Conversations with Kaya May

Today we’d like to introduce you to Kaya May. 

Hi Kaya, so excited to have you with us today. What can you tell us about your story?
It’s hard to decide what to tell you about me because I’ve always felt like I’ve lived three different lives at the same time. 

I’ll try to explain quickly… In 10th grade, my brother gave me a camera he didn’t want so I started taking pictures of my friends and posting them on Facebook. The same year I wrote, recorded, and released my first songs to iTunes. I started to get so many photoshoot requests that I started charging twenty dollars each. Over time I raised my prices, improved my skill, and became one of the most booked photographers in my hometown. When I was a college freshman, I was asked for the 1st time to be someone’s wedding photographer, and someone else asked me to do their wedding video. That same year I wrote, recorded, and released my first 11-song album. Since then, I’ve shot hundreds of portrait sessions, 37 weddings, performed at the House of Blues, and released 34 songs with over 105 million total streams. Oh and I lived in Chicago and LA and Nashville and published a book. 

All of that may sound great because I’ve been lucky to do what I love – but when what you love turns into work it comes with a fair share of trials. My path hasn’t been the simplest, but I can say it has been worth it. I can’t wait for you to see and hear what I have for you, and for it to – fingers crossed – improve your day, and maybe even your life. 

Alright, so let’s dig a little deeper into the story – has it been an easy path overall, and if not, what were the challenges you’ve had to overcome?
Unfortunately, not everyone in the world is kind. I have been cheated out of hundreds of thousands of dollars from music revenue and media clients who did not keep their word or operate with basic industry standards. I have watched people purchase new cars and new homes off of the profits they kept from music I made. I haven’t had it in my budget or my heart to seek legal action against them, but the loss of what could have been a huge blessing to my life weighs heavily on me. If I can encourage anyone in the art/media/music business of anything it is to sign contracts before doing anything. Get a lawyer no matter the cost. It will be worth it in the end. 

Alright, so let’s switch gears a bit and talk business. What should we know about your work?
In my photography and videography: you will find men and women who are happier and more beautiful than they have ever before been documented. I do not claim to be the most exceptional camera-user in the world, but I will claim to take photos and videos in which you look the best you ever have. For me, it’s more about the moment than the background or the lighting or the angle or the edit. It’s about making whoever I have my camera pointed towards feel beautiful, handsome, confident, and comfortable. It is the joy of my life to watch someone ease into their best, truest self. 

In my music and writing: you will find the words to articulate your thoughts. I write because I hadn’t found something else that explains how I feel. My hope is that the words I write and sing can help someone heal. 

You can find my music on Spotify, Apple Music, YouTube, wherever you listen to music just by searching my name 🙂 

We all have a different way of looking at and defining success. How do you define success?
Success is being proud of what you’ve done and who you are. If I have all the money in the world but I have hurt people and lived selfishly and cannot know that I am truly loved – I would rather be poor and laughing with someone who loves me. 

Contact Info:

• Email: kayamaycontact@gmail.com
• Website: https://www.kayamaymedia.com
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/kaya.may/
• Youtube: https://open.spotify.com/artist/7o6uQNwIGw0FgF8U5vnfBV?si=b3Zy7o2RTJCQcEu25l73zA
• Other: https://www.tiktok.com/@kaya.may