Life & Work with Cayla Evans of Gallatin

Today we’d like to introduce you to Cayla Evans.

Hi Cayla, we’d love for you to start by introducing yourself.
I bought my first “big girl camera” back when I worked at NASA, mostly because I finally had the money for it. Photography started as a fun little side thing I did after work and on weekends, but it was something that stuck with me no matter what job I had.

For a few years that’s really all it was — a part-time, passion project I fit in around everything else. Then when 2020 hit, I lost my job as an operations manager here in Nashville, and photography was the only thing I had to fall back on. It was such a scary leap but I didn’t really have much of a choice. It ended up being the push I didn’t know I needed.

Luckily when I started photographing weddings, there were restrictions on how many people could be in attendance and it was a lot less intimidating. Now, I’m photographing 200+ guest weddings like it’s nothing. But more importantly, I’ve been able to build a career around connecting with people and telling their stories in a way that makes sense for them. And so many of them have ended up becoming good friends of mine. It really has been the greatest journey.

I’m sure it wasn’t obstacle-free, but would you say the journey has been fairly smooth so far?
Absolutely not. Being a creative entrepreneur has proven to be anything but easy. Photography was never my plan A, so when I was faced with going full-time, there was so much pressure to figure things out fast. I didn’t have anyone holding my hand or telling me what I should do next. I was learning everyday, and I still am.

Trying to grow a business is no joke, especially as a one-woman show. I would constantly second guess myself, and I had no choice but to be the photographer, marketer, and bookkeeper all at once. I’ve burnt out multiple times from trying to do it all.

But honestly, I’m glad I had to figure it all out on my own. It’s shaped me as both a business owner and creative. It forced me to find my own style and voice as an artist. If anything had been different, I wouldn’t be where I am today.

As you know, we’re big fans of you and your work. For our readers who might not be as familiar what can you tell them about what you do?
I’m a Nashville-based photographer. My work leans honest, intentional, and with a hint of warmth. I’m not the kind of photographer that’s going to tell you to tilt your chin 37 degrees or hold a weird pose. Working with me feels more like hanging out than a photo shoot.

I mostly photograph couples, weddings, and portraits, but what I’m most proud of is doing what actually feels best for my clients — not just following whatever the industry says is trendy. A lot of photographers seem to get caught up in rules or what you’re “supposed to do,” but I care so much more about creating an experience where my people feel comfortable and seen (and ideally have fun).

I think what sets me apart (as cliche as it sounds) is probably my “vibe.” I’m a big dry humor girly and I tend to bring a very laid-back energy. At the end of the day, I just want your photos to truly feel like you. If you can look at your photos and think, “OMG, that’s actually us,” then I’ve done my job.

Risk taking is a topic that people have widely differing views on – we’d love to hear your thoughts.
I wouldn’t call myself a natural risk-taker by any means. But sometimes life forces your hand. Losing my job as an ops manager in 2020 was one of those moments. I had no safety net and the only thing I could fall back on was photography.

Taking that leap into running my own business full-time was terrifying. I had no paycheck and zero idea what the future would look like. But it ended up being one of the best things that’s ever happened to me. It taught me that some risks are really just about trusting yourself and your instincts, even when it’s scary.

I think risk is less about jumping off cliffs and more about recognizing when playing it safe is actually holding you back. For me, the biggest risks have been the uncomfortable ones that pushed me toward what I really care about, rather than what seemed “practical.” I think that’s where the most growth happens.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://www.caylaevansphoto.com
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/caylaevans
• LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/caylaevans/