Today we’d like to introduce you to Djeneba Aduayom.
So, before we jump into specific questions about the business, why don’t you give us some details about you and your story.
I began my life as a performer. I was touring around the world as a backup dancer for artists. While doing this I lived in many places like Paris, where I am from, NY, Amsterdam, London and now LA. I also studied interior design when I was living in London. A few years back I sustained an injury on a tour and had to have a hip and knee surgery and this put a halt on my career very abruptly. After the heartache of losing the career I loved so much, I felt my only choice was to reinvent myself within another artistic medium. I can’t exactly remember how photography came about, but I discovered it filled my heart with such joy. I could translate movement and emotion through the medium of photography. I spent all my savings on buying my gear and started to learn by experimenting and shooting constantly. This opened a brand new world to me and I never looked back. Life to me is a process that needs to be respected and enjoyed and so I applied the same dedication and passion I did when I was dancing to practice my photography. There is more to it than just learning technique when you love something so much… It taught me a lot about myself but also about the people I photographed. In this world of disassociation created by social media, connection is I feel one very important thing I never want to lose. Photography allows me to connect with others on a genuine level, through my own story and their stories and share the essence of what I see through my eyes.
Overall, has it been relatively smooth? If not, what were some of the struggles along the way?
Smooth no! When you start something from scratch nothing is easy and I will say this again life is about the process not so much the destination. I feel like every challenge will test you but depending on how you react to it, you either learn a lot and better yourself or you can get bitter and defeated. I am someone that takes the challenges and always want to turn it around to the positive side. It is a one day at a time situation to live inside the present moment. Challenges and obstacles will always be there, it is how you rise or fall that will make a difference. I never want to focus on the negative but rather create a positive outcome in one way, shape or form
Djeneba Aduayom – what should we know? What do you guys do best? What sets you apart from the competition?
I am a creative, I create simple concepts, art images, editorial images, portraits, videos and more. I connects with others to help creating their vision and or help them achieve some magic by creating images that will resound with them and/or their services. What sets me apart is the integrity I work with and my genuine interest in helping the people I photograph and their story. And also I don’t apply one recipe for all, every shoot will be thought about and tailored to each person or project. Never a one fits all kind of thing.
Any shoutouts? Who else deserves credit in this story – who has played a meaningful role?
It would take a lifetime to answer this question. I took a program called Mastered a couple of years ago, we were mentored by Nick Knight and this definitely advanced the way I perceived photography and helped define who I am as an image maker today. Any member of creative my team deserve a ton of credits too for always having my back. Autumn Randolph ( Style ), Omayma Ramzy ( MUA ), Junie Kang ( hair ), Amy Clarke ( MUA ), Amy Richardson (MUA), Kodi Beverlin ( Hair ), Kate Peris ( Style ) Jordan ( Style ), Sylvia Stankowski ( Hair ), Garb ( Designer ), Toma Kostygina ( Assistant ). There are also the muses I came across, Sarah, Tifeny, Michael R, Ania, and Yoeil.
I am sorry if I forgot anyone’s name. The truth is it takes a village and I will always be grateful for you all.
Contact Info:
- Website: www.djeneba-aduayom.com
- Email: djeneba.aduayom2@gmail.com
- Instagram: @djenebaaduayom
Getting in touch: VoyageLA is built on recommendations from the community; it’s how we uncover hidden gems, so if you know someone who deserves recognition please let us know here.
