My Journey to Falling in Love with Photography

When people talk about discovering their passion, it often sounds like a lightning bolt moment—some dramatic realization of purpose. But for me, it wasn’t like that. My journey to photography was different. There was no single moment when I thought, “This is it. This is what I was meant to do.” My love for photography came quietly, slowly—more of a steady pull than a loud calling. It was a natural fit, something that always felt comforting and familiar, like a safe space I could escape to, but one that also sparked confidence and a deep drive to keep learning and growing.

I was the kid who begged for disposable cameras, snapping every random moment and collaging my bedroom walls with the results. There was something powerful about freezing a moment in time, even back then, before I had any real idea what I was doing. That curiosity led me to join the yearbook staff in middle school and eventually dive into film photography in high school, where I really began learning the technical side of things. I fell in love with the process—developing in the darkroom, experimenting with light, composition, and storytelling.

After high school, I transitioned into the world of digital photography and haven’t looked back—though I still dream of one day returning to film when I have a darkroom of my own. There’s something about those early roots that still tugs at my creative heart.

Loss has also played a big role in shaping how I view photography. I’ve experienced a lot of it from a young age, and in the years after losing my parents, I found myself wishing I had more photos—more tangible pieces of our life together. That realization has stayed with me. It’s what drives me to capture not just images, but real, meaningful memories. I want the families I work with to have photos they can cherish for decades. I want their children to grow up seeing their parents smiling and holding them close in beautiful photographs that don’t live just on a phone.

We live in such a fast-paced world, and it’s easy to forget the little things—messy hair hugs, hand-holding, the in-between glances. That’s why photography means so much to me. It helps preserve those fleeting moments that might otherwise pass unnoticed.

For a few years, I focused primarily on weddings. I’m a hopeless romantic at heart, and I genuinely loved being part of such monumental days. It was a joy and an honor—but weddings are also incredibly demanding. They require immense time, energy, and emotional investment. Over time, I started feeling the pull back to where it all began: families, couples, maternity, milestones, and seniors. The moments that feel real and grounded. The kind that happen on a quiet Sunday morning or during golden hour in a backyard or open field.

Stepping away from weddings wasn’t an easy decision, but I know deep down it’s the right one. I was missing out on too much—the adorable cake smashes, the maternity sessions full of anticipation, the wide-eyed seniors stepping into a new chapter, and the couples who just need that one beautiful photo together without the chaos of a wedding day. I wanted more of that again.

This shift also led to a rebrand and a fresh start for my little company—one that feels more aligned with where I am and where I’m going. And this blog? It’s part of that. A place to share stories, tips, behind-the-scenes peeks, and the heart behind Summit & Sage Photography.

Thanks for being here. I can’t wait to see what comes next—and I hope you’ll be along for the ride.

-Kylie

The essentials I bring to every session—ready to tell your story.

My go-to gear lineup for capturing life’s meaningful moments.

Prepped and ready—because every detail matters behind the lens.