Today we’d like to introduce you to Bernard Ayala.
Hi Bernard, so excited to have you on the platform. So before we get into questions about your work-life, maybe you can bring our readers up to speed on your story and how you got to where you are today?
“I started my journey in photography as a creative outlet while working in retail management, where I learned leadership, operations, and how to take care of customers at every level of an organization. Over time, that creative passion grew into a commitment to build a photography company that could blend artistry with a highly professional, organized experience for clients.
With more than ten years behind the camera, I’ve had the chance to work across different mediums, lead teams, and mentor others, which shaped the way I run my business today. My family has always been my inspiration—they’re the reason I focus on capturing real moments and telling true stories, one day at a time.
Today, my company is based in Atlanta, GA, and everything I’ve learned in sales, merchandising, loss prevention, and operations shows up in how we plan, communicate, and deliver every project. I love being able to guide clients through the process, delegate to the right people, and make sure every shoot feels smooth, intentional, and memorable.”
Would you say it’s been a smooth road, and if not what are some of the biggest challenges you’ve faced along the way?
No, it hasn’t been completely smooth, and that’s actually a big part of the story.
Early on, some of the biggest struggles were learning how to turn creativity into a real business: finding consistent clients, figuring out how to price work without undervaluing it, and investing in gear while still keeping the lights on. It was also challenging to stand out in a crowded market where there are many photographers and to manage everything at once—shooting, editing, marketing, scheduling, and customer service—often on very long days.
At the same time, each struggle pushed growth. Using your retail management background, you learned to tighten systems, improve communication, and deliver a better client experience, which helped build trust and repeat business over time. Navigating self-doubt, competition, and inconsistent income taught you to stay adaptable, keep learning, and lean on your passion and family inspiration so the business could keep moving forward.
Alright, so let’s switch gears a bit and talk business. What should we know?
Ayalas Photography is an Atlanta-based photography company focused on creating intentional, story-driven images. We specialize in portraits / branding / events / families / weddings – choose your main ones, and we are known for combining an artistic eye with a calm, organized experience from the first inquiry to final delivery.
Because of my background in retail management, the business runs with a strong focus on customer service, clear communication, and operations. That means clients feel guided at every step—planning, styling, timelines, shot lists—so they can relax and be present while we handle the details behind the scenes.
What sets us apart is how personal the work is for us. My family inspires the way I shoot, so every session is about real moments and genuine connection, not just “pretty pictures.” We care about how the photos will live in your life—on your walls, in your albums, and in your brand for years to come.
Brand-wise, I’m most proud of the trust we’ve built with repeat clients and referrals. People come back because they know they’ll be seen, heard, and taken care of, and that their images will reflect who they really are.
What I want readers to know is simple: Ayalas Photography is here to serve. Whether you need a single session or ongoing work, we offer thoughtful, professional photography with a focus on relationship, reliability, and images that still feel special years from now.”
Let’s talk about our city – what do you love? What do you not love?
What I like best about Atlanta is the creative energy and diversity of the city. There are so many different neighborhoods, cultures, and stories here, which gives me endless inspiration and a wide variety of backdrops and clients to work with. The community is also very supportive of small businesses and artists, which has helped me grow my photography company and connect with people from all walks of life.
What I like least is the traffic and how spread out everything can be. Getting to shoots across town sometimes means planning around long drive times, and it can make scheduling a challenge. Even with that, Atlanta is still home for me, and the opportunities, culture, and people far outweigh the frustrations on the road.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://ayalasphotography.myportfolio.com/
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/ayalas.photography
- LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/bernard-ayala-aa21a0145/
Image Credits
Additional Photographers for Ayalas Photography Janet Ayala, Anthony Polidura,
