ARTIST OF THE MONTH - YAKY DI ROMA O'REILLY
2018 is running so fast, so today you'll already get the third feature of our LOOKSLIKEFILM Artist of the Month. Please stand up for Yaky Di Roma O'Reilly! It was definitely time to feature her work here on our blog. Her beautiful images are not only blowing our minds constantly away but also the ones of our LLF community. Yaky's images are full of love & tension and we simply love her creativity. You can be sure to see more of her work throughout the year in our Daily Updates and the #LLF1000CLUB...
How old are you and where are you from?
My name is Yaky Di Roma O’Reilly, I’m 30 years old and originally from a small island called Margarita in Venezuela.
I've been based out of Orlando/Miami for the past 3 years after leaving my home country, for University, where I would gain my masters in arts. Currently in the process of settling in the UK.
Tell us a little bit about your life in the moment?
Recently got married to a fellow LLF photographer, currently in Madrid, Spain. When I’m not being a full time mom to my son, I’m either doing self portraits or trying to photograph my clients.
How did you end up being a photographer?
My passion for photography began to blossom when I was 19 by “mistake”, I was in second/third semester in college and had 3 extra credits and decided to take photography just to get it out of the way, little did I know that my future would depend on that class I just wanted to pass.
I’d had past experience in Fashion Photography, and actually made a pretty good name in Venezuela. It didn’t take me long to realise fashion wouldn’t become my niche... It was the Wedding and Portrait game that consumed me. I couldn’t get enough. Especially Self portraits... Breastfeeding Self Portraits, where my heart is.
Where do you see yourself in 20 years?
In 20 years I see myself shooting weddings and portraits all over the world, with my husband and our three children being part of the team.
What gear are you currently using?
Currently me and my husband are in a battle about switching brands. I shoot both Canon and Nikon, but mainly I use a Canon 6d with 35mm 1.8 and a 90mm Tamron 2.8 along with a Nikon D810 with the 35mm 1.4 art and the 135mm 1.8 art… I also have a Mavic Air which recently switched from the Phantom 4 pro mainly for portability. Very rarely will I use flash. Only if absolutely necessary or I’m shooting in home studio portraits.
What advice could you give out to a new starting photographer?
Try to find your style early, photograph what you love and don’t compare yourself to others. Don’t let cc offend you, take it and get better. Some people will tell you that your ideas suck, don’t listen to them, just prove them wrong.
Did the LLF community changed the way you see or shoot ?
Definitely, 100%. Before LLF my work was a lot lighter and clean and I’ve found myself loving darker images and tons of grain. This is such an inspirational group, I joined in September 2017 and the talent I’ve seen in this short period of time has pushed me to create more art and less commercial work. I’m still in shocked I was asked to be Artist of the month, because the photographers in this group are in another league, really mind blowing and I feel extremely honoured.
What plans do you have for 2018?
Survive… I plan to Survive 2018! My husband and I have many destination weddings along with even more local weddings… This is without caring for our 3 children, and building a home in South Wales, UK. Whatever else I achieve is a bonus.
