Alright – so today we’ve got the honor of introducing you to Aida Barroso. We think you’ll enjoy our conversation, we’ve shared it below.

Hi Aida, thanks for joining us today. Can you talk to us about a risk you’ve taken – walk us through the story?

The biggest risk I’ve taken in my photography career was deciding to walk away from a secure, traditional job to pursue my passion for storytelling through photography full-time. At the time, I had a stable career, a consistent paycheck, and all the comforts that come with job security. But deep down, I felt unfulfilled and couldn’t shake the feeling that I was meant for something more—something creative and meaningful.

Photography has always been part of my life. I loved capturing moments that people could hold onto forever. I dreamed of running my own business, helping couples, families, and individuals feel seen and celebrated in the most authentic way possible. I wanted to redefine what intimate celebrations and personal milestones could look like through elegant, heartfelt photography.

The risk, however, was daunting. I didn’t have a roadmap or a guarantee that this would work. I had bills to pay, and leaving a stable income felt irresponsible. But I kept coming back to one question: What if it works? I knew I had to take a chance on myself, even if I was terrified of failure.

Great, appreciate you sharing that with us. Before we ask you to share more of your insights, can you take a moment to introduce yourself and how you got to where you are today to our readers.

I come from an immigrant family from Lebanon, and I grew up on Cape Cod, MA, where I discovered my passion for creativity early on. From a young age, I found joy in art and design, but pursuing a career in the creative field wasn’t something my parents were very supportive of at first. Like many immigrant families, they wanted me to follow a more traditional path, like becoming an engineer, because they believed that was the key to success and stability. Despite their concerns, I followed my heart and earned a Bachelor’s Degree in Graphic Design & Digital Media with a concentration in Print. That decision set me on a path to building a career that reflects who I truly am.

After getting married, my husband and I made the decision to move to Florida to explore new opportunities for both of us. It was a big step, but one that allowed me to dream bigger and fully commit to my business. Today, I run a photography company that offers both studio and outdoor shoots. I don’t limit myself to a specific niche because I love the variety and flexibility of working with all kinds of people—families, individuals, couples, and professionals. My approach is to adapt to my clients’ unique needs, making sure they feel completely comfortable and at ease throughout the process. Whether it’s a family session, headshot, or a special celebration, I focus on capturing authentic, heartfelt moments without adding stress to the experience.

One challenge I’ve faced is not having a defined style or niche, which can sometimes feel like a disadvantage in an industry that often values specialization. But over time, I’ve realized that what sets me apart is my ability to adapt and connect with my clients on a personal level. I’m flexible and willing to go the extra mile to meet their needs, creating an experience that is as comfortable and enjoyable as possible. I love seeing people relax and trust the process—that’s when the magic happens, and I can truly capture who they are.

What I’m most proud of is the environment I create for my clients. I strive to make every session a positive, stress-free experience where people feel seen, valued, and celebrated. It’s not just about taking photos; it’s about building trust, creating a connection, and telling their story in a way that feels real and beautiful.

I want potential clients and followers to know that my brand is about more than just photography—it’s about creating moments that last, making people feel comfortable in their own skin, and celebrating life’s milestones, big or small. My goal is to bring joy, ease, and authenticity to every session, and I’m proud to offer a wide variety of services to meet the diverse needs of my clients. Whether you’re looking for an elegant elopement session, family photos, headshots, or a creative project, I’m here to make the process smooth, meaningful, and uniquely tailored to you.

How’d you meet your business partner?

I’ve been fortunate to meet two incredible women who have become not only close friends but also my business collaborators.

I first met Liana six years ago at a Ray-Ban store. At the time, she was going to school to be a hairstylist, and I had just moved to Florida. Long story short, Liana started doing my hair, and over time, we became really good friends. Fast forward to today, and we’re now collaborating on my newly launched boudoir shoots. Liana brings her amazing talent for hair and makeup to the sessions, helping my clients look and feel their best. Her creative energy and professionalism have been such a great addition to these shoots, and I love how we’ve been able to combine our skills to create an empowering experience for our clients.

Then there’s Randi, whom I met just a year ago at my very first networking event. Funny enough, she noticed my hair and made a comment about it, and the rest was history! From that brief interaction, we connected on a deeper level, and today, we run Meant To Be Elopements together. Randi is a wedding officiant, and our shared vision for creating elegant, intimate elopement experiences brought us together as partners. Her passion and dedication make her the perfect person to collaborate with, and it’s been such a joy to build this business alongside her.

Both of these relationships started from unexpected moments, but they’ve turned into some of the most meaningful partnerships of my career. Liana and Randi are not only talented professionals but also people I trust and admire, and I’m so grateful for the ways we’ve been able to support each other and grow together.

Can you tell us about a time you’ve had to pivot?

The summer of 2024 was a turning point for me, both personally and professionally. I received a call that my dad had been diagnosed with leukemia—news that completely changed everything in the middle of building my brand-new photography business. Family has always been incredibly important to me, and it became immediately clear that I would need to pivot my plans to be there for my dad while still supporting my growing business.

Within hours of receiving the news, I quickly arranged an overnight flight to Cape Cod, where I grew up, and stayed with a close friend who offered me a place to stay. While navigating the emotional weight of my father’s diagnosis, I knew I needed to come up with a creative solution to keep my business afloat. The challenges were immense: canceling appointments I had worked hard to secure, pausing collaborations I was excited to launch, and rescheduling events I had been planning for months. But even in the middle of such uncertainty, I was overwhelmed with gratitude for the understanding and compassion shown by my clients and collaborators. Their kindness gave me the strength to keep going.

While back on Cape Cod, I realized I could use this time as an opportunity to promote myself in a place that still feels like home. I reached out to local photographers, built connections, and even collaborated on sessions to help keep my business going. This experience reminded me of the importance of adaptability and community support—something I’ve always valued in my work. I was able to book new sessions, maintain my business from another state, and even grow my presence in a way I hadn’t initially planned.

At the same time, I stepped in to help my dad manage his jewelry business during a period when he needed extra support. Balancing my responsibilities between my own business and his gave me a renewed sense of purpose. It taught me that life’s unexpected challenges can lead to growth, even when the circumstances are difficult.

This pivot in my business and personal life wasn’t easy, but it showed me just how resilient and resourceful I can be. I learned to lean on my support system, think creatively, and stay flexible when everything felt uncertain. I’m proud to have maintained my photography business while showing up for my family, and I carry those lessons with me every day as I continue to grow my brand.

I spent a total of 3 months on Cape Cod, and I am happy to say he is in remission.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://aidagraphydesign.com/
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/aidagraphy.design/
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/aidagraphy.design
• Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/aidabarroso/
• Other: Tiktok: https://www.tiktok.com/@aidagraphy.design

Image Credits

Aidagraphy & Design LLC (Myself)

Image of Myself: LunaMiaArtistry