Meet Idaiyah Austin of Los Angeles

Today we’d like to introduce you to Idaiyah Austin.

Hi Idaiyah, it’s an honor to have you on the platform. Thanks for taking the time to share your story with us – to start maybe you can share some of your backstory with our readers?
I started my entrepreneurial journey as a high school sophomore, bringing a sketch to life through a clothing brand. That experience sparked my creative drive, which led me to nails, and eventually to photography—where I found my true passion in capturing the beauty in others.

At 16, my brother bought me my first camera, and I reached out to 20+ photographers for guidance. Sam Snapped It and JD Starling Photography took me under their wings and taught me most of what I know. Since then, I’ve built a portfolio I’m proud of and am currently focused on furthering my skills and evolving as a creative.

Can you talk to us a bit about the challenges and lessons you’ve learned along the way. Looking back would you say it’s been easy or smooth in retrospect?
Nothing about life is smooth, and my journey has definitely had its challenges. Some of the biggest struggles were building confidence, learning to charge what I’m worth, and seeing the true value in my craft. It took time for me to understand that photography is a skill not everyone has—or even wants to learn—and that in itself holds power.

Appreciate you sharing that. What else should we know about what you do?
At my core, I’m an entrepreneur, future thought leader and creatively, I’m someone who loves capturing real moments and continuously improving in my craft. I take pride in creating an energy and space through my business that makes people feel confident, seen, and good about themselves. My main business is photography, where I specialize in portraits and lifestyle imagery that reflect authenticity and emotion. I’m known for my positivity, growth, and constant evolution—not just in my work, but in how I live.

Right now, I’m on a wellness journey and using my platform to encourage young women, especially those my age (I just turned 21), to let go of what’s glorified—like clubbing, chasing money, bottles, or even over-sexualization—and instead lean into self-love, intention, and purpose.

I’m most proud of transitioning from “Slayana” to “Lovely Prodigy,” which represents the next phase of my journey. It reflects my mission to one day open a mentorship program for young women and men who may be facing the same challenges I’ve worked through—identity, self-worth, purpose, and direction.

What sets me apart is my ability to stand alone, honor my authenticity, and commit to a life of intention. I’ve had seasons of conformity, but now I lead with vision. If it’s not aligned with the version of me I see at 80 years old, I question why I’d do it now.

Where we are in life is often partly because of others. Who/what else deserves credit for how your story turned out?
I definitely have to give credit to SamSnappedit and JD Starling Photography. They were the first people to show me the ropes—from how to even turn on my camera, to understanding lighting, which SD card to use, what a battery pack was, and so much more. Their guidance gave me the foundation I needed.

I’m also incredibly grateful to my mom, who supported me every step of the way and truly made this journey possible. She sat with me through those early shoots, made sure I was safe, and sacrificed so much of her time just to see me succeed. Before I had my own transportation, she was my ride to every booking—and when I turned 18, she made sure I had a reliable car so I could keep chasing this dream. Her belief in me never wavered.

Of course, I owe so much to the clients who believed in me early on—the ones who trusted me to capture their babies, events, and memories when I was just getting started and charging $50 an hour. Their faith in my work helped build both my confidence and my business.

A huge thank you to E. Mills, CEO of Mill Ticket Entertainment, for allowing me to shoot in his studio space for the past two years—never asking for anything in return. That kind of support is rare, and it means the world.

I also want to shout out Andy Harris—a friend whose first love was photography. He was always a call away for quick advice, and his encouragement kept me going. Now he’s graduated from Morehouse and earned his M.A. in Journalism—so proud of him.

And I can’t forget Ryan, also known as RP Filmz. I paid him $20 to sit in my garage with me and walk me through Lightroom. That one hour of his time helped me tremendously, and now he’s out here doing amazing things himself.

I wouldn’t be where I am without these people—and honestly, there are so many more who played a role in my growth. I’m beyond grateful for all of them.

Contact Info:

• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/shotzbyslay?igsh=NTc4MTIwNjQ2YQ%3D%3D&utm_source=qr
• Other: https://www.instagram.com/lovelyprodigy_?igsh=NTc4MTIwNjQ2YQ%3D%3D&utm_source=qr

Image Credits
Shotzbyslay
Idaiyah Austin