Conversations with Kayla Cardinal

Today we’d like to introduce you to Kayla Cardinal.

Hi Kayla, thanks for joining us today. We’d love for you to start by introducing yourself.
I grew up in the suburbs of Chicago. As a kid, I grew up riding Hunter/jumper horses at a local riding facility. That is where my love of horses started. I also shared a passion for photography and later learned I could combine the two passions. Throughout high school, I took endless photos… anything and everything I could get my hands on.

I started a photography club for the local homeschoolers in the area (I was homeschooled 5th-12th grade). During our photo club meetings, we would bounce ideas off each other and work with local photographers in the area as well – learning camera and basic photography skills. One of the photographers we worked with specialized in equine (horse) photography. Seeing my two passions collide was very inspiring for my future.

I went to college at William Woods University located in Fulton, MO. I have a bachelor of science degree in Equestrian Science. My minor was in art – with a concentration in photography, specializing in equine photography. The school was the perfect place for my photography skills to grow. As a freshman, I immediately started my photo business. Having a passion for equine photography, the campus that housed 150 horses was the ideal playground.

I photographed every horse show, event, riding lesson, portrait photography (students and their horses). For 4 years, I was the go-to for anything equine photo-related. My photography classes expanded my knowledge of portrait and marketing photography. It also gave me the opportunity to learn how to use lights in a studio and advance editing and graphic skills.

After college, I didn’t grow much of my photography business. I pursued a career as an equine veterinarian technician and have been very happy in the role. However, my love for photography was too strong for me to ignore. This past year, I have invested in new photography equipment and made some career changes to allow for my photography business to be up and running again!

This past summer, Kayla. Rose Artistry was created! I now specialize in equine, livestock, and pet photography. I have found that I also enjoy designing equestrian shows and selling advertisements. Livestock photography is definitely new to me, but I am in awe of the results. While I am based out of Kansas City, I find myself traveling around the state of Missouri for photography sessions. My goal for the beginning of 2022 is to release my new website.

When people ask me why I like taking pictures my response is simple “Taking pictures, keeping memories.”

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?
Overall, yes it has been a smooth road. I have had so much encouragement from friends and family. I had several friends who have encouraged my business start-up and marking plan – even let me use their horse’s models to get practice in shots. Even as a kid, my family was always encouraging me to take pictures.

My mom is an avid scrapbooker, so having a camera in my face was nothing new to me. She often let me use her camera to capture the memories.

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?
What sets me apart from others? The best thing about being an equine photographer is my knowledge and comfort level with horses. I have been around horses for over 20 years. Showing, leisure riding, managing barns, fox hunting, equine vet tech. All of those opportunities have given me the edge of being an equine photographer. Not only do I know what to look for, I know how to be comfortable with the horses to get the best shots!

Do you have recommendations for books, apps, blogs, etc?
Current favorite podcast: Birdy Bunch Podcast. A podcast inspired by nature conservation and education.

Current favorite book series: Outlander.

YouTube is a great resource for use of camera equipment tricks and refreshers. As well as tips on editing programs and techniques.

Contact Info:

• Email: [email protected]
• Instagram: @Kayla.rose_artistry

Image Credits
Crystal Olney Photography