We’re excited to introduce you to the always interesting and insightful Amina Touray. We hope you’ll enjoy our conversation with Amina below.

Amina , thanks for taking the time to share your stories with us today We’d love to hear the backstory behind a risk you’ve taken – whether big or small, walk us through what it was like and how it ultimately turned out.

I quit my job and gave up my life in Europe to come to the USA to pursue my dream of working professionally as a photographer and artist. The most significant risk I’ve taken was to move to another country by myself, without knowing anyone or having any associations with it. I had faith I was led by, so I was not necessarily scared. It was always a calling, why it felt so natural when I did it.

There is a motto that says, “The biggest risk in life is not taking any risks at all,” that I live by. For most of my life, I have taken small and big risks. It comes from a desire in me not wanting to have regrets. You can’t lose anything that you never had, you can only gain.

Amina , love having you share your insights with us. Before we ask you more questions, maybe you can take a moment to introduce yourself to our readers who might have missed our earlier conversations?

I grew up in the South of Stockholm, Sweden, in a neighborhood that has become very artsy and hipster over the years. Because my parents are of Swedish and African heritage, I was instilled early that the world was a big place. We traveled a lot, and I loved all the adventures. I was a very shy, quiet, and observant child with much creativity that loved to sing and draw faces. I often felt like an outsider who didn’t belong anywhere. In hindsight, that’s what inspired the direction I chose later in life.

When I was eight months old, I had my first modeling job for a holiday food article in a national newspaper. I continued to model throughout my childhood and adolescence. At 11, my mother gave me my first digital camera, which I brought everywhere. I don’t think anyone knew by then that the camera would lead me toward what I do full-time today. It was when I was in my twenties, after a heartbreak, that I decided to give up my safe life in Sweden to study and pursue photography in Los Angeles. I started doing photography professionally after I graduated in 2014. My past travels and modeling experiences prepared me to be the photographer and artist I am today.

Now I specialize in portrait, lifestyle, celebrity, and fashion photography and photograph people daily from different backgrounds. I’m curious to learn their stories and bring out their authenticity to highlight their beauty. I’m proud of the guidance and direction I can provide to my clients as an art director, artist, and photographer. I can relate to the people I photograph since I used to be in front of the lens. I’m very passionate about what I do, and I think people who work with me can tell.

For you, what’s the most rewarding aspect of being a creative?

The most rewarding aspect of being an artist is the journey which includes the people I meet and work with and the many places I get to see, experience, and be creative in. I love seeing my growth, and it’s such an amazing feeling when I learn something new about my craft, and realize that the learning came just when I was ready for it.

Do you have any insights you can share related to maintaining high team morale?

Communication is among the most important keys to working together as a team and being percipient to one another. It’s important to know your brand and roles and stay organized. Know what goal(s) you aim for and map them out.      

Contact Info:

• Website: https://www.aminatouray.com/
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/aminatphoto/
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/AminaTPhoto

Image Credits
All the photos are taken by Amina Touray.