Meet Shei Veliz | Photographer & Content Creator

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

Hi Shei, why did you pursue a creative career?
I believe that all humans are born with a creative side. We are art, therefore we create art. I have always loved to capture things as they are, if I see a beautiful sunset the first thing I do is take a picture of it (and then take a moment to admire it of course), but that picture right there, I will have it forever, I can look back at it and say “wow, that was such a gorgeous sunset”. Photography lets me do that, it lets me freeze a moment in time, forever. It’s like magic. Artists can make a difference in this world, they can make you feel something, they can make you happy, sad, excited, any emotion, and I think that is what I look for, to create an emotion, a reaction, by giving people something they can cherish forever.

Can you open up a bit about your work and career? We’re big fans and we’d love for our community to learn more about your work.
My photography is all about capturing the beauty of the moment in a dark and moody style. I love where I am in my career right now. It’s has been quite a journey. I can say I have finally set my aesthetic after years of playing around with different moods and colors for my pictures. Living in sunny Miami is hard to achieve the dark and moody aesthetic, but I have done my best to improve and create what I am now. I am extremely proud of my past self for not giving up, for not falling into the imposter syndrome roller coaster, even though is an everyday battle. It has not been easy to be where I am now, and I’m not even halfway where I want to be. I am grateful that I have an amazing support system that reminds me of my worth and how amazing I am at what I do, and I’m grateful that I have found ways to deal with doubts and negative thoughts by doing affirmations, journaling, and improving my relationship with myself. Being an artist is all about being connected to who you really are and what you really want to leave in this world. When I look at my work I see all these moments of couples, families and people who have trusted me to capture them in their most happy, exciting and vulnerable moments, and that is a hard task, but so fulfilling. I want people to know that Bahari Photography is owned by a proud Cuban woman, that just loves to capture the most magical moments for you. I will always strive to make my clients feel safe and comfortable during a shoot. Being a photographer I’m almost never in front of a camera, so I know how tricky that can be, that’s why I always try my best to make the day of the shoot a joyful experience for everyone.

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.
Living in Miami there is so many things to do, but being cuban, an island girl, my first stop would be the beach for sure. I love the ocean and I think is the best way to start a trip. I would go to the dog beach in near Hallandale since I have my baby girl Labrador who also happens to love the beach, and it’s quiet and beautiful. I would then take a tour to Wynwood and it’s colorful walls for those instagramable moments. Once in Wynwood, I’d have brunch at the amazing R House, they have the most fun and crazy drag brunch ever, with unlimited mimosas and guaranteed the best time! I would take her to Patch of Heaven, which is such an amazing, relaxing and beautiful spot in Miami. We would eat at Bistro cafe, which is latino owned and also have one in Puerto Rico, and also Avocado Sanctuary of Love which have many delicious vegan options.

Who else deserves some credit and recognition?
The people who always support me no matter what, and that believe in me. My family, my mom, my dad, my grandparents, they have always been so proud of me since the first time I grabbed a camera. My partner who is always encouraging me and lifting me up when the imposter syndrome hits, always telling me that he believes in me and my art. My friends who are also so supportive of me, and always let me take photos of them to practice and create new ideas together. I could not do it without them, they are my support and I love them for that.

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/bahariphotography