_Meet Kyla-Jane

Light chaser. Photographer. Dreamer.

My philosophy is simple. It is not just about stunning photos. It is also about a memorable experience. Both you will treasure forever.

See the portfolio

“Life isn't a straight line is it? Sometimes we can really wish it was. And sometimes we can realise that it's not. And that's ok. In fact, it can be a light-soaked, beautiful adventure and that should be celebrated.”

KJx

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My life has been a winding path full of unexpected ups, downs and loop the loops. Light, love and adventure have always fueled me. They have brought extreme highs, exhalation and sometimes tough lessons and heartache. Through it all photography has been a constant. Whether in the foreground as my profession or tucked comfortably into the background as a passion, it has endured. A way to view the world, a way to take things in. To process. To appreciate and capture things I am passionate about and believe in. A constant companion. A trusted friend. A source of comfort and inspiration. Photography has always been there.

It started early. As a much-loved only child I think every minute of my early years was photographed! Then at age 8 my parents gave me a camera to take to Brownie camp. I learnt I could capture things for myself and it was exhilarating. Using a camera to help preserve memories continued throughout my formative school years. These photos now offer indisputable proof of my infinite number of bad haircuts and some questionable supposedly on-trend fashion choices.

Then, came the opportunity to study a Bachelor of Visual and Performing Arts at the Victorian College of the Arts/Melbourne University - majoring in Media/Photography. This wide-dive into a variety of creative arts disciplines saw photography rise to the top and the realisation along with it through the lens I could explore anything.

After graduating I started working as a professional photographer. At age 22 I wrote my first book. The making of the 144-page coffee table book saw me travel to every corner of Australia and everywhere in between photographing and interviewing 100 Australians - one born in every year from 1901 to the year 2000 to celebrate the Centenary of Federation. The book and exhibition One Hundred to One: An Australian Journey was launched in May 2001 as part of The Melbourne Festival. The exhibition went on to travel to over 36 destinations. Educational materials based on the book were used in primary schools around the country. Meeting and photographing the 100 people featured saw my eyes opened widely to the struggles life can serve and the resilience possible to overcome them. They were inspiring. Every single one of them. These 100 people and their stories changed my life forever. You can read more about them and the book here.

Inspired by the people I met making my book, I became very interested in social justice and through being introduced to some of Australia’s most preeminent thinkers and doers in this space I began to work in the not-for-profit sector. Over the next 15 years photography slipped happily into my personal life indulged through travel and private projects as I forged a career specialising in partnerships for impact. This chapter saw me fortunate to have a number of incredible and fulfilling roles in the pursuit of social justice in Australia and around the world. From Melbourne’s bleakest back streets to it’s high rise boardrooms, to the coffee fields of Ethiopia and women’s community cooperatives in Rwanda – this work was simply unforgettable and has forever left a mark on me which is difficult to describe.

After achieving so much and striving so hard to create positive change in the world, I endured a period of time that saw the different pieces of my life (including the new role as a first-time mum) no longer fit harmoniously together. I burnout and it was time for a rethink.

During a self-imposed hiatus and time with my one year old son, I began to photograph more and it was making me happy. Rejuvenated. Inspired. Like slipping on your favourite old dress - it felt great. I dared to think perhaps, just perhaps, it was time to return to my first profession and love. I thought 'I'll just take it a client at a time'. Since making that decision I have been blown away by the response. I am so very grateful to the clients who have embraced me and welcomed me into the lives and endeavours which defines _Lifeinlight.

Today my life is filled with chasing light in the pursuit of creating images for clients as meaningful as they are beautiful. To give families photos that bottle how they are right now and help them always remember; to help business communicate strategically through authentic imagery and realise their objectives; to deliver travel imagery which inspires others to ‘seize the day’ and take that adventure they have always dreamed of; and for humanitarian organisations to secure the critical support they need to execute their life saving missions and change the world.

So, come on! Let’s chase the light together. It will be gorgeous adventure. Promise.

Love,

KJx

My Loves

_F.A.Q

Why do you love what you do?

I love what I do because photography is such a diverse and powerful medium. Through my work I get to give families photos that bottle how they are right now to help them always remember, businesses images which communicate strategically and authentically, create travel imagery which inspires others to ‘seize the day’ and take that adventure they have always dreamed of and give humanitarian organisations powerful storytelling images to secure the critical support they need to execute their life saving missions and change the world. Like I said. Powerful, wonderful stuff!

Why should I pick you as my photographer?

Because I will care about your photos like they were my own. Quality and passion matter. My role is to meet clients where they are in their life or commercial journey and give them an experience and photos that meet their needs. That's what I strive to do. Every shoot. Whatever the type of shoot.

How would you describe your photographing style and approach?

Authentic, passionate and creative. Light-filled.

What's it like to be on a photo shoot with you?

My philosophy is simple. It is not just about stunning photos. It’s also about a great experience too. I love it when clients tell me how they were blown away by the experience not just the photos they received.

Do you supply digital image files?

Yes! Edited, high resolution digital files are provided. Raw unedited images are not. Please don’t ask.

How do I receive my photos?

You will receive your photos as digital images via a password protected private and secure online gallery to view, share, download and save. USBs can be supplied on request.

Do you ever donate shoots to good causes?

Yes I do. Giving is heavily in my DNA (you can read more about this on my About page) and it's a key part of my professional life. One of the main areas where I donate my time and skills is through photo shoots and images for families who are facing a journey with life threatening cancer. This work is important in it's own right but is also in memory of my mum (and number 1 supporter) who we lost to cancer in 2010. It's tough but work I feel compelled to do and gift to families at the worst time in their lives. You can read more about this in my Giving Back page.

You have 3 Instagram accounts! Why?

Yes, I have 3 'cause the photography styles are all so different! Check them out - via the icons at the bottom of the page. @_lifeinlightlifestyle for my lifestyle photography work - newborns, maternity, families; @_lifeinlightcommecial for my commercial work; @_lifeinlight for my travel and humanitarian photography.

How long have you been a photographer?

I began working as a professional photographer after graduating in 1997 (Yep. I'm showing my age now!!) with a Visual and Performing Arts Degree from the Victorian College of the Arts/Melbourne University. I took a break from photography as my profession in the early 2000’s and returned in 2016. Since that time my return has been generously welcomed for which I feel incredibly grateful.

Who is your favourite photographer and why?

Annie Leibovitz - she is incredible and what a life journey with photography she has had! The stories behind her works are almost as fascinating as the images themselves. Her books are my most prized in my photography coffee table book collection. Annie is so skilled she could photograph clients any way she wants but what she strives to do is bring to the fore something unique and highly authentic about the person she is photographing. Her images often have a high dose of theatricality which I love too. Oh and this quote is just divine, 'A thing that you will see in my pictures is that I was not afraid to fall in love with these people.' Ditto Annie. Ditto.

You wrote a book? What's THAT all about?!

Well that's quite a story! How long have you got?! The short story is, in 2001, I wrote and published One Hundred to One An Australian Journey - a 144-page coffee table book, touring exhibition and educational resource to celebrate the Centenary of Federation. The book featured black and white portraits and life stories of 100 extraordinarily ordinary Australians, one born in every year from 1901 -2000. For more on this incredible journey please visit my 100:001 Project. It is a journey that changed my life. Forever.

Why did you name your business _Lifeinlight? Why not Kyla-Jane Rickard Photography?

I find light magical and the way it illuminates life quite extraordinary. When I was trying to think of a name that wasn't my own but reflected what I am passionate about and my diverse portfolio of work _Lifeinlight became the obvious choice.

Do you shoot in a studio or are all of your shoots on location?

My shoots take place on location using predominantly natural light.

Do you offer location advice?

Absolutely! I am also open to photographing in places you love or want to explore. Let's adventure together!

When should I book my photo shoot?

As soon as you realise you want/need a shoot! I hate disappointing clients if I am already booked out when they want their shoot.

How should I best contact you?

Feel free to contact me by any of the methods that suits you best on my Contact page. I always aim to reply as quickly as I can - after all that's the very first thing I can offer you on our journey of great, personalised service.

Do you offer gift vouchers?

ABSOLUTELY! They make gorgeous gifts for someone you love (or yourself!)

Do you offer payment plans?

Yes. I am always keen to help people be able to afford the photos they want. Please just ask about the available plans.