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

Hi Amina, what role has risk played in your life or career?
One of my favorite quotes is – “The biggest risk in life is not taking any risks at all”. That is something that I live by! Some of my greatest accomplishments have been made when taking risks; such as moving to California from Sweden and not knowing anyone here or had even been here before. At that time, I just knew I needed something different than what my surroundings were offering me. From there, I eventually started my business as a freelance photographer, and then more recently I founded my own magazine. I didn’t have a team of people behind me from the very beginning, I had to rely on myself. Risk-taking is part of my way of living.

Let’s talk shop? Tell us more about your career, what can you share with our community?
I am a portrait, fashion, and lifestyle photographer. I shoot mostly outdoors in natural light. I’ve always loved traveling and exploring places, which is visually reflecting in my photography when I choose locations to shoot by. I have the ability to adapt to different environments easily and being creative with simplicity. I don’t use a lot of equipment, I like to work lightly. I’m also the editor in chief of my own lifestyle publication Trustworthy Magazine, which focuses on travel, culture, arts and highlighting people with interesting, inspiring, and unique stories. I’m proud of the time and devotion that I put into delivering quality imagery and material both for my clients and for my publication. It’s always exciting to share my work and hopefully inspire someone. I got here through prayers, visualization, and staying persistent. I have been selective with my circle and surroundings which is essential. It hasn’t always been easy, but I don’t think anything worth having is. There are always going to be challenges but it’s important to view them as a part of growing. If there are no challenges it won’t be as exciting! One of the lessons that I’ve learned is that there is always room for growth. It’s important for me to have patience, having a clear vision, and making time for self-care and reflection in order to make the right decisions. And of course, listening to my inner voice at all times. I want the world to know that I have a lot of love for the world and the people in it. I aspire to be a light and to inspire people to be free, to think critically, and to pursue their calling in life.

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?
For food, I love Korean bbq, so I’d take them to one of my favorite spots in Koreatown, or we would have Gumbo at Orleans & York. We’d later head to Perch or Mama Shelters rooftop. We’d drive along Pacific Coast Highway and check out one or a few of Malibu’s beautiful beaches. Some cool places we’d check out would be Grand Central Market in downtown, The Last Bookstore, Mystic Journey’s crystals, and we’d horseback ride in Griffith Park during sunset.

Shoutout is all about shouting out others who you feel deserve additional recognition and exposure. Who would you like to shoutout?
First of all to God! I also want to shout out to my family! They’re everything to me! If it wasn’t for their support and love, things would have been so different. I’ve also had the opportunity to work with so many amazing creative people throughout the years that have also become great friends, such as; Niehla O, Janel Styles, Justi Embree, Mia Nicole, Tina Bergqvist, Beatriz Cazares, Karla Avila, Irma Vasquez, Kristine Amarillo, just to name a few.

Website: https://www.aminatouray.com/
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/aminatphoto/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/AminaTPhoto
Other: https://www.trustworthymagazine.com/

Image Credits
Photos taken by Amina Touray Photography
People in the photos: Tracey Edmonds, Amina Buddafly, Sherease Spinale, Liris Crosse, Marissa Castaneda, Mercedes Enriqueta Schmidt, Garrain Jones and Andrea Lewis.

Nominate someone: ShoutoutLA 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.