Today we’d like to introduce you to Daliah Jarrar.
Hi Daliah, can you start by introducing yourself? We’d love to learn more about how you got to where you are today?
My love for photography started when I was a young teen. My late father taught me how to take photographs using his Canon FTb 35mm camera from the 1970s, which I still have today. He also showed me how film was developed in a darkroom under the red safelight, and I was fascinated by the entire process. Those early experiences sparked a passion for photography that stayed with me throughout my life.
Over the years, I continued taking photos with digital cameras and my phone, but eventually life got busy and I lost touch with photography. Then, on April 13, 2020, my father passed away unexpectedly from a heart attack. Losing him turned my world upside down, and I struggled with grief for a long time.
In late 2024, I had a dream about my father that changed everything. In the dream, he asked me why I had stopped doing photography and encouraged me to pick up a camera again and continue pursuing my passion. It felt like a wake-up call. The very next day, I went out and bought a new Canon camera and lens.
Since then, I have dedicated myself to rebuilding my skills and growing as a photographer. What started as a way to reconnect with a passion from my childhood has become a meaningful part of my life and career. Every time I pick up my camera, I think of my father and the foundation he gave me. I am proud of how far I have come in a relatively short time, and I am grateful for the inspiration he continues to provide.
Can you talk to us a bit about the challenges and lessons you’ve learned along the way. Looking back would you say it’s been easy or smooth in retrospect?
It has definitely not been a smooth road, and in many ways, the journey is still challenging today. One of my biggest struggles has been getting my name and work recognized in a highly competitive industry.
As a Deaf photographer, I have faced barriers that many people may not realize exist. Although I can speak and read lips, there are times when potential clients hesitate to hire me because they assume communication will be difficult or that I may not understand their vision. Those assumptions can be discouraging because they are based on my disability rather than my abilities.
Over time, I have learned to advocate for myself and demonstrate that effective communication comes in many forms. My focus is always on understanding my clients’ needs and creating images that tell their story. Photography is a visual art, and I believe my perspective as a Deaf photographer has helped me develop a unique attention to detail and human connection.
The biggest lesson I’ve learned is that talent, dedication, and professionalism matter more than limitations others may perceive. I hope people see me not as a Deaf photographer, but as a photographer who happens to be Deaf and is passionate about creating meaningful images.
Thanks – so what else should our readers know about your work and what you’re currently focused on?
I specialize in boudoir, couples, portraits, and lifestyle photography. What I am most known for is capturing people in an authentic and meaningful way. With boudoir photography, I strive to create images that are elegant, empowering, and unique to each client. My goal is to help people see their beauty and confidence through my lens.
I also love photographing couples and capturing the genuine connection between them. Rather than focusing on stiff poses, I look for the real emotions, sparks, laughter, and love that make every relationship special. Some of my favorite images are the ones that reflect a couple’s natural chemistry and tell their story.
What I am most proud of is my ability to showcase people as they truly are. Whether it is an individual boudoir session or a couples shoot, I want my clients to feel seen, comfortable, and confident. I believe everyone has a unique beauty, and I love creating photographs that highlight that.
What sets me apart is my perspective as a Deaf photographer. Being Deaf has taught me to be highly observant and attentive to visual details, body language, and emotions. Those qualities help me connect with my clients in a different way and allow me to capture moments that might otherwise go unnoticed.
Outside of photography, I work as a case manager serving the Deaf community. Helping people both professionally and creatively has become an important part of who I am, and I bring that same sense of care, empathy, and understanding into every photography session.
What makes you happy?
What makes me happiest is seeing my clients’ reactions when they receive their photos. There is something incredibly rewarding about delivering sneak peeks and hearing their excitement, and then watching them be completely amazed when they receive their full gallery or album. Knowing that I have created images they will cherish for years is one of the best parts of being a photographer.
I also find joy in the creative process itself. There are moments during a session when I press the shutter button and instantly know I have captured something special—a genuine expression, a meaningful connection, or a unique moment that can never be recreated. Those moments remind me why I fell in love with photography in the first place.
Photography allows me to preserve memories, emotions, and stories, and being able to share that with others is what makes me truly happy.
Pricing:
- Portrait, couples, branding, and creative sessions start at $140.
- Boudoir and maternity photography packages start at $275.
- Engagement and intimate ceremony photography packages start at $495.
- Las Vegas elopement photography packages start at $300, with multi-location coverage available.
- Event photography coverage starts at $350 and includes private online gallery delivery.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://unscriptedphotographers.com/daliahj_photo
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/daliahj_photo/
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/daliahjphoto
- https://maps.app.goo.gl/LR25DtvXtHNy2Y2y9?g_st=ic
