Meet Akila Cook | Photographer

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

Hi Akila, can you walk us through the thought-process of starting your business?
I’ve always known that I wanted to start my own business, I didn’t fully know what that looked like at the time. After sometime of prayer and guidance from those around me, I knew that I wanted to turn what was a passion of mine into something serious. And that was photography. So as of March 24th, Eyes of Akila Photography, has become a registered business throughout the State of Texas!

Please tell us more about your art. We’d love to hear what sets you apart from others, what you are most proud of or excited about. How did you get to where you are today professionally. Was it easy? If not, how did you overcome the challenges? What are the lessons you’ve learned along the way. What do you want the world to know about you or your brand and story?
The best way that I could describe my art is….. Natural…. I enjoy capturing the essence of the every day beauty that we may see through our own eyes. It took me a while to truly get to where I wanted my art to be, only because I would try and recreate what was hot at that moment instead of staying true to who I am as a creative. Once I got out of my own way, that was when everything feel into place and I was able to truly create with no restrictions. There is so much freedom in getting out of your own way in any area of your life. If there’s anything I would want everyone to know about me as a photographer is that I approach every project with the same mentality, it is a team effort. My goal is to always help bring the vision, that a client may have, to life. As well as bring a different perspective to the idea that is presented.

Let’s say your best friend was visiting the area and you wanted to show them the best time ever. Where would you take them? Give us a little itinerary – say it was a week long trip, where would you eat, drink, visit, hang out, etc.
Ah man, If I have anyone visiting I would honestly do the most lol. I would have to take them to Ida Claire for some of their amazing brunch items as well as First Watch. Lunch or dinner would be something that Texas is known for and that’s BBQ! I would recommend Ten50 BBQ. Some of the best wings that I’ve had in the DFW would have to be Harris House of Heroes off of McKinney Ave. Sight seeing I would definitely do Trinity Mills or Klyde Warren Park, These are only a few places that I would recommend to anyone, I’m still learning more about the city since moving back to the area last year, but now with Covid restrictions easing up, I can get back out and find some more local gems!

The Shoutout series is all about recognizing that our success and where we are in life is at least somewhat thanks to the efforts, support, mentorship, love and encouragement of others. So is there someone that you want to dedicate your shoutout to?
This shoutout is dedicated to everyone that has ever booked me, whether from a wedding, a birthday shoot, family portraits and etc. To my loving parents for the always instilling in me the value of going after what you are passionate about. And, my girlfriend for always encouraging me and keeping me going.

Website: https://eyesofakila.com

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

Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/akila-cook-34336373/

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

Image Credits
Chad Evans, Jackie Ton, Hannah Easley, Chloe Paige, Ellis Nguyen and Rosa and Neil