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

Hi Brandi, thanks for joining us today. Let’s talk about social media – do you manage your own or do you have someone or a company that handles it for you? Why did you make the choice you did?

I’ve been running my photography business for 13 years, and for most of that time, I’ve managed my own social media. In the beginning, it was really important to me to build a personal connection with my audience — clients wanted to see me, my style, my voice, and get a behind-the-scenes look at my shoots. That personal touch helped build trust and authenticity, which are so important in this industry.

My advice? If you’re just starting out, manage your social media yourself at first. It’s the best way to find your voice and see what resonates with your audience. That’s how I’ve structured my business, and it’s worked well for me. That said, I know social media can be overwhelming, and if you have the budget, outsourcing can be a great option too — just make sure it still feels like you.

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.

Hi there! I’m so glad you’re here. I’m the heart behind Pucker Up Photography, and if we haven’t met before — welcome!

Photography has always been a part of my everyday life, but I didn’t fully realize how much it meant to me until after the birth of my first child — lovingly known as my first “Pucker baby.” Something changed in me the moment I saw the world through his tiny eyes. I found myself wanting to bottle up every smile, every milestone, every little in-between moment. That deep desire to freeze time is what sparked the beginning of this journey.

I officially launched my business in 2012, and since then, it’s been the most incredible adventure. As a proud mama of three amazing “Pucker babies,” I know firsthand how quickly time passes and how important it is to preserve those fleeting moments. That’s why my work is focused on capturing the real, joyful, and sometimes beautifully chaotic moments of family life — especially with little ones in tow.

My specialty is family and children’s photography, and I pour my heart into every session. Kids bring so much energy, unpredictability, and genuine emotion — and I thrive on that. My goal is to showcase the magic, the mess, and the love that makes each family unique. While those sessions are my passion, I also enjoy branching out into other areas when the opportunity arises.

What sets Pucker Up Photography apart is the heart behind the camera. I bring patience, playfulness, and a mama’s intuition into every shoot. I want your experience to be stress-free, fun, and full of moments you’ll treasure for years to come. I take pride not just in delivering beautiful images, but in creating a space where clients can feel seen, comfortable, and celebrated.

One of the things I’m most proud of is the trust families place in me year after year. Watching little ones grow up through my lens, and being invited back again and again, is a gift I never take for granted.

If there’s one thing I’d love for you to know, it’s that this isn’t just a business for me — it’s personal. Every click of the shutter is my way of honoring your story, your love, and your legacy. Thank you so much for being here, and I truly hope you’ll “Pucker” up to my camera sometime soon!

Is there a particular goal or mission driving your creative journey?

Yes, absolutely — my mission has always been to create more than just pretty pictures. I want to provide families with lasting memories filled with love, connection, and authenticity. Every session is a chance to slow down, soak in the moment, and celebrate the people who matter most.

My goal is to capture the real stuff — the giggles, the cuddles, the wild toddler energy, the quiet in-between moments — all the things that make your family yours. I want my clients to look back on their photos years from now and not just remember what they looked like, but how they felt.

At the heart of it, I believe that photography is a form of love — a way to honor your story, your journey, and the people you cherish most. That belief drives everything I do.

We’d love to hear the story of how you built up your social media audience?

For me, building an audience on social media really started with showing up as myself. I realized early on that giving clients a glimpse into my personal life — my family, my kids (my “Pucker babies”), the behind-the-scenes of my sessions — made me more relatable and real. People connect with people, not just pretty photos.

I didn’t focus on being perfectly curated; I focused on being consistent and genuine. I shared the joyful chaos of motherhood, the funny moments during shoots, and the heartfelt stories behind certain photos. Over time, that built trust. People saw that I wasn’t just a photographer — I was a mom, a storyteller, and someone who truly values the memories we create together.

My biggest advice for those starting out is this: don’t get caught up in the numbers. Focus on building connection. Show up authentically, share what lights you up, and talk to your audience like real people — because they are. That’s where the magic happens.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://puckerpout.biz
• Instagram: @puckerandpoutphotography
• Facebook: Pucker & Pout Photography