We’re looking forward to introducing you to Kaley Lopez. Check out our conversation below.
Kaley, we’re thrilled to have you with us today. Before we jump into your intro and the heart of the interview, let’s start with a bit of an ice breaker: What makes you lose track of time—and find yourself again?
Spending time hiking in the mountains with my Fujifilm camera. I put on a 23 or 35mm and let my eyes wander. It’s something that started my love for photography – being outdoors and breathing in the fresh air. We have an AirBNB in North Carolina and it’s become our place to get out of our own heads and reset.
Can you briefly introduce yourself and share what makes you or your brand unique?
We’re living in the era of entrepreneurship – so many people are learning to use their talents to start businesses. And, one of the biggest hurdles entrepreneurs face is getting people to actually find their business. Back in the day we used to pull out the Yellow Pages and just start calling business out of the book, but now we want testimonials, we want to know WHO is operating the business and we want to SEE and FEEL what the experience will be like before we spend our hard-earned cash. And websites and social media have become the places for that. Whether we cold search or we have a referral from a friend we look up their Instagram or their website to do our own investigation.
So, as a Brand Photographer, I like to be that personal-trainer for their visual presence. My goal isn’t just to give them great photos—it’s to leave them feeling confident and equipped to really show up for their brand.
Amazing, so let’s take a moment to go back in time. What relationship most shaped how you see yourself?
First and foremost my relationship with my God, Jehovah. The Bible says that his word is like a mirror and it’s helped me to see how I can be the best version of myself. I’ve always had a love for helping people, but he’s helped me to adjust my perspective and to be more patient and flexible.
Don’t get me wrong, I’m still a work in progress – but it’s made me a better wife, friend and colleague. I wouldn’t be who am I today without that.
Was there ever a time you almost gave up?
I think anyone who has been self-employed has wanted to give up at one point or another – some of us at several points in our career. It’s hard generating business, it’s hard maintaining relationships, and as entrepreneurs we have the tendency to hustle and burn – meaning we work until we find ourselves burned out. It takes time and self-awareness to develop a healthy flow to your work.
One of the most challenging times I faced was when I wasn’t balanced – I overpromised and set myself up for failure. Ultimately it caused a rift in a business relationship that had to be repaired. Fortunately, it was. But I learned a lot about myself from it.
Next, maybe we can discuss some of your foundational philosophies and views? Where are smart people getting it totally wrong today?
I think a lot of smart people are getting it wrong when it comes to authenticity. They confuse being real with being over the top, as if the louder or flashier they are, the more ‘authentic’ it feels. But true authenticity doesn’t need to scream for attention—it’s about being genuine without the performance. When you strip back the excess, that’s when people actually connect with you.
Okay, we’ve made it essentially to the end. One last question before you go. What is the story you hope people tell about you when you’re gone?
There’s a saying that people don’t always remember what you said, but they remember how you made them feel—and that’s the story I want people to tell about me. I want to be remembered as someone who made others feel seen, valued, and cared for. People who know me will tell you I speak my truths—I don’t sugarcoat. But my goal is to pair that honesty with kindness, because at the end of the day, I genuinely want what’s best for people. If my legacy is that I left people feeling good, cared for, and challenged in ways that helped them grow, that’s everything I could hope for.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.kaleymlphotography.com
- Instagram: @kaleyml
- Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/kaleymlphoto/
- Facebook: https://facebook.com/kaleyml
Image Credits
Brooklyn Focus Photography
Branding By Jo
