Meet Jacqueline Ayala | Photo By Ayala / Colombian American Photographer

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

Hi Jacqueline, why did you pursue a creative career?
Art has always been a big part of my life and has been the thing that has brought me the most joy and inspiration. At a young age I got involved with music, I played the viola and orchestra was where I started my artistic journey. When I found myself at a crossroads in my musical career I managed to find my way to photography, a passion I always knew I had but never explored until I was a little older. Having the opportunity to learn about photography opened my mind to new possibilities and a whole new career path that I just fell in love with. Photography gave me a new meaning on what it meant to be an artist and I know my musical background has played a big role in introducing me to art and continues to inspire a lot of my photography work today.

Let’s talk shop? Tell us more about your career, what can you share with our community?
As a bicultural indigenous artist, I am inspired by my ancestral roots and focus on uplifting women of color through empowering imagery. I am most proud of having the opportunity to photograph seasonal campaigns for Foot Locker stores nationwide and sharing that moment with my family. I am forever excited for all the future projects that I get to work on. I got to where I am today professionally by the community the supports and believes in me, being consistent, challenging myself, hustle and never giving up. I feel like any artistic career is not easy but when you’re passionate about what you do it makes the journey fun and a little easier. Lessons I have learned along the way is ask for help, find a mentor, take the time to grow in your art, and surround yourself with people and experiences that inspire you. As a woman of color artist trying to find her way in the photo industry, I’ve encountered many moments that confirmed what I already knew when it comes to the lack of representation for women of color on and off set. Although this was something I struggled with it also became a big motivator for me to continue pursuing photography and connecting with other women of color photographers/creatives who inspire me.

Any places to eat or things to do that you can share with our readers? If they have a friend visiting town, what are some spots they could take them to?
I enjoy traveling and seeing new places so if my best friend was visiting for a week long trip I would plan to go somewhere warm preferably where there is a beach, good food, and if mountains are in sight that’s a plus for me.

Who else deserves some credit and recognition?
I would like to dedicate my shoutout to my family who are my everyday muses, the ones who keep me motivated, and are the reason I do what I do. I would also like to dedicate my shoutout to all the people who support me and my photography. because the love I receive truly means a lot to me and helps me be my most vulnerable artistic self when I create art.

Website: www.photobyayala.com

Instagram: www.instagram.com/photobyayala

Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/company/photo-by-ayala/

Twitter: https://twitter.com/photobyayala

Facebook: www.facebook.com/photobyayala

Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCsHkz5J3K8KOQCAb1syET-w

Image Credits
Images credit: Photo By Ayala