We caught up with the brilliant and insightful Aliyaah Jackson a few weeks ago and have shared our conversation below.

Aliyaah , thanks for taking the time to share your stories with us today Can you talk to us about how you learned to do what you do?

For me, Photography has always been one of those things that came 2nd nature to me. When I was younger I got my first camera. I didn’t know what I was doing but it came naturally to me. I already was into drawing, modeling, and fashion, so when I picked my camera up it was like drawing but with a lens. Before I started taking photography seriously and bought my first real ” big girl camera”, I watched so many YouTube videos and read so many books just to know the technical side and study the craft. Even now, I’m still learning different things because I’m always challenging myself to be better than my last self. To speed up my learning process, I think I would’ve applied what I learned a little more quicker instead of meditating on it. When I was learning from different people, not having all the equipment they had put a damper on my process because I felt like I couldn’t do the things that were taught if I didn’t have the proper equipment, but I made it work! I realized then you don’t need all that. You can take a million-dollar picture, by just knowing how to work with what you have. When it comes to photography, I think patience, dedication, attention to detail, and passion are essential skills you need. Passion is a big one.

Awesome – so before we get into the rest of our questions, can you briefly introduce yourself to our readers.

I am a self-taught portrait, editorial, and fashion photographer. My journey began at a young age,when I was always intrigued by fashion, drawing, and modeling. In a sense, anything creative or dealing with art I loved. As I got older, I didn’t think modeling was much for me, but I love the idea of how the photographer was able to create a beautiful image with a variety of materials and create art through a lens. So, I gave it a try and never turned back. When it comes to working with my clients, I allow them to see the beauty in the unnoticed details of themselves, that they’ve never paid attention to. I like to create situations in which everyday objects are altered or detached from their natural function. I think what makes me proud the most is, I’m living my dream and accomplishing everything I told myself I was going to do while also making people feel good. Little me would be so happy right now!! This is also why I value working so hard in my craft because leaving a creative legacy is important to me. I want to make sure that it speaks long after we are gone.

Can you share a story from your journey that illustrates your resilience?

I don’t have a specific story but, throughout my journey, being resilient allows me to change my perspective and reimagine my environment. Being a photographer teaches me three important truths.

The first one is that failure breaths our masterpieces. As creators, we can use rejection as fuel to fuel our creativity. The fear of failure is our biggest obstacle. Which takes me to my next one of taking risk. In order to move forward one must dive off the edge into the creation of a new experience. Lastly, we have to create authentically and from the heart. Meaning to actually care enough about what you’re creating. From that seed of caring, the foundation is set and everything else can grow organically.

Keeping those in mind allows me stay resilient and get back up if I’m having a block, or feeling down when it comes to my work

What do you find most rewarding about being a creative?

For me, the rewarding part is that I spend a lot of time alone, and sometimes, my voice is the only one in the room. Listening to that voice enables me to experience the joy of exploration, innovation, and creativity. I get to share the results with the world, knowing that I have made others happy by providing them with new perspectives.

Contact Info:

• Website: www.aliyaahannakiya.com
• Instagram: https://instagram.com/aliyaahannakiya
• Other: https://creatively.life/Aliyaahannakiya

Image Credits
Photographer: Aliyaah Annakiya Models: Seani Williams MaDrique Sanders Joshua Lee Brittaney Baker Taj Ates Designer: Stephen Goudeau Nail Art: Daneisha Vasquez