Meet Kait McKay | Photographer and PR Consultant

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

Hi Kait, how has your background shaped the person you are today?
While I now call Southern California home, I am originally from a small town in New England; West Springfield, Massachusetts. “West Side” is a community where relationships run long and deep. I talk to my family daily and my friends regularly. When you strike the right chord and make a good friend, you become lifers. Lifelong friends. My closest friends and I have been going strong since kindergarten, elementary school and middle school. We live all over the U.S. but our connection never wavers. My relationships with friends and family bring me great joy plus building and growing authentic relationships is one of the keys to my successful business, too.

I was raised by two wonderful parents who worked incredibly hard. I began working at a young age and gave each job my all. My mom is a nurse who has committed over 40 years to her job within the same unit and hospital. Talk about loyalty! My dad held managerial and leadership positions for decades and up until his passing in April of 2021 still regularly was my sounding board and gave me advice for my photography business. Growing up witnessing my parents’ strong work ethic molded me into the hardworking business owner I am today. As a nurse (in Labor and Delivery) my mom is literally known to her colleagues as “a legend” and “a baby whisperer.” She is a true expert in her field. More so, she is also referred to often as “the nicest lady you’ll ever meet.” Her greatness in her field and her level of kindness and compassion in all she does has deeply impacted me in that I strive to always be better in my craft and do everything I do with care and compassion for others.

Spreading peace, love and kindness is how I was raised and is a no brainer. In fact, being kind is how my husband first noticed me. In a sea of college students on their phones and looking ahead to their next class or break, I smiled at my now husband as we passed each other walking to campus. To me, why not say hello to others, share a smile? I think acknowledging others is a kindness in itself. Well, that smile apparently stood out and fast forward 14 years to my husband and I raising our daughter to be kind to all, too.

Appreciation was instilled in me at a very young age as well. And, wow, I have so much to be grateful for which I sure am. We learned good manners early in my house, too, and that they translate into respect. I feel that it’s crucial that we respect one another. Period. It’s crucial to take stock of the so very much we have and to be mindful of how blessed we are. If you’re reading this then you have access to the internet and likely a phone or computer. Well, you’re blessed. In life, love and business, I am blessed. And, I am so grateful.

My upbringing shaped me into being hardworking, loving, kind, compassionate, grateful and loyal. This is why my business has continued to grow and my personal relationships span decades. Being a positive role model for my daughter, Adeline, is an honor. I call her my sunshine and I know she’ll shine her positive light on the world just as my family has raised me to attempt to do.

Let’s talk shop? Tell us more about your career, what can you share with our community?
My business, Kait McKay Photography, specializes in portrait photography for businesses, nonprofits and individuals. I offer event, product and family photography services as well. My background is in public relations (and I would capture imagery for PR clients back then, too) but after years of working for others I took the leap and started my own photography business and it’s been my best professional decision to date. I love what I do and the clients I’m lucky enough to serve. I even offer public relations to select clients plus have a strategic eye for capturing imagery for media use. I regularly assist clients in capturing imagery to tell their stories for marketing and branding purposes, too. I have the immense pleasure to tell personalized, authentic stories for so many different groups.

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.
I would take visitors to many different spots and definitely near the ocean. For food, we would go for fresh donuts at Sidecar in Costa Mesa one morning, have brunch one day at Plums Cafe in Costa Mesa, grab sandwiches from Sessions in Newport or salads from Eat Chow or Mendocino Farms in Costa Mesa for lunch and enjoy dinner at A Restaurant in Newport or Luciana’s in Dana Point. I’d also suggest french martinis at La Cave in Costa Mesa. Yum! A few favorite seaside activities would include a bike ride along the boardwalk in Newport and HB with stops for drinks and bites along the way and a glorious beach day ending with a bonfire on the sand. I’d also take guests to Bay Back in Newport for a stroll along the trails or to paddleboard or kayak in the bay. I’d suggest a staycation night at the Surf And Sand Resort in Laguna, too. The sounds of waves crashing in your room and the ocean views from the personal patios are hard to beat. Plus, their restaurant, Splashes, is fantastic. I also love taking guests on whale watches and hopping over to Catalina for a day on the Flyer out of Newport.

Who else deserves some credit and recognition?
I’m so grateful for all the love and support of my family, friends, clients and colleagues. I truly love what I do and feel so blessed to have a tribe that cheers me on and clients that keep calling and referring me to others. My main source of business is return clients and referrals. The trust in me and my photography just floors me. Thank you. Thank you. Thank you.

Website: www.kaitmckayphotography.com

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

Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/kait-mckay-52515525/

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/kaitmckayphotography

Yelp: https://www.yelp.com/biz/kait-mckay-photography-costa-mesa