We had the good fortune of connecting with Mikayla West and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Mikayla, what is the most important factor behind your success?
An important factor behind my success is the community of photographers that I have met during this journey. In the photography industry, there is a saying “community over competition” and I truly would not have any success without the community I have. My photographer friends are the people the lift me up when I am having trouble with anything buisness related, help me feel motivated, and help get my creative juices flowing. We refer people to each other and help with all aspects of our buisnesses and personally are always there for each other. I would not be where I am in my buisness without them by my side.

Alright, so let’s move onto what keeps you busy professionally?
I started taking pictures in the middle of 2020 when there was not really much else to do in the world at the time. I was in the middle of getting my Master’s degree in School Counseling and needed an outlet to offset the stress of school and somewhere I could channel my creative side and photography just fell into my lap. My two great friends, Danielle Hickman and Aaron Wilhite became two of my biggest mentors and just helped me completely jump right in and taught me so much. Then I became doing photography full-time while also finishing my degree and then finished my master’s and finally became full-time in January of this year. It has been so hard trying to prove to people around me that this is a career that I am passionate about and something I want to do for the rest of my life even though it may not be your “typical” occupation, its the one that I love more than anything. Being a part of the happiest days of people’s life and getting to pour into them and also do something I love on top of that is an absolute dream come true. I could not be happier getting to capture moments for my clients that they will be able to look back on for years to come and share with loved ones. I get to use my counseling background to communicate with clients and help with stressful situations so this is truly the best of both worlds and I wouldn’t change it.

Shoutout is all about shouting out others who you feel deserve additional recognition and exposure. Who would you like to shoutout?
Kait Hinote:

I would love to give Kait Hinote such a huge shoutout. Kait is a past client and bride and I have had the pleasure of shooting her proposal, engagement, and wedding since meeting her and all I can say is she is the sweetest person I know. She is constantly hyping me up and making me feel like my work means something. Ever since meeting Kait I felt instantly connected to her and it has been the same way ever since. She not only is a client but a true friend. Everyone needs a Kait and I am so happy to have mine!

Website: https://mikaylawestphotography.mypixieset.com/

Instagram: @mikaylawestphotog

Facebook: Mikayla West Photography

Nominate Someone: ShoutoutMiami is built on recommendations and shoutouts from the community; it’s how we uncover hidden gems, so if you or someone you know deserves recognition please let us know here.