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

Ayana, thanks for taking the time to share your stories with us today What do you think it takes to be successful?

Becoming a successful photographer and visual artist requires mastering several key elements. Technical skills, such as a thorough knowledge of camera settings, lighting techniques, composition, and post-processing, are vital. Equally important is developing a unique artistic vision that sets you apart from others. For me, this means poignantly capturing identity and culture through the power of storytelling. This singular artistic vision, combined with a keen sense of composition, styling, and narrative, has helped me rise to the top of the contemporary photography world.

Successful photographers and visual artists are also skilled storytellers. My photographs convey narratives that stir emotions and engage viewers on a deep level. By creating immersive experiences that empower my audience, I go beyond merely capturing visuals. My commitment to capturing identity and culture allows viewers to connect with different perspectives and better understand the world.

Dedication and adaptability are essential qualities for success in this field. As a rising star, I continuously learn and refine my skills, seeking out diverse cultural experiences to keep my work relevant and innovative.

In summary, to be a successful photographer and visual artist, one must possess strong technical skills, cultivate a unique artistic vision, excel in storytelling, demonstrate dedication, and embrace adaptability. My mission to capture identity and culture through storytelling, along with a keen sense of composition, styling, and narrative, has propelled me to the forefront of contemporary photography.

Ayana, before we move on to more of these sorts of questions, can you take some time to bring our readers up to speed on you and what you do?

Hello, esteemed readers. My name is Ayana Gordon, also known as AAMP’d. I hail from Maryland and am a passionate photographer who draws inspiration from my Haitian/Antiguan background and American upbringing. My work centers around capturing the essence of identity with a focus on showcasing the complexities of black lives and diverse cultures while challenging societal norms that constrain individuals to narrow boxes.

Although I began my journey into photography at a young age, I initially pursued a different academic path. However, during the uncertain times of lockdown, I embarked on a period of introspection and turned to film photography as a medium to unravel the intricate threads of identity and culture through powerful storytelling.

My current body of work seeks to redefine the grand narrative of art history by placing black subjects as central figures. I strive to empower people of color and amplify their voices through deliberate composition, meticulous styling, and compelling narratives. By shifting the focus and challenging preconceived notions, I aim to provide a fresh perspective that celebrates and validates the experiences of underrepresented communities.

What sets me apart from others is my unwavering commitment to creating impactful visuals that highlight often-overlooked stories and experiences. I hope to foster a deeper appreciation and understanding of diverse identities through my lens, provoke thoughts, evoke emotions, and inspire conversations surrounding race, culture, and identity.

As a photographer, I understand the power of imagery and its potential to drive social change and spark dialogue. My work is not just about aesthetics but serves a greater purpose – to challenge the status quo, amplify marginalized voices, and celebrate the richness of human diversity.

In summary, I invite you to join me on this journey of self-discovery, celebration, and conversation surrounding identity, culture, and the power of visual storytelling. Together, we can bring about positive change and empower underrepresented communities.

What do you think helped you build your reputation within your market?

As a small business, your reputation and integrity are crucial. I have found that three key elements have greatly influenced my success as an artist: Consistency, Innovation, and Originality.

Consistency is vital in delivering high-quality work that meets or exceeds client expectations as well as my own. By providing exceptional service and producing top-notch photographs consistently, I have established a reputation for reliability and professionalism. This trust between me and my clients has helped me stand out in the market as a dependable photographer and artist.

Innovation has been a driving force in my work. I am always eager to experiment with new techniques, styles, and technologies, which sets me apart from competitors. My innovative approach allows me to offer unique and visually captivating photographs and works of art that capture the attention of clients and distinguish me as a forward-thinking visual artist.

Originality plays a crucial role in my storytelling and artistry. By developing my own unique style and artistic voice, I have created a recognizable brand. My originality allows me to capture moments in a way that is distinctively my own, which resonates with my audience seeking a photographer or art with a unique point of view and story.

By combining consistency, innovation, and originality, I have established a strong reputation in the Baltimore and NYC market. Clients appreciate my reliable and professional approach, are drawn to my ability to offer fresh and creative solutions, and value the uniqueness I bring to their photographs. These factors have likely contributed to increased word-of-mouth recommendations, client loyalty, and positive reviews, further solidifying my reputation and presence within the industry.

We’d love to hear a story of resilience from your journey.

As a creative, it’s not uncommon to encounter situations where your hard work and artistic expression don’t receive the recognition you hoped for. It can be disheartening to not receive the validation you desire right away, but true resilience is all about pushing through these challenges.

Regardless of the outcome, I believe in continuing to put my work out there. I take a proactive approach to sharing my creations with the world and actively seek opportunities to showcase my talent and engage with my audience. Of course, not every response will be positive or enthusiastic, but I remain committed to my craft and the mission I have set for myself.

For me, resilience means staying dedicated to my work even when external validation or social media metrics fall short. My passion for photography and visual art is not solely driven by recognition but by a deeper purpose and desire to make an impact. I aim to create meaningful moments, evoke emotions, and tell stories that bring value to the lives of others.

In summary, I showcase resilience by persisting and remaining dedicated to my craft despite setbacks or less-than-ideal responses. I understand that the true value of my work goes beyond immediate recognition and is rooted in my passion, purpose, and the impact I strive to create. These experiences have taught me the importance of resilience and adaptability in any profession, as setbacks are inevitable. However, how we respond to them defines our character and potential for success. Building strong relationships within the photography community has also been a significant factor in my growth and resilience.

Contact Info:

• Website: www.aampd.co
• Instagram: aamp.d

Image Credits
Photo 1: Photographer and Creative Director: Ayana Gordon Photo 2: Photographer and Creative Director: Ayana Gordon Model: Darius Smith Styling: Kai McPhee Styling Assistant: Sierra Florals: Ashley Katchadourian Set: Sydney Gonsalves Backdrop: Ayana Gordon Lighting Assitant: Emmanuel Porquin Photo 3: Photographer and Creative Director: Ayana Gordon Model: Darius Smith Styling: Kai McPhee Styling Assistant: Sierra Florals: Ashley Katchadourian Set: Sydney Gonsalves Backdrop: Ayana Gordon Lighting Assitant: Emmanuel Porquin Photo 4: Photographer and Creative Director: Ayana Gordon Model: Jeincy Paniagua Styling: Azmaree Curtis Hair: Dahveyaun Ford Photo 5: Photographer and Creative Director: Ayana Gordon Model: Jeincy Paniagua Styling: Azmaree Curtis Hair: Dahveyaun Ford