Today we’d like to introduce you to Ajarina “AJA” Hitomi.
Ajarina, let’s start with your story. We’d love to hear how you got started and how the journey has been so far.
I started out doing photography when I had a blog back in 2010 called Phresh Produce. On the weekends in LA I would walk around the Fairfax flea market and the rose bowl to take pictures of fashionable people shopping. I then started taking photos of my really good friend who is model/ singer Nazanin Mandi. She told me I had a detailed eye in photography, and since that day I never stopped taking photos. I then took a few courses here and there at LACC and started shooting more music artist and models. I am self-taught so everything was pretty much my hearts calling.
Great, so let’s dig a little deeper into the story – has it been an easy path overall and if not, what were the challenges you’ve had to overcome?
NO! definitely has not been a smooth shot. Being a creative, there are many mental and emotional bumps along the road but the outcome of certain things are very much rewarding. I would say some of the struggles along the way were:
1. Trying to sustain a regular job while you’re a creative. Not every shoot you do makes a high profit, sometimes you’re even pulling from your own pockets to create a really dope test shoot. The sacrifices to stay afloat with having a regular job can be hard because most of the time you just want to Create all day. Throughout time I learned that its okay to have a regular 9-5 but to make sure it appreciates the work I do and allows me to use my creativity while Im there.
2. Self-worth, many times we get discouraged because we see someone else shooting something really amazing and you are sitting there doubting your own work. However, I got to the point of not really paying attention too much to what everyone else is doing and just focusing more on what I’m producing. I have honed in on the idea of really just inspiring myself or studying the greats which is always helpful when you want to gain a ton of inspiration.
3. Social media can be a struggle but just do you and stay creative and most of all, stay POSITIVE!
Please tell us about Ajarina Hitomi Photography.
Ajarina Hitomi Photography is my first and middle name. I’d like to say that my work is defined by someone who is always evolving and changing. I use what circumstances and life changes are currently happening or are a head of me as an inspiration. I specialize mostly in editorial and portrait photography. Although, I love photojournalism & lifestyle photography.
I am most proud of my VOGUE magazine moments. To have my photo chosen for the front lens cover of VOGUE Arabia literally was the craziest moment of my life. Before I had even been considered for that image, I was playing around with the photo on photoshop and typed the letters VOGUE on the front of it. I literally said out loud, “one day Aja you will have your name published in VOGUE magazine.” And six months later I got the call that they wanted the image!
What sets me apart from others I feel is the simple fact that I really love being authentic by staying true to myself. Because of social media being an influence on the world, you are able to see other creatives and the impact their work is making which is very inspiring at times but can sometimes be very daunting. I try really hard to stay away from the trends and go with what my heart tells me to do. What my eyes gravitate towards more and what other people may not be doing at the time. I’ve always been a little like that, whether it would be with my style, my social life or my photography. I’m always trying to stay real with myself. I hate followers and copy cats and I am def NOT ONE! I like creating my own lane.
Do you look back particularly fondly on any memories from childhood?
My favorite memory as a child is when I was living in Okinawa Japan, running around feeding all the koi fishes at the koi fish farm with my brother and sisters. My grandma was alive at the time and spending time with my Obachan (grandma) was pretty great.
Contact Info:
- Website: www.ajarinahitomi.com
- Email: [email protected]
- Instagram: @ajarinahitomi
- Twitter: @ajahitomi_photo
Image Credit:
Music Artist Yuna, Model Kwame Morris, Music Artist Miguel, Model Nazanin Mandi, Model Caroline
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