Today we’d like to introduce you to Dylan Kale.
Hi Dylan, thanks for joining us today. We’d love for you to start by introducing yourself.
At 13, I was gifted a camera for my birthday—without knowing it, that moment would shape my entire future. What started as a simple interest quickly grew into a deep passion. I spent hours photographing friends and family, developing not just the fundamentals of photography but also the ability to connect with people through a lens. As I got older, the possibilities of where this camera could take me became endless. Photography is a vast field with countless niches, but everything changed when I stumbled upon wedding photography on social media. Something clicked. I was captivated by the emotion and the artistry of it all. That spark led me to a mentor who introduced me to the world of weddings.
At the same time, I was at a crossroads. I had earned five athletic scholarships, yet I had also built a photography business from the ground up—something I poured my heart into. I didn’t realize it then, but I was already living in my purpose. At the time, I felt like I had let so many people down with my decision about where I wanted to take my life. But deep down, something inside me knew I had made the right choice. Some would have done anything to be in the position I was in, and while I was grateful for every opportunity my athletic ability could have given me, I also knew I only had one shot at this life. I wanted to spend my time doing something that truly brings me happiness—something that gives back to people. Photography was just that. In the end, I chose photography, making it official by establishing my LLC on my eighteenth birthday. Since then, it’s been the most incredible journey—growing, learning, and connecting with couples who don’t just want photos, but someone who truly sees them. Someone who can turn their love story into art they’ll cherish for a lifetime.
If there’s one thing I hope people take away from my story, it’s that life is beautiful—there’s so much you can do, and I hope they spend every second of it doing something that truly brings them happiness. And if they’re not in that place yet, there’s always another door waiting to be opened.
We all face challenges, but looking back would you describe it as a relatively smooth road?
One thing I’ve learned over the years is that in every person’s life, career, or business, challenges are inevitable. Running a business is like trying to find your way in the dark—unpredictable, uncertain, yet undeniably beautiful. There are easy days, fulfilling days, and of course, difficult days. But when you step back and take it all in, you see the joy in what you’ve built from the ground up—the late nights, the hard decisions, and the passion that turned a dream into something real.
Appreciate you sharing that. What should we know about Dylan Kale Photography?
I’m a documentary-style wedding photographer based in North Carolina, capturing love stories with a cinematic and nostalgic aesthetic. My approach blends editorial and documentary styles—balancing artful direction with honest, unscripted moments—naturally drawing in couples who resonate with storytelling that feels both intentional and true to them. While I call North Carolina home, my work takes me across the East Coast, throughout the country, and soon—internationally.
In my fourth year of business, I had the incredible honor of being published in British Vogue alongside three of my couples. Seeing my work featured in such an iconic publication, shared across the world, was something I never could have imagined—but it reinforced the beauty of trusting the journey.
What would you say have been one of the most important lessons you’ve learned?
The most important lesson I’ve learned on this journey is embracing the uniqueness of my work—understanding that its beauty lies in the way I see and capture the world. In the early days of my career, I struggled with comparison, constantly measuring myself against other photographers. It took a toll on me, making me question whether my work was good enough to succeed.
But as time went on, it wasn’t industry recognition or social validation that changed my perspective—it was my clients. It was the heartfelt words they shared when they saw their photos for the first time. It was the bride brought to tears, overwhelmed by how not just stunning, but deeply felt her wedding portraits were. It was knowing that my couples could look back at their photos and not only relive their love story but also the love of their family and friends who surrounded them—the laughter, the embraces, the fleeting moments that might have otherwise been forgotten. That’s when I realized: my work is enough—because it’s mine, and it’s the story I tell for my couples.
Contact Info:
- Website: www.dylankale.com
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/dylankalephoto/
- Other: https://www.tiktok.com/@dylankalephoto?_t=ZT-8th8VGkpahf&_r=1
