Kayla Brooks is a young mother and an aspiring photographer in the Region. Like many others, she is learning and experiencing life as it comes to her. Although she is young, she is an inspiring individual and bright light in her community.
Brooks was born and raised in Portage and ventured outside of the Region to Boise, Idaho when she was just 18. Although she loved the experience of being somewhere new, Brooks knew she needed to return home to be with her family and friends. Brooks is the mother of two beautiful children, River and Ocean, who are four years old and 16 months old respectively.
“My focus is completely on them,” Brooks said. “We just live our days one day at a time, and we do our best and stay positive. I’m definitely a struggling mama, but we get by and we make it somehow each day.”
This is a message that many mothers know and can get behind. Despite the trials and tribulations, Brooks always stays positive. It is the unconditional love that she and her children share that truly keeps her going. Seeing her children happy brings her joy and being able to see them grow into their own selves is what Brooks loves most.
“It can be extremely stressful, but just take the time to just pause and look at your children, to just see them as who they are because they are growing right before your eyes. It’s really important to realize that no matter how difficult it gets, no matter how stressful it gets, just stay positive and know that you are doing your best. As long as they have food in their bellies and clothes on their backs and they’re clean and they’re happy, that’s really the perfect thing you could be doing,” Brooks said. “It’s not what kind of house you have, it’s not where you’re going every year for vacation, it’s the moments that are passing us by. It’s best to just enjoy the moments.”
Understanding that it’s the moments that matter most, Brooks has recently started a photography business called ‘Melting Time Photography.’ The name was chosen with the understanding that time waits for no one, whether we want it to or not.
“I’ve always stood by the fact that time is melting all around us. Whether we like it or not, whether we realize it, whether we are paying attention or not, time is melting, and we’re all growing older,” Brooks said. “It’s just kind of like a daily reminder to be in the moment and stay positive no matter what comes your way. I feel like God always finds a way to help things fall into place.”
Being able to capture moments through photography is a rewarding feeling for Brooks. She enjoys capturing these memories and being able to relive life’s special moments.
“No matter how many years go by, we’re going to have those memories. That’s why photos are so important to me because I can look back and a photo can reignite a memory and put me back mentally to that moment. It’s just really beautiful,” Brooks said.
Brooks is open to any photography opportunity and has done photos for weddings, graduations, events, and even just photos for friends while they are out. Brooks enjoys keeping things natural and isn’t fond of editing because she feels that everyone is beautiful as they are.
She describes her method as surrealist and isn’t afraid to get on the ground for photos and be a little unconventional. Although her methods are different, Brooks is able to gain a competitive edge in photography through her unique ideas and boundary-pushing style.
Brooks enjoys taking photos for her friends and family the most because it allows her to capture priceless moments for those around her.
“I like to always make sure when we’re invited to events, birthday parties, or baby showers that I get all the details for my friends and family. I love that I can capture those moments and have them for them to keep. That’s obviously not making any money, but it doesn’t matter to me because it’s important that they have those memories to look back on,” Brooks said.
Above everything else, Brooks dedicates herself to being a good friend, a good family member, and a great mother to her children. Everything Brooks does is to benefit her son and daughter.
Right now, Brooks is working towards building her credit, finding better employment, and finding a home for her family. Although it’s not easy being a mother and providing for your family, Brooks leans on never giving up.
“When things in our life get hard for my kids, I see more positive things happening even when I least expect them to. It’s incredible what we can experience when we simply stay hopeful and radiate love,” Brooks said. “We may be poor; however, we are youthful, healthy, and overflowing with joy and happiness to be alive! It’s quite magical.”
In her spare time, Brooks and her children love spending time playing outdoors, enjoying nature, and doing arts and crafts. Brooks is driven by her passion to see the breathtaking wonders of the world with her children and family.
You can find Brooks’ photography work at https://www.facebook.com/kayluhmari.