We had the good fortune of connecting with Laila Alchaar and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Laila, is there something that you feel is most responsible for your success?
I run my business around the motto “if you build it, they will come.” I think it’s so important to provide an accurate vision of your brand to the world so you can speak to your ideal client. Dream clients don’t just show up, you have to speak their language. When I started, I said yes to anyone because I just wanted to keep shooting, but now, especially in my move to Arizona I’m being honest with folks when our visions don’t match. I’m looking for lifelong relationships. I really enjoy building with clients for two reasons: 1. I love building community! I want to know my clients and be there for them as their families and businesses grow. 2. Being in front of the camera can be intimidating, unless you know who’s behind the camera. It allows you to be more authentic and me more creative. It’s honestly a win for us all!

Alright, so let’s move onto what keeps you busy professionally?

Hands down, relocating to Arizona and starting over! It’s not easy starting a business from scratch, but expanding to another state (from Chicago) is another beast!

A little backstory on me… I actually went to undergrad to study photography. Unfortunately, at the time we didn’t really have many avenues in the industry except fashion, fine art, or photojournalism. So naturally, I freaked out, changed my major and I went into marketing. After a few years, I went back to school for my Masters in Higher Education, but always found myself wanting to use photography in everything I did. Luckily for me instagram made its debut and I was hooked! What a fun way to share memories, keep in touch, and just get back into taking photographs, even if it was only with my camera phone.

Fast forward to the year after having my daughter, I was ready to get back to work. However, just as I was starting my job search, the pandemic hit! All of sudden friends and family were pivoting careers, starting businesses and they were reaching out for photoshoots for their new projects and family photos. I was having a blast and decided, I think I can do this professionally and I never looked back! It was honestly so serendipitous!

I think the biggest challenge and what kept me busy professionally was relearning all the technical aspects of photography again. I didn’t want my images to be gorgeous by accident, I wanted to be able to produce what was in my head! This took time and so did learning the other aspects of running a business.

So, here I am starting over again in Arizona and it’s been a whirlwind of newness! Learning a new landscape is challenging and exciting, but finding and building community is really where I’ve spent most of my time these days. Why? I believe that having a community of folks you can learn from and lean on is optimal for any artist doing professional work. It also provides an environment that sparks joy, creativity, and friendship. I find that clients really connect with this, especially those that are looking to work with their photographer and creative team for years to come. It just makes the creative process easy and fun for everyone!

Any places to eat or things to do that you can share with our readers? If they have a friend visiting town, what are some spots they could take them to?
Oh my gosh! I just moved here, but I’d definitely take them to Sabino for the beautiful sights, Saguaro National Park to see the incredible cactus, boba at Ding Tea, a walk through Barrio Viejo for some gorgeous photos, and italian food + gelato in the Ceres Courtyard!

Shoutout is all about shouting out others who you feel deserve additional recognition and exposure. Who would you like to shoutout?
My partner, he is my biggest fan and really urged me to continue to just get out there and do what I love! Along with a loving community of friends (who I call fam). They have been an incredible source of encouragement and support. They shout me out, they refer, and just love on my art! Without any of them I don’t think I’d have the courage to continue as an entrepreneur and artist!

Website: imagesbylaila.com COMING SOON!

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/imagesbylaila/

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/Imagesbylailachicago

Image Credits
My portrait is by Paige Babilla All other photos are by me: imagesbylaila

Nominate Someone: ShoutoutArizona is built on recommendations and shoutouts from the community; it’s how we uncover hidden gems, so if you or someone you know deserves recognition please let us know here.