families who may be hesitant about booking a professional photo session, Kayla wants them to know that documenting their family in a way that preserves memories is a priceless investment. “One or both parents often get left out of photos because they’re the ones taking them, and booking a session with an experienced family photographer allows for family moments to be captured in a genuine, stress-free, and high-quality way that becomes a cherished family heirloom,” she says.
“I hope my clients always leave their sessions feeling excited to see the results of their shoots. I think it’s important to note that every family is unique, and setting specific expectations for your family is unrealistic. Trust me as your photographer to offer posing and prompt suggestions that will help us achieve the beautiful, special family moments that you desire.”
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Kayla Morgan
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Kayla Morgan