Today we’d like to introduce you to Aaliyah Rivers.
Aaliyah, we appreciate you taking the time to share your story with us today. Where does your story begin?
In 2017, my mother purchased a Sony A600 camera for a family event. Although, I didn’t know how to use the camera during that time after capturing the event I put it away in my room closet.
In late 2018, I decided to take the camera out of the closet shelf and went to meet with friends at Soho New York that is professional photographers. I have begun learning by YouTube and walking in the streets of Soho day and night taking photographs of graffiti and buildings around that interest me.
During the summer of 2019, I became more interested in photography and started offering free photoshoots for upcoming models. I started networking by going to Coney Island located in Brooklyn, New York from morning to dawn with my partner Misean Kirton who is a professional photographer at Inspired Visuals was guiding me on learning photography to seeking models and approaching people to introduce my skills. There were times where we slept on the beach till the sunrise to make sure we go through the amusement park giving out our business cards.
I then decided to name my photography company as HoneyViisiion, this came to mind inspired by my late dog Honey, she is a Shih Tzu that was deaf and blind which there was no way for her to see outside again as she use to always jump on the sofa to look out the window. The meaning behind HoneyViisiion is for her to see through the lens from the photographs that are taken. Vision into reality.
Throughout all the networking and some rejections, I was able to build my portfolio enough to land myself in NYFW 2020. This has exploded to weddings, casting calls, studio photoshoots, clothing line photoshoots, and more exposure.
I fell in love with photography through the city of New York and the vision behind the lens. I am looking to grow and learn every single day. It’s about making your vision into reality.
I’m sure you wouldn’t say it’s been obstacle-free, but so far would you say the journey has been a fairly smooth road?
There were times at the beginning of my journey when I was trying to network with people in Coney Island, approaching people and asking them if they would like for me to take a photo for them was really hard at first because at the time I was shy and I didn’t have many portfolios to show my work.
NYFW 2020 was crazy fun but one thing that beat me up was time, must get there earlier than the show to secure your spot.
It has always been. bumpy road because every individual is different when it is time for a photoshoot session, the main concern is getting the same idea they have in mind of the outcome to come out exactly how they visioned.
Thanks – so what else should our readers know about your work and what you’re currently focused on?
I am a jack of all trades. Currently, I am now an independent business owner of HoneyViisiion LLC. I specialize in Fashion and Studio Photography in New York and North Carolina.
I am most proud of my growth. All that I do comes with passion and love, this is what causes my business and myself to grow and to become better and expand. I am also known as a recording artist, I write and record music for all streaming platforms.
I am different from others by the way network and treat models when it comes to the beginning of the photoshoot to the end where we show them the finished look, it’s not just a photoshoot it’s really about building a relationship with the client and understanding what they truly need.
It may take a few days to weeks to prep and gather ideas to know how to tackle a certain look but honestly, once we portray the look they wanted it comes out much better than what we were thinking.
How can people work with you, collaborate with you, or support you?
I am always honored to work with many creative like-minded people. It can be based on any skills I would love to get to know others and their business as well.
The best way to contact me is by email HoneyViisiion@Gmail.com or IG @HoneyViisiion
Support will be greatly appreciated! Please contact us to create the best memory for you on your next photoshoot!
Contact Info:
- Email: HoneyViisiion@Gmail.com
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/honeyviisiion/
Image Credits
Misean Kirton
