Today we’d like to introduce you to Jayla Ray.
Hi Jayla, thanks for joining us today. We’d love for you to start by introducing yourself.
I have always had my hands in the arts, with my love for music and admiration for performance. I didn’t get into the visual side of things until I was 13 years old. During that time, social platforms like Instagram and Snapchat were on the rise, so my idea of photography was about making memories and making internet worthy photos. When I started taking photography lessons, photography became more about showcasing the beauty in individuals, despite the social standards. As we navigate conversations of inclusivity, representation, and diversity not only in politics and households but other creative mediums as well, I want people to understand that those conversations affect real people, and we should want to hear and see from them. I want to give voice and recognition to those who may feel forgotten or silenced, allowing them to see themselves as they want to be seen and for others to respect.
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?
Going into college, I’ve been thrown for a loop in a very different way. In high school, we are always warned about the hardships we may face during our college years, but nothing prepared me for a pandemic. Covid swept in during my second semester as a college freshmen, and having art school online wasn’t the easiest task. Not having the direct resources to be as creative as I wanted put a damper in my passion, and I often questioned why I chose this career path. Luckily, my friends helped me gain more control over my photography during this time. We were constantly taking pictures of each other, and they even helped me dive into doing studio photography, which was something that I always wanted to do since I picked up a camera. Having that constant support system made the experience worthwhile.
Can you tell our readers more about what you do and what you think sets you apart from others?
I am a photographer that specializes in studio portraiture and fashion photography. My work surrounds itself with the ideas of beauty and identity, especially in the black community. For as long as we can remember, we have always seen what was deemed attractive and worthy of respect, and those barriers cast aside a handful of people we walk alongside every day. My purpose as a photographer is to allow individuals that step-in front of my lens to comfortably and confidently express who they are and show the world that they are here. Because I understand how intimidating my profession can be, I allow my models to take control over our photo sessions, whether it is the clothes they wear, the music we listen to, or the conversations we have. This allows me to connect more with the people I work with and a natural workflow in a safe space.
Is there anyone you’d like to thank or give credit to?
The photography professors at Columbus College of Art & Design, the school I will be graduating from this spring, have been a major help in my journey as a creative. They valued my aspirations as a photographer and guided me through the ways in which I can achieve my goals. My friends and family have always been a constant support system. They’ve watched my work grow over the last 5-6 years and have continued to help me create photographic visions.
Contact Info:
- Website: www.maayvisuals.com
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/maayvisuals_/
- Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jayla-ray-149104255/
Image Credits
Brielle Jolie
