Today we’d like to introduce you to Layla Hillail.
Layla, please share your story with us. How did you get to where you are today?
I started off as a business major in college but had a hidden passion for the arts and photography. I’ll never forget being on the beach one day with my 35mm and thinking, I need to be doing this instead of becoming a business major. My parents fully supported me and I went for it. I soaked up every art and photography class possible and pursued my art and art history degree via San Jacinto College & the University of Houston. I quickly fell in love with working with people and capturing special moments for them. My style has changed a lot since I started over 10 years ago, but I love where I am now in my career and the people I have met along the way. Today, I photograph everything from weddings, to lifestyle portraits to food and commercial brands. I love the variety of what I photograph and the challenges and creativity that it brings every day.
Overall, has it been relatively smooth? If not, what were some of the struggles along the way?
It has definitely been a struggle, one because the market is extremely saturated and if you don’t stand out you have to really work your way to the top. My dad always told us growing up, “it’s not about what you know, but who you know” and that is definitely true in this industry. While yes, even after 10 years you don’t want to do trade for work but sometimes you have to in order to create something unique for your portfolio. I remember when I had a full-time job as well as doing photography and going to college, it was tough, I was only able to put so much effort into my photography. Once I got married, I quit my full-time job and truly went full time with my photography. I basically had to start over, even after being in the industry for a long time. Sometimes, you have to do what you have to do.
For young women out there, don’t give up on your dreams. Work hard, play hard. Don’t let anyone make you feel inferior and do what makes you happy. If you love to paint, paint and don’t stop. Social media is a powerful tool nowadays. Even if you have to spend all your time to get your voice out there, do it. But don’t ever give up on your dreams. Push for them and turn them into reality. With handwork comes great reward.
what should we know about Le Zu Photography? What do you guys do best? What sets you apart from the competition?
I specialize in lifestyle photography, capturing moments for families with newborns, growing families, young children. I love just being able to stop moments in time and turn those over to my clients. I also have a huge passion for capturing wedding days, no matter how big or small, weddings are a beautiful start to a new chapter in life. As well as I love photographing food. Putting all of the pieces together and making something look appetizing to the naked eye is something that I’ve grown to love in the last year.
What do you feel are the biggest barriers today to female leadership, in your industry or generally?
I think the barriers are starting to break down, especially over the past couple of months. Barriers were harder a few years ago when women were looked down upon but now I think there are so many strong female entrepreneurs and advocates out there that those barriers are starting to go away. Yes, there’s still a long way to go but I think in the next few years, we’ll be seeing a lot more female leadership throughout various industries.
Contact Info:
- Address: Based in the Greater Houston area, available for travel worldwide.
- Website: www.lezuphotography.com
- Phone: 281-732-1216
- Email: lezuphotography@yahoo.com
- Instagram: http://www.instagram.com/_lezuphotography
- Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/lezuphotography
Image Credit:
Le Zu Photography
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