Life & Work with Arielle Turner

Today we’d like to introduce you to Arielle Turner.  

Hi Arielle, thanks for joining us today. We’d love for you to start by introducing yourself.
My love for photos started after experiencing the loss of my baby sister to cancer in the early 2000s, and it grew passionately after the loss of my father in 2012. 

Throughout my childhood, my mother was very adamant about capturing photos and videos of everything we did. Even something as simple as eating on the porch, which I thought was silly at the time. As I got older, I realized that all we have are the memories of people and moments past. It’s something about holding a photo in your hand and being taken back to that exact moment where you can feel those same emotions from that day. 

With all that said, it’s safe to say that I became that person in any group with the camera capturing every moment. Fun fact: in college, I went from getting my degree in Social Work to achieving my degree in Fine Arts to pursue photography. 

I’m sure you wouldn’t say it’s been obstacle free, but so far would you say the journey has been a fairly smooth road?
My journey has been FAR from smooth. It’s been rough, with a lot of heartbreak from external stressors to battling with my own thoughts daily. Imposter syndrome is real, and when COVID-19 hit, things got tremendously worse. 

I often get in my head with comparing others to where I am. I think we all do that one time or another, but as a creative, I think it’s 1000x harder. There’s been many times I’ve undervalued myself, looking at the work of someone who has been in the industry decades longer than me. It Sounds so silly when I put it into words, but it’s happened too many times over the years. I’ve missed some big opportunities all because I was in my head. 

To be an entrepreneur, self-care and mental health are very important. When you’re trying to go full-time in your passions, you will spend many days and nights struggling, mentally and financially. Reminding myself that tomorrow is always a new day to show up as my full self and take on new opportunities. I am good enough. 

Every day the sun won’t shine, but that’s why I love tomorrows. 

Thanks for sharing that. So, maybe next you can tell us a bit more about your work?
Arie T. Photography is a black queer woman-owned and operated traveling portrait and wedding photography service specializing in couple photography, proposals, engagements, bridal showers, weddings, etc. I’ve had the honor of photographing people of all walks of life and their weddings all over the U.S. So, identity and location is never an issue when it comes to me! I love Love no matter what it looks like, and I believe that’s what sets me apart from others. 

I’d say my style has a true-to-life photojournalistic vibe, which could be best described as candid with a pinch of editorial. Imagine I’m capturing the true vibes of your day, and at the same, we just might get published in your favorite wedding mag or website! I like to tell my clients to pretend like I’m not even there. At times, I blend into the background, so you truly won’t even know I’m there. I want you to feel like I’m a friend that’s here to celebrate you. I focus on the raw emotions and detail of our time together. I aim to capture the pure joy, tenderness, and above all the love between people, places, and things. 

I want you to look back on your images and relive that moment time and time again. Whether you’re having an Elopement or grand cathedral wedding with 200+ guests, my approach is the same – to capture your love as it unfolds. 

What do you think about happiness?
Oh goodness. Let’s see. A few things come to mind, but my great nephew Josiah would be my number 1. I absolutely love that kid with my whole heart. There aren’t many people in the world that are genuinely always happy to talk to you or see you, but this one never lets me feel unloved. Not even for a second. He motivates me to continue to be the best version of myself. That’s the simplest way for me to put it. 

My number 2 would definitely be travel. There’s so much to do and see in the world. I try to travel a few times a year internationally. It’s such a freeing feeling, even if it’s just temporary. 

Pricing:

• Weddings ranges from $1,800 – $6,000
• Engagement Sessions (90mins) $375
• Travel Fees start at $200+, if applicable

Contact Info:

• Website: https://www.photosbyarie.com/home
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/arietphotography/
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/ArieTPhotography/
• Other: https://www.zola.com/wedding-vendors/wedding-photographers/arie-t-photography

Image Credits
Arie T. Photography LLC