PRO SPOTLIGHT

Kayla Kurkowski

CLEVER CANDID PHOTOGRAPHY

When you get engaged and start planning your big day, you want to be surrounded by people who love and support you, and that includes your vendors. Oftentimes, there are vendors who are more than happy to put on different hats to make your wedding day a success because they all love love and want to see you relaxed on what should be one of the happiest days of your life!

Booking Clever Candid Photography means you get more than just a photographer. Kayla Kurkowski, the girl behind the camera, strives to give you an unforgettable photography experience by going above and beyond to be not just your photographer but also a friend to lean on throughout the wedding planning process. Read on to hear more about Kayla and the unique experience she offers!

WD: What inspired your business? What keeps you motivated? KK: "I was inspired by everyone’s love stories. I love watching and being a part of those little moments in someone’s day. Knowing that I play such a big part in someone’s extra special day keeps me motivated to keep going, keep learning and keep expanding my network, knowledge and resources for all my couples." WD: Tell us about your experience/skills. KK: "I just hit my 10 year mark in September of 2022. I started out shooting horses and riders along with horses and special needs kids back when I was in high school. Over the years, I’ve transitioned into an overall photographer and, in 2019, I made the official transition into a full-time wedding photographer."

WD: As a business owner, what do you wish to accomplish with your customers? What can a bride look forward to when booking you? KK: "I want to give my clients an outof-the-box experience. I want them to know that I am here for them through it all, from start to finish. I am a best friend type photographer. I will be there to help get everyone in line, to help fix your popped button or put lidocaine spray on your bridesmaids’ feet because those adorable shoes are killing them."

WD: Give us an overview of your services. What makes your business unique? KK: "I have a large variety of packages that allows me to help couples in all budget brackets and couples with different timelines and needs. I have a videography package and add-ons along with al la carte things like leather bound albums, happily ever after photoshoots (one year anniversary shoots) and extra USBs for the mothers."

WD: Tell us about your favorite part of your job. What keeps it fun for you? KK: "I love to be goofy with my couples. I love to sing along with their songs during the reception. I have my tradition even after all these weddings that I still take a shot with all my couples at the end of the night to celebrate them and to say we are officially done. I love to just share those little moments with them."

WD: What do you love about the industry you work in? KK: "I love how much everyone overlaps and helps each other out. I love that all the different professionals pair together and refer each other out and help one another."

"I WAS INSPIRED BY EVERYONE’S LOVE STORIES. I LOVE WATCHING AND BEING A PART OF THOSE LITTLE MOMENTS IN SOMEONE’S DAY. KNOWING THAT I PLAY SUCH A BIG PART IN SOMEONE’S EXTRA SPECIAL DAY KEEPS ME MOTIVATED TO KEEP GOING..."

WD: What’s the most common question you get from couples? What’s your answer to it? KK: "'How many photos do you guarantee?' I guarantee 50 photos per hour/per shooter. But that is the minimum, I always tell my couples that you will more than likely get more than that." WD: What are the best tips you have for helping couples prepare for their big day? Any other words of wisdom to share? KK: "Talk to your vendors, trust them when they try to help you with your timeline. We have been doing this long enough to know that we need more than 30 minutes for photos between the ceremony and the reception. We also don’t need four hours either."

WD: Take a moment to brag about something you’re proud of. KK: "I am proud of the awards I have won because of my amazing clients. I have been able to start Clever Candid Photography from the ground up and been able to create something amazing for those around me."

WD: How do you calm the nerves of anxious customers? What do you do to make them feel comfortable? KK: "I remind my clients that I have years and tons of weddings under my belt. I know and have seen it all. I can help with anything that they need to make it go smoother. From chasing the cats (the family members that wander off), to getting family members to cool it and let the couple enjoy their day, to just being there for the most nervous. There is nothing that can surprise me at this point when it comes to a wedding, so let’s do this! We got this!"

WD: What are your future goals for your business? How do you see it growing in the future? KK: "I want to continue growing my company. I want to see more photographers and videographers on board and see more cities, states and countries on the map for Clever Candid Photography!"

2022 PHOTOGRAPHER COLLABORATIVE STYLE SHOOT EVENT

Attendee Spotlight: Clever Candid Photography