We recently connected with Jihad Rivera and have shared our conversation below.

Jihad , thanks for joining us, excited to have you contributing your stories and insights. Let’s talk legacy – what sort of legacy do you hope to build?

I hope to leave the Legacy of creating photos infused with authenticity, depth and showcasing of black people and black culture. I hope that every person who sees my work or meets me to know that I’m a representation of a trailblazing photographer whose extraordinary talent and unwavering passion have forever etched their mark in my family , friends and my community. I want to be known for catching raw emotions , untold stories , and untapped potential that can all be discovered by getting in front of my lens. My community is very important to me and the role I have given myself to be real and truthful. When people hear “Jihad” I want them to think further than just a photographer but he is a visionary.

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.

My name Is Angel Rivera and I am a creative/photographer from Charlotte , NC. I specialize in portrait/lifestyle photography and I do provide more commercial skill’s for photography as well. Despite excelling on the football field, Jihad , recognized the power of photography to transcend boundaries and connect with people on a profound level. Through my lens, I found a way to express emotions, convey narratives, and shed light on the beauty of the world around him. My sister with Down syndrome played a significant role in shaping his perspective on life, teaching him the value of empathy, inclusivity, and celebrating the uniqueness of every individual.

I immersed myself in learning the technical aspects, studying composition techniques, and experimenting with different styles. commitment and determination paid off as I gradually developed an eye for capturing breathtaking moments and telling compelling visual stories.

One thing I am most proud of within myself was being able to bounce back from anything that comes my way. God has really Favored me in a lot of ways and I am thankful for that whenever I think something is not happening the way I want , God always makes a way.

My girlfriend bought me my first camera for my birthday and it’s been the greatest journey ever since then.

How’d you build such a strong reputation within your market?

Being authentic and Being the best at what I want to get paid for.

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

The most rewarding aspect to me is about inspiring others.

Contact Info:

• Website: jihadzvizion.com
• Instagram: JihadzVizion
• Twitter: JihadzVizion
• Youtube: JihadzVizion