We’re looking forward to introducing you to Aida Velez. Check out our conversation below.
Hi Aida, thank you for taking the time to reflect back on your journey with us. I think our readers are in for a real treat. There is so much we can all learn from each other and so thank you again for opening up with us. Let’s get into it: What makes you lose track of time—and find yourself again?
When I’m at Island Dolphin Care as a volunteer photographer, time feels like it slips away. Capturing moments of dolphin therapy—especially with children and adults with special needs or medical challenges—reminds me why I love what I do. Through the lens, I witness the pure joy, healing, and connection that happens between people and dolphins. It’s deeply moving, and while I often lose track of hours, I always come away feeling more grounded, grateful, and connected to myself.
Can you briefly introduce yourself and share what makes you or your brand unique?
My name is Aida Velez, and I’m a Florida-based landscape photographer and content creator with a passion for capturing sunrises, sunsets, and the healing power of nature. Through my brand, @sunkissedaidafl, I share peaceful, uplifting imagery that inspires people to pause, breathe, and reconnect with the beauty around them.
Beyond my nature work, I also volunteer as a photographer with Island Dolphin Care, a nonprofit in the Florida Keys that provides dolphin-assisted therapy for children and adults with special needs, medical challenges, and their families. The dolphins there are not kept for entertainment—they are part of a therapeutic mission that promotes healing, connection, and hope. Being able to document those powerful, life-changing moments of dolphin therapy is one of the most meaningful parts of my journey.
Right now, I’m working on growing my collaborations with hotels and travel destinations across Florida, with the dream of showcasing the most beautiful places in the state through my lens—always with a focus on light, peace, and inspiration.
Thanks for sharing that. Would love to go back in time and hear about how your past might have impacted who you are today. What relationship most shaped how you see yourself?
Becoming a volunteer has been the relationship that most shaped how I see myself. My belief has always been that we are here to love and to serve, and volunteering has allowed me to truly live that. Finding Island Dolphin Care was such a blessing—being part of their mission, giving my time and heart, and witnessing the healing that happens there has not only impacted others, but it’s also deeply shaped who I am.
What’s something you changed your mind about after failing hard?
One thing I changed my mind about after failing hard is believing I had to please everyone. Along the way, I realized that not everyone will understand you, and sometimes people reflect their own struggles in the way they treat others. That shift taught me not to take every harsh word or judgment personally. Instead, I’ve learned to let go, stay grounded in who I am, and put my energy into love, growth, and what truly matters.
Alright, so if you are open to it, let’s explore some philosophical questions that touch on your values and worldview. What would your closest friends say really matters to you?
My closest friends would probably say that what matters most to me is love, kindness, and creating meaningful connections—whether that’s through my photography, my volunteer work, or simply how I show up for the people in my life. They know I care deeply about making others feel seen and valued, and about using my time and talents to spread light and positivity in the world.
Thank you so much for all of your openness so far. Maybe we can close with a future oriented question. What do you understand deeply that most people don’t?
I’ve come to understand something that many people don’t fully consider: the universe is far bigger than just us, and life isn’t limited to our planet. It’s a reminder that we can’t be so self-centered as to think everything revolves around us. There’s so much out there—so much possibility, mystery, and wonder—that it keeps me humble and curious, and reminds me to live with a sense of awe and openness.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.flickr.com/photos/aidavelezphotostudio/
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/sunkissedaidafl/
- Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/aidavelezphotography
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/theavphotostudio
Image Credits
Sunkissedaidafl
