Today we’d like to introduce you to Janira Aybar
Hi Janira, so excited to have you on the platform. So before we get into questions about your work-life, maybe you can bring our readers up to speed on your story and how you got to where you are today?
Growing up, my parents took photos and videos of everything my sister and I did. It was just something they made sure they always documented. They would make albums of our first years of life and print all of the photos they ever took of us. Home videos was also a big thing in our house. I am very grateful for all of those memories I can now look back on as an adult and also show my son as he gets older. In July of 2015, I had my son. I wanted to make sure I did the same thing my parents did with us and document everything in photos so my son can have when he grows up. For every Holiday, I would take a themed photo. So for Christmas photos of 2015, I took a white blanket, hung it up as a backdrop, added some lights, took some props like a small Christmas tree, or a basket and sat my son it in with a Christmas hat. I would photograph that with my phone and make Christmas cards with them. I realized I loved taking photos and getting creative, so I bought a cheap camera and asked a friend at the time to do photos for her and her son, and my sister was pregnant so I did a maternity session for her.
I started a Facebook and Instagram page and it just blew up from there. I have so much to grow still in so many areas. I am so humbled by all of the love I receive. It’s been 9 in half years, and I can say I am not where I want to be just yet, but I am truly grateful. I am grateful for my son. I am grateful for all of my clients, for everyone who believes in me, every single person who likes, shares, comments and recommends me to their Friends and Family. Even those who see me and tell me how much they love my work. I am grateful for all of it and now to have this opportunity to tell a little bit of my story.
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. I fell in love with Weddings in 2018 and I instantly wanted to do that full time. I noticed it was way harder than it looked and began to freak out. But I just kept falling in love. It has not been a smooth road at all but I am absolutely grateful. There are many struggles in starting and maintaining a business. A big struggle for me is comparison. I know a lot of others tend to have the same struggle and I came to realize it’s normal. I have managed to learn things that help me deal with it. I also struggle with my mental health, so I do have my bad days still, I was clinically diagnosed around the same time I started this business but I have also learned how to deal with it along the way. Every day is a new day to learn for me, especially with my struggles.
Alright, so let’s switch gears a bit and talk business. What should we know about your work?
I am a Wedding Photographer. I specialize in Weddings but I also photograph Families, Engagements, and maternity sessions.. I have been told I am known for my sessions being fun! I am most proud of my clients. I have the best clients in the world. Each and every one of them have been a big impact in my business and I wouldn’t be here without them. Each and every one of them have a different story and I love that. I honestly have no idea what sets me apart from others. I’m going to say my work only because when clients book me and I ask them why they chose me, usually I will get that they saw my work and it caught their eye. Most of my clients are also repeat clients, and I am blessed for that because that means that they not only love my work, but they love me as a person too.
What were you like growing up?
I was very hyper and talkative. I loved being involved in conversations but I was also a bit shy. I loved Drawing and writing, and being creative with decor and journaling.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.janiraphotography.com
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/janiraphotography
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/janiraphotography
