Conversations with Ariel Plett

Photo by Wild Eye Imagery

Today we’d like to introduce you to Ariel Plett. 

Hi Ariel, so excited to have you on the platform. So, before we get into questions about your work-life, maybe you can bring our readers up to speed on your story and how you got to where you are today?
I’ve always been an artistic person, exploring different creative outlets to find what I loved to do. When I ventured into photography during my college years, I was fascinated with different angles, learning my camera, and different lighting. I didn’t take it very seriously at first, but along the way, I fell in love with it. It gave me a drive to constantly challenge myself and experiment. I have loved it so much that it made me rethink what I wanted to do with my life. I ditched my original path to be an interior designer and focused on the business aspect of photography. I sought out mentors to help me be better and explored different genres until I found what really fueled my passion, which was to be a role model and empower young women. 

In my high school years, I was always an oddball and loner. I lacked self-confidence and still did for a long time. It wasn’t until my late college years that I finally became more confident in myself. One of my really good friends helped me through that and she inspired me to help others, especially high school students. 

I created the Student Model Program in 2014, 2 years after I started my photography journey. It was originally created so I could build a portfolio for high school seniors, but it grew into something much more. It has been my main focus since. Its main goal is to encourage high school students to get their photos taken professionally, feel like a model, boost self-confidence and just have a unique experience during their high school years. We have different themed shoots and it’s been such an amazing experience for myself and the students. 

Although my Student Model Program is my main focus, I also photograph high school seniors and work with entrepreneurs for personal branding photography. 

Alright, so let’s dig a little deeper into the story – has it been an easy path overall, and if not, what were the challenges you’ve had to overcome?
It definitely has not been a smooth road. Being a photographer means that you’re doing ALL the behind-the-scenes work (marketing, designing, finances, etc.) on top of the shooting and editing. It’s not as easy as people think. I sacrificed time away from my daughter, just to accommodate other people’s schedules. It took a while to balance that and take back my time. Marketing is another beast. Trying to be seen and create buzz is probably one of my biggest struggles. 

Thanks – so what else should our readers know about your work and what you’re currently focused on?
I specialize in Teens, Seniors, and Personal Branding. I’m very proud of my Student Model Program and I believe that sets me apart because it’s not offered by anyone else in my industry. I’m also very personable and I care a lot about the experience my seniors have while working with me. There are so many things I put into a senior session to make the experience fun, unique to them, and easy! 

Is there something surprising that you feel even people who know you might not know about?
I don’t think there’s a lot people don’t know. I’m an open book and my own personal brand is very transparent online through my Facebook and Instagram pages. Some teens already know I’m obsessed with glitter and mermaids and that my favorite colors are purple and gold. Some even know I craft, paint or sketch and that I’m a goof. 

Pricing:

• Senior Sessions start at $350
• Personal Branding starts at $200

Contact Info:

• Email: [email protected]
• Website: http://ariellynnphotography.com
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/ariellynnphotography
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/ArielLynnPhotographs

Image Credits
Ariel Lynn Photograhpy