Life, Values & Legacy: Our Chat with Bernard Ayala of Loganville

Bernard Ayala shared their story and experiences with us recently and you can find our conversation below.

Bernard, we’re thrilled to have you with us today. Before we jump into your intro and the heart of the interview, let’s start with a bit of an ice breaker: What’s more important to you—intelligence, energy, or integrity?
”Integrity is the most important to me. As a photographer, people trust me to capture some of their most meaningful moments, whether it’s a wedding, a portrait, or an event. Without integrity, that trust would be lost. Of course intelligence and energy are also valuable- intelligence helps me adapt creatively and technically, and energy keeps me motivated through long shoots-but integrity is the foundation. It’s what ensures I deliver on my promise treat clients with respect, and represent myself and my work honestly. I believe great photography is not just about the image, but about the relationship and trust behind the lens.

Can you briefly introduce yourself and share what makes you or your brand unique?
My name is Bernard Ayala, and I’m a photographer based out of Atlanta, GA. I specialize in portraits, sports, and wildlife photography, but what ties it all together is my passion for capturing authentic moments that tell a story. My brand, Ayala’s Photography, is built on creating images that feel alive — whether it’s the intensity of an athlete in motion, the quiet beauty of nature, or the personality shining through in a portrait.

What makes my work unique is the way I blend creativity with connection. I want every client to feel comfortable, confident, and seen in front of my lens. Right now, I’m working on expanding my portfolio to showcase more diverse stories — from local community events to personal creative projects — because photography for me isn’t just about pictures, it’s about people and experiences. I’m excited to keep growing and sharing that vision with the world.

Thanks for sharing that. Would love to go back in time and hear about how your past might have impacted who you are today. Who were you before the world told you who you had to be?
Before the world told me who I had to be, I was simply a creative soul who loved exploring and being present in the moment. Photography brought me back to that place — reminding me that who I truly am is someone who values connection, creativity, and authenticity.

If you could say one kind thing to your younger self, what would it be?
I would tell my younger self to be patient and trust the process. Life doesn’t have to follow someone else’s timeline. The long hours, the struggles, and even the detours — they all led me to where I am today. I’d remind myself to value time with family, embrace my creativity, and remember that it’s okay to follow your own path. Everything else will fall into place

Sure, so let’s go deeper into your values and how you think. Is the public version of you the real you?
The public version of me is a reflection of who I truly am, but it’s not the whole picture. What people see is my passion, my work, and how I connect with others, but there’s a lot behind the scenes — the part of me that’s learning, growing, and balancing family life. Photography has taught me to be present and authentic in what I share, but like anyone, there’s a private side that only those closest to me get to see. The key is staying true to my values — creativity, integrity, and connection — no matter the setting

Okay, we’ve made it essentially to the end. One last question before you go. If you knew you had 10 years left, what would you stop doing immediately?
I’d focus completely on my family, my creativity, and the work that makes me feel alive. Photography would become even more central, not just as a career, but as a way to capture and celebrate the moments that truly count.”

Contact Info:

• Website: https://ayalasphotography.myportfolio.com
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/ayalas.photgraphy
• Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/bernard-ayala
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=100052222668710