Karlye Sink shared their story and experiences with us recently and you can find our conversation below.
Karlye, it’s always a pleasure to learn from you and your journey. Let’s start with a bit of a warmup: What is something outside of work that is bringing you joy lately?
Outside of my job, I find joy in my “tribe”.
Living life with my best friend, watching the farm life thrive and grow. I enjoy spending time with my family and watching my best friends thrive through what brings them joy (missions, being a mom, soaking in their own best life with their family). I find joy in the sunset every evening, it’s not learning to fall in love “outside of your job” though, the real joy in it is when you learn to fall in love in your everyday work as well.
Can you briefly introduce yourself and share what makes you or your brand unique?
My passion for capturing memories bloomed as a child when my grandpa would stick a disposable camera in my hand and let me click away at whatever caught my eye. In high school, I was gifted a “first real camera” and just started from there, learning and growing in whatever there was to capture.
I sold landscapes and detail prints for a bit, but in 2020 I launched my business for the first time as “Karlye Alana Photography”. This is my home for my lifestyle photography business today.
I hope through my little biz that I am able to provide you with fun experiences in your sessions + captured memories that you can keep in your wallets, show off, hang up on the wall & cherish for years to come; return some of the love y’all have shown me, & above all, share the joy and hope that I’ve found in Jesus Christ.
To God be the glory.
Great, so let’s dive into your journey a bit more. Who saw you clearly before you could see yourself?
My beautiful grandma.
My “Mamaw” has always been a constant, a supporter and a steady compass. We all look up to her and know that she believes in us, and way before we even believed fully in ourselves or knew what could become of our dreams, she knew it was possible.
My Dad is another steady hand in my life who always directs with his wisdom and sees what truly can be long before I, myself, can see it. He knows this all by hard work and faith, himself and instilled that in my life as well.
Was there ever a time you almost gave up?
Oh for sure, every other day some weeks!
It’s all in taking a break, having faith in the process God has set for you, and pushing through to see it happen. It’s either do or don’t, simply. You can give up and know that’s it. Or you can push through and see.
Alright, so if you are open to it, let’s explore some philosophical questions that touch on your values and worldview. What are the biggest lies your industry tells itself?
That you have to use the same concepts all across the board. (Ex. raise your prices, cut your photo count, shoot with newest equipment, be a wedding photographer to make big bucks). This all is simply untrue for everyone, there are little truths in all of them, yes. I truly believe and have found that it’s not always foundational to apply these to everyone in this industry.
Be true to YOU. Just be you, do what you feel is moral and right in YOUR eyes, and it will attract the clients you want. Use the equipment you know best, shoot the events that make you feel comfortable and create your business…after all, it is YOUR business.
Okay, so let’s keep going with one more question that means a lot to us: Could you give everything your best, even if no one ever praised you for it?
Absolutely. Some days it’s pretty much like that, I know so many photographers that would agree. Some days the camera gets the credit, the venue or the location, some days it’s what the equipment is worth that gets the praise. — But honestly? At the end of these days where I roll my eyes and shake my head, it’s not necessarily all “me” either. God has placed me in a job that feels less like a job most days and more like, just life. He’s given me opportunities that have lit a fire under my business and paid my bills even on the hardest weeks. He’s given me a support team that is uplifting in awesome ways. He’s made it all happen.
So if to you, the camera takes a good photo or the 4-6k+ equipment is what makes it, or the location is immaculate, I’ll tell you that it’s actually none of those things…but Jesus, who has puzzle pieced it all together in grand design. And for that? To God be the glory and praise.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://karlyealanaphoto.mypixieset.com/
- Instagram: @karlyealanaphoto
- Facebook: Karlye Alana Photography
Image Credits
Individuals:
Karlye S. + Garith W.
Tanner K. + Lauren S.
Gracie P. + Mason W.
Jett R.
Cohen S. + Ella C.
Briar + Gatlin H.
Landscapes/Brands:
Welch Cattle
Watson + Co.
