Check Out Simone Arora’s Story

Today we’d like to introduce you to Simone Arora.

Hi Simone, please kick things off for us with an introduction to yourself and your story. 
I started photography while living abroad for a year, right before the pandemic. I traveled to 24 different countries through 6 continents. Once the pandemic hit, I set in on my new hobby and studied anything and everything I could get my hands on. I snapped pictures of my dog and learned editing through trial and error. 

After a while, my heart told me I needed to be back on the road. So, I built out a van and started traveling all across North America, documenting my travels with my camera. I shot mostly for free when I first started traveling, but people started asking for my rates (and paying them!), and I realized I could turn this into my side business. 

My full-time job is as a product director for a software company. On the side, I work for an adventure journal as their event Director of Photography and Marketing Director, and then I own my own photography business. I shoot portraits, weddings, engagements, etc., and it truly is my creative outlet. I love meeting people, finding new techniques for shooting, and I’m constantly learning to better my business and client experience. 

Would you say it’s been a smooth road, and if not, what are some of the biggest challenges you’ve faced along the way?
Every failure I’ve experienced has become a lesson. I check my settings frequently, make sure to look behind me when I step backwards, and always always always eat when I have a spare second! I take all feedback and criticism and help it fuel my knowledge and growth. 

As you know, we’re big fans of you and your work. For our readers who might not be as familiar, what can you tell them about what you do?
I specialize in photographing smaller, more intimate events like weddings and elopements. Non-traditional, cultural, and out-of-the-box are my favorite types of events! I’m known for always being on the move, going the extra mile, and truly cultivating relationships with my clients. I’m most proud of the friends I’ve made along the way and the love I’ve been able to capture in ways that are unique and special to each couple. My editing style is timeless, which seems to be less popular these days. A lot of photographers are leaning into trendy colors, and I like to capture true-to-life tones and emotions. I love sitting and editing a picture until it really sings! 

What has been the most important lesson you’ve learned along your journey?
The photography industry is cutthroat. A lot of well-established photographers can be pretty set in their ways and will tell newer photographers there’s one way to do things. I’ve learned that there are so many techniques, perspectives, and styles and that photography really is an art. 

Staying true to who you are as a photographer is very difficult – I’ve gotten talked down to, told I was ridiculous for doing things a certain way and judged for standing my ground on matters that I believe in. If you find the right people and the people who understand your goals and beliefs, support you, challenge you, and help you learn and grow, it makes it a whole lot easier to power through. Making industry friends is one thing. Making the right industry friends is another thing. 

Contact Info:

• Website: simonearoraphoto.com
• Instagram: @arora.the.explorer

Image Credits
@melissacreativestudio_