We recently connected with Claudia Ayala and have shared our conversation below.

Claudia , 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.

Back in 2020, when the world was in chaos due to the pandemic, I found myself at a crossroads. I had always been passionate about photography, it was something I’d done since I was little, and I even majored in it during my four years in college. But the photography I knew was all about documentary work and storytelling. The wedding industry felt like a whole different beast, and I wasn’t sure if it was ready for someone like me who wanted to bring a creative, documentary approach to the table.

I was working full-time as a receptionist, but as the pandemic hit, everything changed. People were eloping left and right, it felt like a now-or-never situation for so many couples. And honestly, it felt the same way for me. In March, just as the world was shutting down, I decided to take a leap of faith. I left my full-time job, knowing that if I didn’t go all in on wedding photography then, I might never get the chance again.

I spent the next few months preparing for this big shift. I bought a new camera, launched a website, and dived into learning everything I could about the business side of photography. It was a scary time, no doubt, leaving the security of a stable job to chase a dream during a global crisis. But there was also something exhilarating about it. I knew I had to trust my instincts and put myself out there, even if I wasn’t sure how it would turn out.

Looking back, that risk was one of the best decisions I’ve ever made. I was able to connect with couples who valued the same storytelling approach that I was so passionate about. And I realized that the wedding industry was more than ready for something different, something real and unscripted. That leap of faith not only helped me build a successful business but also allowed me to do what I love every single day.

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

I’m Claudia Ayala, and I’ve been a creative soul for as long as I can remember. Art has always been my refuge, a way to express myself when words just weren’t enough. Growing up, photography became my language, inspired by my dad, who was the go-to cameraman at every family event. I still cherish the first camera I held as a kid, and I even bring it with me to weddings today. Every time I use it, it feels like life has come full circle, reminding me of where this journey began.

I officially stepped into the wedding photography world in June 2020, right in the midst of the pandemic. It was a chaotic time, but it felt like the perfect moment to dive into something I’ve always been passionate about. I offer both digital and film images to my couples, capturing all their wedding festivities with a blend of nostalgia and authenticity.

What sets me apart is the deep connection I build with my couples. Before they even book me, I make it a priority to get to know them, to truly understand their story and what makes their love unique. This connection isn’t just important; it’s the foundation that allows me to create art that resonates on a personal level.

When it comes to engagement sessions and weddings, my approach is all about letting my couples be themselves. I’m not interested in stiff poses or forced smiles. Instead, I create a space where they can relax and be present with each other, whether that means grabbing coffee and going bike riding during an engagement session or sipping a cocktail and strolling through a field on their wedding day. It’s not just about capturing great photos; it’s about giving them the chance to truly enjoy each other, without feeling like they have to perform.

I’m incredibly proud of my resilience and determination to never give up on this dream. This career path is unpredictable, and I’ve faced my fair share of challenges. But I’ve learned that when you truly love something, you push through the obstacles because that love fills your heart. My photography business feels like a living, growing entity, sometimes chaotic, but always evolving beautifully.

At the heart of it all, I’m a huge sucker for romance. I’m excited to share my passion and talent with my couples. My personality and brand reflect who I am, goofy, bubbly, and full of life. My goal is to blend into the crowd and document the beauty of your life, capturing those authentic moments that make your love special. That’s my purpose!

What’s a lesson you had to unlearn and what’s the backstory?

I had to unlearn the idea that overbooking was the key to success. For a while, I believed that the more I worked, the more successful I’d be. But instead, it brought me stress, sadness, and a sense of being completely lost. I gained weight, barely saw my loved ones, and missed out on so many special moments. It took time, but I finally realized how crucial it is to set boundaries in your business. Hustling isn’t the way to thrive; it’s the way to burn out and start doubting whether this path is right for you. I even reached a point where I blamed my photography career and began to resent it, thinking that this overwhelming pace was just how it was supposed to be.

Thankfully, I unlearned that mindset and started creating boundaries. It’s an ongoing lesson, but it’s one that has brought me peace and balance. For example, I went from shooting 40 weddings a year to just 10. That’s a huge shift, but it was necessary. I’ve come to understand my value and the importance of giving my all to my couples, which means taking care of myself first. After four years in the business, I’ve grown, and my work has gained recognition, allowing me to be more selective with bookings each year. It’s all about being intentional, knowing that by respecting my own limits, I can deliver my best work and stay true to who I am.

Any resources you can share with us that might be helpful to other creatives?

I wish I had known about the value of having a mentor earlier in my creative journey. Looking back, I realize how much it would have helped to have someone guide me, someone who could validate my feelings, whether good or bad. Instead, I fought through the storms all on my own, not even aware of mentorship opportunities until my third year. I was so caught up in trying to make everything work that I didn’t take the time to venture out and find someone who could help. Having that kind of support would have made a world of difference.

Now that I’ve been through it, I find myself helping others avoid the same mistakes I made. I’m passionate about guiding others on their journey, helping them grow the way I did. I also discovered the value of interactive workshops, like going on long walks with fellow photographers and just documenting life around us, letting the inspiration flow naturally. From my experience, I’d say this: don’t fight your battles alone. Seek help, and don’t be afraid to ask for it. It’s okay to lean on others, and it can make your path so much clearer.

Contact Info:

• Website: http://claudiavayala.com
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/claudiavayala/

Image Credits

photographer: ClaudiavayalaphotographyLLC or claudiavayala
florals: @pomona.floral and @tenderflorist
Wedding coordinator: @justsayyes_ny