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

Hi Dinara, what principle do you value most?
Several values are deeply important to me, but if I had to choose, integrity stands out as the most crucial. I believe in being straightforward and expect the same honesty from others. This approach helps eliminate confusion and fosters trust, which is essential in both personal and professional relationships.

Another vital value for me is courage. Moving to the USA on my own was a monumental decision that required a significant amount of bravery. This experience taught me the importance of taking bold steps and facing challenges head-on, a principle I now apply in my business and artistic endeavors.

Responsibility is also a key value I hold dear. I pride myself on being a reliable person who keeps my word. When I commit to something, I see it through to the end, ensuring that my actions align with my promises.

Lastly, I cherish the connections I have with my family, friends, and community. These relationships provide me with energy and motivation. The support and bond we share are invaluable, and they continually inspire me to contribute positively to the world around me.

Can you open up a bit about your work and career? We’re big fans and we’d love for our community to learn more about your work.
My art is a reflection of my unique perspective and experiences, which I believe sets me apart, especially in San Diego’s vibrant creative community. My style stands out because there are not many photographers in the area who focus on fashion. I’m proud to have reached my current level of success on my own, particularly as an immigrant who moved to the USA five years ago. This journey has been challenging, but also incredibly rewarding.

Dedication, responsibility, desire, and hard work have been key to my professional growth. It certainly wasn’t easy; I faced numerous challenges along the way. One of the most significant lessons I’ve learned is that even though photography is an art, it is also a business and must be treated as such. This means always signing contracts and managing the business side of things with as much care as the creative side.

I want the world to know that my journey and everything I have achieved here in the USA are entirely due to my own efforts. I believe in staying authentic and sharing my challenges openly with my audience. While things may appear better on the surface than they sometimes feel during the process, I always strive to be genuine and transparent about my experiences.

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?
I love hiking, so I highly recommend Torrey Pines Beach, Coronado Beach, and Sunset Cliffs. For delicious desserts, Parfait Café is a must-visit. My favorite restaurant in San Diego is Ironside, which offers an incredible dining experience.

Shoutout is all about shouting out others who you feel deserve additional recognition and exposure. Who would you like to shoutout?
Annalisa Johnson has been an incredible mentor, helping me to deepen my understanding of myself as a photographer and guiding me through this journey.

Website: https://dinaraphotos.com/

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/dinara.photos

Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/dinara-baizakova/

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/dinara.photos/

Yelp: https://www.yelp.com/biz/dinara-photoshoot-san-diego

Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCWolDCSTISZO2JR9vawERIA

Other: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCWolDCSTISZO2JR9vawERIA

Image Credits
Avy Lockwood Dosha Moor Julianna Rech Brenda Garcia Jaramillo Ashley Rossi Reut Hafif Maayan Tommy Doyle Bianca Arvidsson Miranda Jayde Nitti Paguio

Nominate Someone: ShoutoutSocal 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.