Conversations with Janay Rivera

Today we’d like to introduce you to Janay Rivera.

Hi Janay, please kick things off for us with an introduction to yourself and your story.
I never went to college because I had no idea what I wanted to do with my life and the last thing I ever expected myself to be is a love photographer! Growing up, I watched my dad work several jobs at a time while owning his own catering business. I was going to weddings to help serve from a young age regularly. One of my favorite parts of a wedding is when the DJ announces the newly married couple into the reception! It was like clockwork for me back then. I waited for every wedding to hear the cheering, the music gets louder, and everyone was celebrating! I felt like, “man, if I could live in those moments forever, I would!” But never did it occur to me that I could have a career in the wedding industry myself; until one day I was in front of the camera for a photoshoot & I fell in love! It was a couple of shoot at the time and I was so happy and it felt just like the moment the DJ announces the newlywed couple, a celebration of love, excitement, and a carefree adventure! It all clicked for me immediately. Photography! Capturing this feeling for other people, this is what I want to do!!

I have always been the photo-obsessed friend, the one that makes sure we have a perfect picture and a perfect setup for the memories I want to keep so it just fit me perfectly. After the photoshoot, I immediately went to Best Buy and bought my first “photography” camera. I had never been so determined to REALLY really make something work the way I have been with photography. After that day, I offered free photoshoots from 9 am to 3 pm every hour on the hour on Saturdays and some Sundays for two months straight. I offered everything, couples shoots, family, solos, maternity, anything that would help me know which direction I wanted to take this all. About three weeks into this new adventure, I knew couples was for sure it for me! Eventually, I was getting good enough to start charging, and that went from couples to engagements and eventually to weddings! Two years into my business, I am full-time, fully being sustained by my business photographing engagements/couples, weddings, and solo sessions! I know this is for me, and I finally know this adventure was worth the wait!

Can you talk to us a bit about the challenges and lessons you’ve learned along the way. Looking back would you say it’s been easy or smooth in retrospect?
This has and has not been! It’s been smooth sailing because of determination, knowing exactly where I want to be, and the amount of people trusting me with such special moments! Income has not been a problem! (Thankfully!!) Learning the business side has been the rough part, taxes, marketing, branding, all of these business terms that seems like everyone was just born knowing was the hardest part! Lol I am now a HUGE fan of the legal/business side, but before, it use to stress me out and make me feel like an imposter (imposter syndrome to the max!). That, mixed with being in a community of lots of photographers that were not supportive of other photography businesses, made me feel less than, within my first year often! I am in a different place now and have completely different confidence and I do my best to help other beginner photographers as much as I can!

As you know, we’re big fans of you and your work. For our readers who might not be as familiar what can you tell them about what you do?
I am a love photographer. Anyone and everyone is welcome to freeze time with me! I specialize in couples, engagements, weddings, or solo – self-love shoots! I am known for authentic “not posed” moments, wild love adventures, lots of laughs and shoots that make you feel more in love with life or your significant other than you were before! I aim to capture moments you want to remember forever and share with everyone! I am extremely proud of how far I’ve come, I am full-time within two years and that is mind-blowing to have a career at my age with no degree! What sets me apart from others is that I am always looking to get better. I never want to peek. I continue pushing as hard and being as enthusiastic as day one. I make sure that everyone I photography doesn’t just have photos from me but has an experience with me that leaves a lasting impression and friendship!

Have you learned any interesting or important lessons due to the Covid-19 Crisis?
Yes!! Covid-19 pushed me to get creative! When I couldn’t photograph others, I learned more about editing, lighting, settings, equipment, and branding. It made me really evaluate what kind of photographer I want to be known for. When we were in quarantine, I did self- in-home shoots and learned so much. Covid has shown me even so much more that tomorrow is not promised and how much more I want to be a part of special moments while we still have them. It is so much more than a perfect photo, it drives me to capture memories that people will cherish and be able to find hope and joy in by looking back at their photos.

Contact Info:

• Email: Janayevaliscephotography@gmail.com
• Website: https://janayevaliscephotography.mypixieset.com
• Instagram: @Janayevaliscephotography
• Facebook: @Janayevaliscephotography

Image Credits
@janayevaliscephotography