We had the good fortune of connecting with Baylee Barton and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Baylee, why did you pursue a creative career?
I chose an artistic and creative path because I see art everywhere I look. It’s how I connect with the world—by finding beauty, emotion, and meaning in the everyday and the extraordinary. Photography allows me to capture those moments and deliver them to an audience, offering a window into my perspective while inspiring others to see the world differently. It’s more than a career; it’s a way to express myself and create connections through visual storytelling.

Let’s talk shop? Tell us more about your career, what can you share with our community?
My photography is all about composition and color—how they work together to tell a story. I take the time to notice what others overlook: the way light softly hits a surface, the quiet emotion in someone’s expression, or the vibrant contrast of everyday chaos and calm. I’m drawn to the beauty in the ordinary, the moments that exist all around us but are so often ignored.

When I’m behind the lens, I’m not just capturing an image—I’m capturing a feeling, a truth. I want my work to remind people to slow down and appreciate the raw, unfiltered moments of life. There’s a quiet poetry in the everyday, and I feel it’s my purpose to reveal it, frame by frame. My art is about seeing what others don’t, and I take pride in offering a perspective that’s uniquely my own.

This journey isn’t without its challenges. There were times of doubt, when I questioned whether I had what it took to make this dream a reality. Financial struggles, technical setbacks, and the daunting task of building a portfolio from scratch often tested my resolve. But with each challenge came growth. I learned to see failures as lessons, to embrace imperfections, and to find beauty even in the mistakes.

Photography became my language—a way to capture the fleeting moments of life and share my perspective with the world. It has taught me to see art in the everyday and to connect with people on a deeper level. Along the way, I have found not just a career but a calling, one that continues to evolve and inspire me every day.

I’m endlessly grateful for the journey, knowing it’s far from over.

Let’s say your best friend was visiting the area and you wanted to show them the best time ever. Where would you take them? Give us a little itinerary – say it was a week long trip, where would you eat, drink, visit, hang out, etc.
Morning: Start at the Getty Center, exploring its art collection and stunning architecture.
Lunch: Enjoy a fresh, seasonal meal at Malibu Farm on the Santa Monica Pier.
Afternoon: Visit the Aero Theatre in Santa Monica for a classic matinee or film screening.
Dinner: Dine at Elephante in Santa Monica, with coastal views and Mediterranean flavors.
Evening: Experience a live jazz performance or relax for a sunset view.

Morning: Tour the historic TCL Chinese Theatre and walk the Hollywood Walk of Fame.
Lunch: Have a casual yet chic meal at Little Dom’s in Los Feliz.
Afternoon: Visit the Academy Museum of Motion Pictures for an in-depth look at the history of film.
Dinner: Savor Italian classics at Pace in Laurel Canyon.
Evening: Catch a show at the iconic Hollywood Bowl or enjoy a stand-up show at The Comedy Store.

Morning: Explore the Bradbury Building and Grand Central Market.
Lunch: Indulge in bold flavors at Broken Spanish or ramen at Daikokuya.
Afternoon: Tour The Broad Museum or the Contemporary Museum
Dinner: Experience industrial-chic dining at Bestia.
Evening: See a live concert at The Walt Disney Concert Hall or an indie band at The Regent Theater.

Morning: Drive up the Pacific Coast Highway to El Matador Beach in Malibu.
Lunch: Enjoy Lily’s breakfast burrito or Neptunes Net seafood
Afternoon: Visit Malibu Lagoon Museum or relax on the sand.
Dinner: Return to Santa Monica and dine on Abbot Kinney Boulevard.
Evening: Visit The Troubadour in West Hollywood for an intimate live music experience.

Morning: Stroll through LACMA and La Brea Tar Pits.
Lunch: TCruise around the Grove
Afternoon: Explore Silver Lake’s record shops and boutiques
Dinner: Dine at Bar Stella, an Eastside favorite with cocktails and a cool vibe.
Evening: Catch a film at the vintage Vista Theatre or a live indie set at The Echo.

Morning: Hike the Griffith Park Trails for views of the Hollywood Sign and downtown LA.
Lunch: Enjoy a brunch at Alcove Café in Los Feliz.
Afternoon: Visit Griffith Observatory, then drive to Hollywood Forever Cemetery for a unique experience
Dinner: Head to Musso & Frank Grill, a classic Hollywood restaurant with old-school charm.
Evening: End the night at The Greek Theatre

The Shoutout series is all about recognizing that our success and where we are in life is at least somewhat thanks to the efforts, support, mentorship, love and encouragement of others. So is there someone that you want to dedicate your shoutout to?
My mother’s artistry and creativity as a painter played a profound role in inspiring my love for art. Growing up surrounded by her work nurtured my appreciation for color, composition, and the transformative power of art. Watching her bring her visions to life sort of taught me to see the world through a creative lens and encouraged me to find my own medium of expression. Her dedication to her craft showed me the joy and fulfillment that comes from pursuing an artistic path, motivating me to follow my passion for photography.

Website: https://www.bayleebarton.com

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/thebayleebarton

Image Credits
All photos were taken by me: Baylee Barton

Nominate Someone: ShoutoutLA is built on recommendations and shoutouts from the community; it’s how we uncover hidden gems, so if you or someone you know deserves recognition please let us know here.