Today we’d like to introduce you to Kayla Harding.
Hi Kayla, can you start by introducing yourself? We’d love to learn more about how you got to where you are today?
I have always loved photography and film. I used to make videos with my friends on my sister’s barbie camera and take my mom’s disposable cameras to take pictures of anything. My grandmother saw this and insisted I take on a career in the arts one day. At the time, I thought it was funny because the arts were just a hobby, and I would grow up to be a vet. That vet dream was short, and I eventually realized how right she was. I found a passion in filmmaking. In High School, I participated in the connected tech center to get my certificate in multimedia communications and took every possible photo class they had to offer. After that, I went on to complete my associate’s degree in Communications. It was there I began working on sets around Maine when they came through, along with a multitude of short films that would play at festivals. This is where I dipped my toe in still photography and found a new path I could take. Through some local connections, I was put into a discord with other photographers and publications looking for concert photos. Now, for the last just over two years, I’ve been splitting my time between the two while completing my Bachelor’s!
I’m sure it wasn’t obstacle-free, but would you say the journey has been fairly smooth so far?
I wouldn’t say it’s been super rough for me- I’m really lucky for that. However, I do have to say that the field I have found myself in is a very network-heavy field (as most things are) which is personally something I’ve always struggled with. I’m an introvert and it’s been taking a lot of practice for me to step out of my comfort zone in order to build new connections. Throughout my time in this field, I luckily haven’t experienced it as much as others, but I have had some very unfortunate experiences of sexism on sets, which made it a harsh work environment. However, I was new and didn’t want to say anything for fear it would mark me as unreliable (or something along those lines). Now, I do recognize when that’s happening, and I know how to stand up for not only myself but also others.
Thanks – so what else should our readers know about your work and what you’re currently focused on?
I work in film and photography! I specialize in still and concert photography, having only covered smaller sets and shows for local publications back in Boston. One of the things I’m so proud of is my work with my friend’s band, Nitemind. I worked with them to do a promotional photoshoot last summer. Even being flooded with red lighting, the photos turned out amazing. I also have to say I love the photos that I took of Zara Larsson. I was lucky enough to bring my camera into the show and got some amazing coverage- I’d even say it’s the best that I’ve done so far. In terms of what sets me apart from others, I’d say it is that I try to keep things relaxed in a way. I love a good, planned, super aesthetic photoshoot. However, sometimes plans change at the last minute, something doesn’t work, and things don’t turn out the way you imagined. I, however, believe that sometimes this can be better. The best things come from when you don’t plan them. Another thing is that I try to keep the photos human. I love capturing candid moments, especially the ones where people forget I’m there and I can capture their true emotions.
Are there any important lessons you’ve learned that you can share with us?
Standing up for yourself, especially as a woman in a male dominated field. Like I said, I’ve been lucky that I haven’t had it nearly as hard as others. However, I have had way too many moments where I’ve been belittled and treated differently simply because I am a woman. There are stories I could share, but instead, I’ll say that learning to stand up for yourself can be tough sometimes. I used to just let these things happen but then I realized that by not saying anything at all, it will only get worse for others. Even if it’s scary, it’s better to say something than nothing at all. And if, for some strange reason, they take it as a reason to let you go, then that’s not where you were meant to be, and there’s something better for you in store.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://kaylandkfilmandpho.wixsite.com/ndkfilmandphoto
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/kayla_ndkfilms/
