Meet Ajunique Dillard | Photographer

We had the good fortune of connecting with Ajunique Dillard and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Ajunique, we’d love to hear more about how you thought about starting your own business?
The reasoning behind me starting my own business was that I have a true passion for all things art. I love acting, singing, dancing, modeling. I started off modeling, and taking pictures of myself, and sharing with my friends. One day it clicked when one of my friends asked for me to do a prom photoshoot for them. I seen the way I was able to tell a story through the pictures. It’s like I was able to visually put words to a picture. Since that day I have not looked back, and one of my passions has grown into a full blown business. It isn’t work when you love what you do!

Alright, so let’s move onto what keeps you busy professionally?
Most of my art inspiration derives from music, paintings, the people I surround myself with… really anything I find interesting can pop an idea. I think the thing that sets me apart the most is that I have the ability to create from different perspectives that can be very unique when conjoined. I literally seek to “tell the story through pictures.” My multifaceted art capacities allow me to see things others don’t. The thing that I am most proud of is the fact that I now sit in rooms, learn from, and get recognition from people I think are the coolest people ever, and inspire me. I also get to watch my creativity continually expand and grow. Successful entrepreneurship is not easy. I know that I have to trust in my vision, and continually develop my craft through my creativity. I think the biggest thing I want people to know about my brand and my art is that it’s an expression/extension of me. Anything that you see me create is a segment of who I may be. I just want to inspire others to create their own art and be free in whatever they want to do with their talent.

Let’s say your best friend was visiting the area and you wanted to show them the best time ever. Where would you take them? Give us a little itinerary – say it was a week long trip, where would you eat, drink, visit, hang out, etc.
One of my favorite spots in the city is Atlanta Worldwide Gallery, I love love love Worldwide! They have really cool unique vintage stuff like cameras, comics books, random art, trinkets, toys, etc. I actually have taken most of my friends there and we drop nice amounts of money otw out. Food wise I would probably say Big Daves their Phillies are so good I usually order the “Daves Way Beef Cheesesteak” with a fry. Lastly I hang out with this group called “Code Red” they’re kind of like a car club but we have fun.

The Shoutout series is all about recognizing that our success and where we are in life is at least somewhat thanks to the efforts, support, mentorship, love and encouragement of others. So is there someone that you want to dedicate your shoutout to?
My first shout out has to be to my Grandma for investing in my very first camera! Thank you Bestie! I would like to give a special shoutout to Zykerria. She was my first paying client/friend. She makes sure she continues to book with me for any and every event she has and allows me to have creative control. She also promotes my business. I shout out my parents for allowing me to grow and learn what it really takes to run a successful business with all the highs, and lows while helping fund my equipment. My eldest sister Kelsey, who comes along often to make sure I am always in a comfortable position. Lastly, I would like to shout out CamKirk Studios and their artists because when I didn’t know the world of photography I could/can reach out and ask, or they’ll just offer up information.

Website: https://www.niqueshotme.com

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/niqueshotme/?hl=en

Image Credits
all photos are by niqushotme (Ajunique Dillard)