Justine Hery, a portrait photographer from France, gives insight into what could make or break the perfect photo opportunity, even in a city that is as picture perfect as New York...The city that begs to be photographed around every skyscraper and sidewalk - but still, it takes more than "JUST" capturing the moment, Justine tells us why it’s time to up your digital marketing game when you share your photos on social media. Keep listening for tips and advice from Justine.

19-year old Steven, who is originally from Germany, tells Lyla why he chose to drop out of school and follow his passion instead.

The NY Times Portfolio Review is a two-day event in which photographers, photo editors, publishers, and video producers gather in New York to meet and trade ideas. Applicants are encouraged to apply from all around the world with around 3 000 people applying. About 160 participants were chosen to attend the conference. The Review took place this past weekend. (on the 21 and 22 April 2018.)

Reatile Moalusi and Kgomotso Neto Tleane are two South African photographers whose works had been chosen for the New York Times Portfolio Review.

Lyla rubbed shoulders with the two talented photographers at a South African braai in Brooklyn, when expats came together to celebrate Freedom Day. The gentlemen also invited a friend they made at the Review – a photographer from Nigeria by the name of Oladapo Ogunjobi. ( Instagram: @iam_ouverture )

Lyla was curious to hear how Oladopo had managed to get ahead of the game in his field, in his country, and casually unpacked her recording equipment that she shamelessly carries around town with her (just in case she meets someone cool that she can’t say goodbye to without sitting down for an impromptu interview first!)

Lyla’s podcast airs on EDEN AM Radio, on Dustin Miller’s show every Tuesday (9:15 ET/15:15 SA time) The series can be found on her Soundcloud channel.

Microphone in hand, Lyla & Oladapo stepped away for a moment, from the sizzling grills and cheerful interactions between South Africans, who traveled from different states to attend the Freedom Day Braai.

The event - organized by Shaun Peterson from Boskabouter Advetures - saw over 100 people gathering around braaivleis fires at Pier 5 in Brooklyn, with beautiful views of the Manhattan skyline. The event was ended off with the tradition of the South African National Anthem being sung by all who attended.

Photo credit: @iam_ouverture (instagram)

South African born actress & humanitarian, Mary-Anne Wright, tells us about her organization – “Unbounded Lioness Creations” - a Global Art & Entertainment Company supporting Mental Health, Education and Humanitarian Issues. Lyla & Mary-Anne were both performers at her Global Connectivity event that took place in Clinton Cameo Studios, 43rd street Times Square, earlier in April.

https://www.unboundedlionesscreations.com/about

We know by now that “stranger-danger” does not exist in Lyla’s world, no.

This week, she jumped into the passenger seat of a South African expat’s car and got him to spill the beans on life as a Hollywood actor – listen in on their conversation whilst they try and combat their own “mission impossible” on the road - trying to find a parking spot in New York!

After 3 hours of driving around, Edwin shows off his singing talent to Halsey’s “Bad at Love” in a collaboration with Lyla – stay tuned to the very end of this interview for a recording of the “Roadrage Kararoke”

As heard on the South African radio station, Eden AM’s "It's Miller Time" - Edwin speaks about the lessons he has learned on his journey to success, and shares the hardships and insights about a transition as big as the one of moving from small town Kimberley, to America.

Being a busker, and being homeless in NYC - there's a difference between the two. Kishan, a successful entrepreneur who has made a name for himself as a busker in Central Park over the last 8 years (and has appeared in scenes of shows such as Glee) talks about giving up life as a NYC chef to live homeless. In this new adventure, he discovered and pursued his passion of making bubbles, and turned it into a thriving business that brings him happiness and peace on his journey in life.

After digging around on social media, Lyla sniffed out a group of South African expats in New York.

They go by the name, the "New York New Jersey Springbok Club" - this bunch of SAFFAS (ABOUT 40 OF THEM!!!!) meet up at O'Brien's Pub on 46nd street NYC, once a month, to combat the homesickness whilst having a beer and some biltong.

On a recent Friday night, she crashed their party, and got the chance to ask them what they miss the most about home.

You can look up the expat group on Facebook - the "New York New Jersey Springbok Club" for more events.

Lyla will be back next week with more!

(Part 1 of 2)This week, Lyla threw a backpack over her shoulder and hopped on a plane from New York to California. She found herself in a conversation with a public relations professional & foodie, Yoyce Jones, a former New Yorker. The two of them chatted away at 5.30 am at Union Station in LA, so she decided to grab her phone and record these great tips from Yoyce on what, and where, to eat if you are planning a trip to New York.

EP3 Being gay in NYC - Lyla interviews Diego Saxy by Lyla Illing

This week Lyla corners an ex-bartender in a hallway in a bar, downtown Manhattan.

As heard on Eden AM's "It's Miller Time" Siobhan Fogarty tells us about the boatloads of cash, as well as the “not so fun” stuff… that comes with being a bartender in New York City.