Drawn to the quiet magic in everyday moments and inspired by life as it’s happening—raw, real, and beautifully unscripted.
I'm Kya Liann,
A photographer & educator in Michigan
WHAT I AM ALL ABOUT HERE
Hi, I’m Kya Liann! I'm so happy you're here. I believe in finding magic in the everyday—those quiet, beautiful moments that mean the most—and capturing them in a way that lets you feel them all over again. My husband Alex is truly my best friend (every day with him feels like a sleepover with your BFF), and I work hard to give our dog Fenrir the best life ever. These are the best days of my life, and it means so much to share them with you while celebrating yours, too. Let’s make some magic together!
Because I was born for this
It runs in my blood. My eyes are the lens and my heart is the shutter
My great great grandfather Wallace Kirkland was a photographer for LIFE and to this day I feel him move throughout my work as a photographer.
He had a definition for happiness: Being busy at the thing you like to do.
And as he said I will say again as his great great granddaughter-
I am a photographer.
I am happy at being busy at photography.
As an empath, I feel things deeply—which is what allows me to truly connect with the moments I photograph. I don't just see a scene; I sense the emotion within it, and that guides the way I create. But my creativity doesn’t stop at photography—I'm a creative soul in every part of life. Whether it’s diving into a new hobby, rearranging a room for the hundredth time, or finding beauty in the everyday, I’m always looking for new ways to make something meaningful and beautiful. It’s that same spirit I bring into every session, capturing stories with heart, intention, and a touch of magic.
an empath at heart & creative in every area of life
I’m endlessly inspired by the kind of stories that make you feel—the ones found in quiet places, in the pages of fantasy books that transport you into entire worlds you can see and almost touch, and in films that speak straight to the heart. I’m drawn to the cinematic: stories told through light, emotion, and atmosphere—where even the silence holds meaning. Movies like Pride and Prejudice stay with me not just for their dialogue, but for the way they evoke feeling through every frame—the tension in a glance, the softness in a pause, the richness of the world around the characters. That’s the kind of storytelling I carry into my work: poetic, immersive, and emotionally true.
Places, movies, & Books that evoke emotion
If you really want to know me, it’s in the little things—slow mornings cuddled on the couch with my husband and pup, the feel of water while swimming, getting lost in a fantasy book, or playing Nintendo Switch just for fun. I’m the kind of person who listens to Christmas music year-round, bakes sourdough with flour in my hair, and finds peace digging in the garden. Honestly, it’s the simple, cozy moments that feel like magic—and make up the best days of my life.
the best way to get to know ME at MY core
I don’t just take photos—I gather feelings, fleeting glances, and the quiet in-between moments that often go unnoticed. As an empath, I don’t just see what’s happening—I feel it, and that shapes the way I create. I’m drawn to the emotion beneath the surface: the way a hand reaches out, the warmth in a laugh, the tenderness in stillness. My vision is to hold space for those moments and preserve them as memories you can return to—not just to see what it looked like, but to remember exactly how it felt.
capturing moments & memories not just photos
When time moves on and loved ones feel far, these are the moments that bring their warmth back to you. These photographs aren’t just for sharing—they’re for remembering. Your memories, your people, your emotions… they’re threads of your story, stitched into each season of your life. It’s not about creating a perfect image, but about preserving something real—a feeling, a connection, a glimpse of who you were and who you loved. To document these moments is to hold onto the irreplaceable, so that years from now, you can return to them and remember exactly how it felt to be held, to laugh, to live fully in that fleeting, beautiful moment.
my philosophy
documenting your story through moments not minutes
my philosophy
13 years
behind the camera
1,512
cups of cofFee drank
9 years
attending weddings
GET TO KNOW ME BETTER!
FACTS QUIZ
1. I START EVERY MORNING WITH:
a. an inspirational podcast
b. a cup of tea
c. a yoga practice
d. a ride on the Peloton
2. Favorite dog breed
a. golden retriever
b. siberian husky
c. corgi
d. none - i'm a cat person
3. I'D LOVE TO NEVER GO WITHOUT...
my nintendo switch
4. MY FAVORITE MOVIE
a. mean girls
b. enchanted
c. elf
d. wedding singer
5. my favorite TV show
British Bake Off
6. my favorite season
a. summer
b. autumn
c. winter
d. spring
7. my ideal vacation
a. on a beach in greece
b. cabin in the mountains
c. exploring nyc
d. exploring the countryside in ireland
8. my go to cocktail / drink:
Grape Waterloo
When I’m not at a wedding or behind the camera capturing life’s little moments, you’ll probably find me baking sourdough with flour everywhere, throwing pottery on the wheel, getting lost in a good book (or audiobook), or diving into my Nintendo Switch. I’m usually gardening, doing yoga, enjoying the simple joy of watching birds, paddleboarding, hitting up the Schvitz, or catching up with friends over something cozy. And of course—soaking up every bit of time with the loves of my life, Alex and our sweet pup Fenrir.
Life lately
my current playlist
Moments - Memories -
this season of life
early years
Running around with a disposable camera in hand, convincing school friends to be my models, turning sleepovers into full-on photoshoots, and taking long walks just to spot wildlife—my love for capturing moments started way before I knew it would become my calling.
any camera i could find to capture moments
2010
Being asked to take photos for friends and family sparked something familiar—like coming home to a part of myself. I started learning more about my camera, exploring creative ideas, and somewhere in the midst of “adulting,” I fell back in love with photography all over again.
TRADED A DISPOSABLE CAMERA FOR A LIFETIME OF PHOTOGRAPHY
2016
My best friend and I crashing weddings—with cameras in hand—capturing moments side by side, fueled by laughter and a shared creative spark. From directing music videos to dreaming up new ideas, we’ve always found joy in creating art together as a team.
ALEX JOINED AND THEN WE BECAME a Team
2017
Our first destination wedding was nothing short of unforgettable—a deeply intentional day with the most incredible couple, who now hold a special place in our hearts. We adventured alongside them in Hawaii, capturing the magic of that just-married feeling in the most breathtaking way.
A DESTINATION WEDDING IN MAUI, HAWAII
2023
Alex and I were married in the woods, saying our vows by the very river where he proposed—surrounded by our closest family and our pup, Fenrir, who was living his absolute best day ever. It was quiet, meaningful, and everything we dreamed of.
married my best friend, for a lifetime of sleepovers
How I got here
UNFORGETTABLE MOMENTS
The beauty of life is in not knowing what’s next—because that’s where the magic lives.
we had a vintage heart cake
made by my sister!
our love story
Contact Me
If you’ve made it this far, I have a feeling we’re already a great match—and I truly can’t wait to hear all about your story and the vision you’re dreaming up. No matter what season of life you’re in, I’m here for it—ready to listen, to connect, and to help you capture the magic in a way that feels true to you. Let’s start creating something beautiful together.
in touch
let's get
all content @ kya liann 2025. All Rights Reserved.
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