Today we’d like to introduce you to Kylee Lee.
Hi Kylee, thanks for joining us today. We’d love for you to start by introducing yourself.
I first picked up photography as a hobby, using a Canon camera my husband had received for his birthday, and it quickly became something I fell in love with. I had always enjoyed taking pictures, but realizing that photography could become something more was incredibly exciting to me.
I officially began photographing clients professionally in 2021 while also working full-time as a teacher. Almost immediately, I met so many amazing clients who encouraged me and trusted me to document important seasons of their lives. My family also encouraged me and made me feel like I had found something I was truly meant to do.
In 2024, I became pregnant with my daughter, Shiloh, and began to slow down with photography. Tragically, Shiloh was stillborn at full term. Losing her was the most devastating experience of my life, and for a long time, photography took a back seat.
A few months later, I found out I was pregnant with my son, Brady, our rainbow baby. During that season, I slowly began taking clients again. I wanted to find joy again, and I knew that I could find that through my faith and photography.
Since returning, I have rebranded my business in honor of Shiloh and discovered a completely new version of myself as a photographer. I had always understood that photographs were important, but experiencing loss gave me an entirely different perspective on why they matter. Sometimes, all we truly have is the moment we are in.
Today, I’m continuing to rebuild and grow my business with a deeper sense of purpose behind what I’m creating. I’m so excited to see where this next chapter takes me!
I’m sure it wasn’t obstacle-free, but would you say the journey has been fairly smooth so far?
Losing my daughter was a huge struggle for me and it was hard to continue with my business. Loss in general is difficult to manage for anyone. In the photography business, I’ve struggled with imposter syndrome and not feeling good enough. There are so many amazing photographers around me. I’m also completely self-taught. When I first picked up my husband’s camera, I had absolutely no idea what I was doing. I started learning through trial and error and practicing constantly. Now it’s something I genuinely love!
Alright, so let’s switch gears a bit and talk business. What should we know about your work?
I specialize in lifestyle photography that feels natural and true to the people in front of my camera. I photograph families, couples, motherhood, weddings, and the everyday moments!
What I’m most proud of is creating an experience where my clients feel comfortable enough to be themselves. I don’t want every image to feel overly posed or perfect. I want there to be movement, personality, connection, and emotion. Some of my favorite photographs are when clients are laughing, the little hands reaching for a parent, and the way a couple looks at each other when they forget the camera is there.
I think what sets my work apart is how deeply I value the meaning behind a photograph. Because of my own experiences with motherhood and loss, I understand how quickly life can change and how priceless it can be to have a season of your life documented.
I’m especially proud of the community I’ve been able to build through photography and the clients who continue to trust me with new chapters of their lives. Being invited back to document growing families is something I never take for granted.
Let’s talk about our city – what do you love? What do you not love?
I love how much there is to do in Arizona, especially for families. I also love the variety Arizona offers in scenery. It offers beautiful desert landscapes, cityscapes, pops of greenery, backyard farms, and so much more!
My least favorite part is definitely the summer heat. It can make outdoor sessions a little more challenging for a few months out of the year, but it can also still make for a lot of fun sessions if you’re up for it!
Contact Info:
- Website: https://shilohrayphoto.mypixieset.com
- Instagram: @shilohrayphoto
