CAPTURING KYLEIGH: Our Photography Enthusiast

Please join us in giving a warm welcome to Kyleigh Smith, one of the newest members of the Capture Life Photography Teen Team! Kyleigh just celebrated her fifteenth birthday on November 29th and is diving into her freshman year at Waterloo High School. We are thrilled to have her outgoing personality and passion for photography join our team this year.

​The Go-Getter with a Camera

​You’ll find Kyleigh on the sidelines of nearly every Waterloo sporting event, camera in hand, capturing the action, the emotion, and the moments her classmates will remember forever. She isn’t just taking pictures — she’s already building the foundation of a future career. With a dream of becoming a sports photographer, Kyleigh shows up, puts in the work, and chases every opportunity to learn, grow, and refine her craft. Her dedication now is setting her up for big things ahead.

Kyleigh describes herself as outgoing and fueled by a powerful work ethic, and it shows in everything she does. When she sets her mind on a goal, she goes all in until she earns her place — never backing down from the effort it takes to get better. That determination shines through in everything she does, most of all, photography. It’s in photography where her passion meets her purpose, and watching her develop her skills at such a young age makes it clear — Kyleigh is well on her way.

​Her tastes are clear: you’ll find her snacking on Dots classic pretzels, gravitating toward the color dark blue, listening to country music, especially her favorite artist, Zach Bryan, or making bracelets.

​Kyleigh is deeply influenced by her dad, who always pushes her to be herself and wants what is best for her. She recognizes that her camera plays a significant role in defining her, showing a perspective that others might not see.

​Embracing What Makes Her Unique

​When asked what makes her unique, Kyleigh shared a very personal detail: she has vitiligo on her right arm. This trait first appeared the summer before fourth grade, but instead of trying to hide it, she chose to embrace it. Her parents offered her an ointment, but she declined, saying that it happened for a reason and she did not want to take that away from herself.

​In fact, one of the three things she loves most about herself is her vitiligo, calling it so unique to her and her all-time favorite thing. Her second favorite feature is her eyes, which she often receives compliments on, noting that she does not know many people with her eye color. The final thing she loves about herself is her willingness to own up to mistakes, apologize, and work to understand them so she does not repeat them.

​For anyone who is beginning to show a unique characteristic and worries about judgment, Kyleigh offers fantastic advice: honestly, just embrace it. She shares that most people who ask about her vitiligo actually tell her they think it is cool and wish they had it.

​Thoughts on Friendship

​Friendship, to Kyleigh, means being there for one another no matter what and supporting her friends in their decisions. The three qualities she looks for in a friend are trust, respect, and boundaries.

​Joining the Team and Future Goals

​Kyleigh's motivation for joining the Teen Team is rooted in community and connection. She was excited by the friendships she has heard people bond over and wants to make a difference in the community—inspiring others to be confident and bring joy to the people around them. She believes the Teen Team is the perfect vehicle to help her achieve this.

​She wanted more friends from joining the Teen Team, and she is definitely getting that, noting that she has grown close with Kristen, bonding over photography and appreciating her trust and respect. outside of the Teen Team she also cherishes her friendship with Kendyl, a friend she is getting closer to everyday.

​Her motivation to get out of bed and explore new things every day comes from the simple, powerful realization that one day she will not be able to do the things she does today.

​As for her photography journey, she was inspired to pick up the camera by seeing others take photos, and the compliments she receives fuel her to continue. She plans to pursue photography as a job in the future, with a main focus on sports photography and a bit of portraiture.

​After high school, Kyleigh plans to attend college for marketing of business, with Kent State or Mountain Union being her top choices because they are close to home. Her dream project or goal for the next few years is to travel all over, meeting a bunch of famous people in very beachy places.

​We are loving the impact Kyleigh is making this year, bringing her unique perspective and infectious passion to the Teen Team!

A Note From Me to You, Kyleigh

As a fellow photographer, I see so much of myself in you — that spark in your eyes when you’re holding a camera, that excitement when you freeze a moment just right, that hunger to keep learning and getting better. Hold onto that. This passion you have isn’t just a hobby… it can become a real, sustainable career. I’m living proof, and I want you to know that you absolutely can be too.

Sports photography, storytelling through images, using your talent to impact your school and your community — these are the beginnings of something bigger. And I believe in you. I truly do.

Please know that you will always have me in your corner. I’ll be here to guide you, to answer questions, to cheer you on, and to help you grow your skills and your business when you’re ready. You’re already on such an amazing path, and I can’t wait to watch where your camera takes you.

Keep shining, keep chasing it, and keep shooting with heart.

You’ve got this, Kyleigh — and I’ve got you. 💛📸