Meet Yaya O. | Maternity, Newborn, Family & Personal Branding Photographer

Let’s talk shop? Tell us more about your career, and your journey to get to where you are. What can you share with our community?
This journey has been nothing short of amazing for me and I am genuinely excited about every single person I meet and get to photograph. I have been a teacher for over 8 years, so naturally, I started photographing families with young children. I transitioned into maternity and made incredible connections and every single maternity client ended up booking a newborn session. From there, they started booking milestone sessions and so forth. It all started falling into place. I started exploring personal branding and everyone has said this is my niche. I am in love with the whole process of branding, and working with small business owners who are just as excited as I am.

I got to where I am by grinding, practicing, and perfecting my craft. Literally taking pictures of anyone that would let me during my spare time. I have enjoyed every single session that I have done, but I wouldn’t say it’s been easy. It has been a lot of hard work!

I want the world to know that the most important aspect of my brand is the connections that I make with my clients. Understanding and capturing their story all while making it a fun and unforgettable experience is what I strive for at each and every session.

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?
Prepare to be your tannest selves! You should head to the beach every day even if it’s just for a little while. Sunrises are incredible for the soul. They have sunrise yoga on 3rd street every morning! 10/10 recommend.

– Favorite dinner spots: Mandolin Aegean Bistro, Byblos, Marabu, Casa Tua Cucina

– Fun night out: Chica Miami, Cafe La Trova, Copper 29

The Shoutout series is all about recognizing that our success and where we are in life is at least somewhat thanks to the efforts, support, mentorship, love and encouragement of others. So is there someone that you want to dedicate your shoutout to?
OMG where do I begin?! This community is so amazing and full of so many inspiring artists. I have learned so much from The Milky Way, Vanessa Palomino, Yarenis Monee, and David Molnars Total Photography Mentorship.

There is however one person who stands out amongst them all for me and that is Miosotis “Missy” Gueits.

She has been my mentor since day 1.

She has been my biggest cheerleader and my biggest support system from the moment I first messaged her. She took me under her wing. She has shown me her ways when it comes to the business aspect of photography. She has gone out of her way to teach me about editing, posing, lighting, and everything in between. And all out of the goodness of her own heart, never asking for anything in return.

Having her believe in me, more than I believed in myself has been my biggest driving force. I hope to one day be THAT person for an aspiring photographer.