Today we’d like to introduce you to Aniyah Ross.
Hi Aniyah, thanks for sharing your story with us. To start, maybe you can tell our readers some of your backstory.
Growing up, I have always been creative and competitive. In school, I would start on my science project in the beginning of the school year (August) just to make sure it was the top project for the science fair (March). Not only was I making sure the educational aspects were proven, but I also wanted my science tri-fold board to be the one that stood out. Being involved in athletics did not help my competitiveness either; I became even more competitive, not only against the other team but with myself. Basketball was the main sport I played since I was in 6th grade, and I continued to play through my college years, where God blessed me with a full-ride scholarship at Palm Beach Atlantic University. Playing college basketball helped me to take that competitiveness I developed and use it in certain aspects of my life. It taught me how to never give up, to keep pushing in the midst of adversity, to switch up the game against the opponent, to celebrate every accomplishment whether big or small and most importantly, to put God first in everything I do. I give that back story of God, school, and basketball to say that these three things are major parts of my life that helped me be successful in my business today.
When I received my first camera when I was 21, I just wanted to take pictures of my friends and look at how good the results came out. However, I began to follow more photographers and see the amazing photos they would take and then transform them into something even better in Photoshop. Seeing various videos of how to do certain edits peaked my interest, and I wanted to experiment more. Going forth, I was still taking pictures of friends, but I was taking those images, editing them and playing around with toggles to create a work of art. Continuously doing this, I received more comments and requests asking for photo shoot sessions, and I began to realize that this could really be a business; however, during this process, I would pray a lot to make sure I did not make a decision out of impulse. I wanted to make sure that I did not just continue this career thinking about how much money it would bring or how many followers I would get. As long as every client that walks into a photoshoot session walks out with a smile, I am satisfied. Having clients be able to say that they felt comfortable and they had fun during a photoshoot is one of my favorite things to hear as feedback because THAT’S THE GOAL!!! I want everyone to feel the love, joy, and peace of God when they walk in, and I truly do believe that He is using me in this area of creativity to exemplify just that!
During this journey, God has blessed me with my own studio in May 2022, located in Apopka, FL called “BeYourselfStudios” He has grown my clientele by a great amount of numbers; I have received the “Spotlight Photographer” Award from the Content Creators Party located in Miami, FL; I have taken multiple school’s yearbook pictures; and He has surrounded me with me family, friends, and clients that support me and motivate me every step of the way. I cannot wait to see what else God has in store.
Would you say it’s been a smooth road, and if not what are some of the biggest challenges you’ve faced along the way?
It has not been a smooth road! Some of the struggles that came were the following: Growing clientele, being consistent with social media, comparing my work to others, time management, and overworking myself.
Thanks for sharing that. So, maybe next you can tell us a bit more about your work?
– I am a photographer and videographer
– I specialize in photography.
– I am known for: being excited when I get THE SHOT, being able to bring out highlights in the skin, bright color scheme, and creativity.
– I am most proud of having my own space to be creative!
– I say the thing that sets me apart from others is being able to BE MYSELF and make others smile 🙂
In terms of your work and the industry, what are some of the changes you are expecting to see over the next five to ten years?
I am seeing and praying for within the next 5-10 years, my business will be the number #1 choice to do all categories of photography. Therefore I see multiple studio locations, multiple contracts with other businesses, and the trend of clients receiving a souvenir Polaroid BLOWING UP!
Contact Info:
- Website: pocketsuite.io/link/ajrphotography
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/ajrphotography21/
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/aniyah.ross.399
Image Credits
Me: Aniyah Ross/ AJRPHOTOGRAPHY
