Hopfauf's new business in focus

 Kayahna Hopfauf, a recent New Rockford-Sheyenne graduate, is zooming in on the local community with her new business, KayElla Photography.

 Hopfauf is a New Rockford native and 2021 graduate of NR-S. Now, she's setting out on the next chapter of her life as she kickstarts her young and promising career.

 Currently, she's pursuing an associate's degree in business through Lake Region State College, and she recently began pursuing her dream of being a professional photographer.

 Since opening this past summer, KayElla Photography has provided beautiful pictures for couples, engagements, families and NR-S seniors. And as word spreads, her business is already starting to grow.

 "I also get hired by some amazing people who are helping support my dream which is incredible," said Hopfauf. "Obviously, I started very locally with friends and family and now I have grown and am taking pictures of people that I've never met before. It's so cool to see all the opportunities I have been able to take."

 Hopfauf has taken some courses on photography recently, both over the summer and during the spring semester, but she's also self-taught. Her passion and love of photography drives her to continue honing her craft.

 "I have spent my free time playing with Photoshop and exploring the different kinds of editing," she said. "I taught myself about cameras and did research until I found all the qualities I was looking for in the perfect camera."

 She added, "I love giving clients photos that last a lifetime. Even if the photo doesn't come out exactly like I had imagined, I have tools that help me get the photo to be the best version it can be. Playing with the light exposure and different tones let the photo come alive."

 Hopfauf said she loves to take pictures that incorporate aspects unique to her clients, and she's already taken photos at unique locations in the area, such as the Hanson Bridge and on the railroad tracks.

 Eventually, Hopfauf intends to open her own studio as well, and she's already investing in lighting and backdrops so that she's ready when the time comes. For now, though, she said a studio likely won't come until after she graduates from college, as her studies are currently top priority.

 In the meantime, Hopfauf intends to continue learning, building experience and taking unique, memorable photos for her customers.

 "KayElla Photography wants to give people a fun experience and photos that they can cherish forever," she said. "I hope to keep branching out and just keep taking more pictures. It is such a fun experience and I learn more and more from every photo shoot. I just want to keep growing and keep learning."

 Those interested in having their pictures taken can get in touch with Hopfauf via her Facebook or Instagram page (@kayellaphotography).

 She can also be reached via email, at [email protected], and anyone interested in seeing some of Hopfauf's previous work can visit her website at http://www.kayellaphotography.zenfoliosite.com.

 "I have loved taking pictures my entire life and finally decided to make my dreams a reality," writes Hopfauf on her website. "Taking pictures has always been a passion of mine and I am so excited to see where this journey takes me."