about

the woman behind the lens, Ayla

Ayla, Columbus Ohio senior photographer, smiling in a white suit and hat during a branding portrait.

HEY THERE, I’m your girl Ayla

Yes, that’s Kayla without the “K”!

I'm a photographer based in Columbus, OH. I specialize in high school senior and family photography based in Columbus, OH, and I’m here to capture the real, meaningful, joy-filled moments that make life so special.

Whether it’s a senior on the brink of something new or a family savoring this season of life together, I believe photography is all about connection. The genuine laughs. The quiet in-between glances. The energy, personality, and love that make your story uniquely yours.

You’ll usually find me chasing golden light, wading into a creek, or cracking jokes behind the camera to get that perfect, unposed smile. I want your session to feel like a fun, relaxed experience—not a stiff photoshoot. If you're down for a little adventure, a few goofy moments, and photos that actually feel like you... I'm your girl.

Let’s create something beautiful together.

my motto

The best photos happen when you're simply being yourself.

Photography has always been about more than just taking pictures for me. It’s about creating an experience where you feel comfortable, confident, and completely yourself.

I know being in front of the camera can feel a little intimidating at first, but that’s where I come in. I’ll guide you through the whole process—from planning your session and picking outfits to helping you feel relaxed once the camera comes out. Before you know it, you’ll forget the camera is even there.

My goal is for you to walk away not just with beautiful images, but with memories of a fun experience you actually enjoyed. The kind where you laughed a lot, maybe got a little adventurous, and left feeling even more confident than when you arrived.

Because the best photos aren’t perfectly posed—they’re the ones where your personality shines through.

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a few fun facts

get to know me
Two young girls and a woman smiling at a nighttime outdoor concert or festival. The girls are wearing glow necklaces and bracelets, and the woman is standing in the middle with her arms around them. The background shows a stage with bright lights and a crowd of people.

Our family loves going to concerts- it’s something my husband and I have always enjoyed together, and now it’s become something we’ve introduced to our kids at a young age too.

take me to a show
A family of three taking a selfie outside a theater with a marquee that reads Disney's Frozen. There are tall buildings and trees in the background.

I’ve always been drawn to the arts- from high school theatre to my love for Broadway. That passion for storytelling is what inspires me to capture seniors in a way that feels real, confident, and uniquely them.

broadway girl
A young couple smiling at the camera stands in a stadium after a football game, with empty red seats and a large scoreboard visible in the background.

I’ve been with my husband, Jared, since 2010. We met in our hometown in Northwest Ohio and somehow both ended up at Ohio State. proof that even in a big world, you can still find your person early and grow through every stage of life together.

me & jared
Two children, a girl and a boy, standing on a grassy field at a sports event. The girl is wearing a blue cheerleading uniform with a buffalo logo, and the boy is in a white sleeveless shirt and red athletic pants. They are smiling, holding blue and silver pom-poms, and have their arms around each other. The sky is partly cloudy.

When I’m not behind the camera, you can usually find me on the sidelines at a kids’ sports game, cheering them on while my husband coaches.

biggest sports fan
A young woman kneeling on a running track surrounded by multiple trophies, smiling at the camera, wearing a black graphic t-shirt, ripped jeans, and white sandals.

senior sessions are my favorite

Senior year is such an exciting season of life. It’s full of big dreams, new beginnings, and the kind of moments that deserve to be remembered.

One of my favorite parts of being a photographer is getting to celebrate that season with my seniors. I love learning about their personalities, helping them feel confident in front of the camera, and creating photos that truly reflect who they are at this moment in their lives.

I also share many of my favorite senior sessions, locations around Columbus, and behind-the-scenes moments over on the blog if you want to see more of the magic.

Explore the blog
A young man sitting on an outdoor tennis court with a tennis racket and a white towel, wearing a black athletic shirt that says "New Albany", shorts, and white sneakers.

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ready for a little adventure and photos that actually feel like you?

A young woman with long brown hair stands between bookshelves in a library, looking at the camera with a slight smile.
let's do it