VoyageDallas Magazine 2018 Interview
I never expected to be interviewed by a magazine. I mean pinch me, really!! I'm ecstatic that I have worked along side some awesome creatives the last few years that they nominated me for an interview. I feel like in this industry it gets very competitive especially around the holidays to showcase your work and to book clients. This career has taught me a lot of patience, how to humble and how to say no. That last one might sound weird to some of y'all, but when I started photography I wanted to do it all. Don't get me wrong, I still do, but I know my limits now.
“Ariana, let’s start with your story. We’d love to hear how you got started and how the journey has been so far.”
I have always liked photography. In high school I always had a camera in my hand, just capturing moments with my friends. Once I had my daughter in 2011, I knew I needed to upgrade from Kodak to Canon. She inspired me to become a photographer. It started as a hobby, just taking pictures of her and of my friend’s kids. I realized how much I enjoyed making other people happy by capturing their life’s best moments. 10 years later, here we are today! It has been the most fulfilling job I have ever had (next to being a mom of course).
“Great, 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?”
I definitely would not say it has all been smooth. Photography takes practice, I am still learning new things every day. One of my biggest struggles was learning how to shoot in Manual mode. I have taken online courses and sought help from other experienced photographers for this. I struggled with letting go of how people view me and having the confidence to shoot weddings and other pivotal moments in my clients’ lives. My advice for someone starting a photography journey would be, to ask questions. Practice makes perfect. Don’t forget where you started from and never stop learning!!
“Alright – so let’s talk business. Tell us about Ariana Rodriguez Photography – what should we know?”
I specialize in boudoir photography. I started photographing kids and families first, then seniors and weddings and now boudoir (for the last 6 years). I am a featured boudoir photographer vendor on theknot.com and a Boudoir International Elite member. I have been published on Boudoir International Magazine, Boudoir Culture Magazine and so many more. One of the things that sets me apart from other photographers, is that I am bilingual. I also offer different products than just digital images. I do offer special discounts to teachers, military, police/fireman.
“Which women have inspired you in your life?”
The most influential women in my life hands down are:
1. My mom- She taught me how to be independent, and how to influence others happiness with my own. She supports my hopes, dreams and crazy ideas. She taught me to never give up, even if it means living under a bridge somewhere, you stick together. She inspired me to be not a good, but a great mom. I hope to be as amazing as she is one day.
2. Jasmine Star- She’s a latina boss babe just like me. I relate to her on so many levels! I love to see someone else of my race, killing it in the social media industry, and I have learned so much from taking her Social Curator course! She is definitely someone I look up to, and aspire to be like in business.
3. Becky Mechler- She’s the person that near or far knows everything that’s wrong with me and loves me anyways. She’s one of the people that knows my deepest, darkest secrets and the person who I can confidently cry in front of. She has become part of my family in ways I couldn’t even describe. She is also an astounding mother and motherly figure! She taught me that I can get through tough times and keep looking for better ones, as long as I have the people that love me by my side.
Contact Info:
Website: www.arodriguezphotography.com
Phone: (469)434-8291
Email: booking.arstudio@gmail.com
Instagram: www.instagram.com/arianarodriguezstudio
Facebook: www.facebook.com/arianarodstudio302
It is an honor to be recognized on the Trailblazer issue of Voyage Dallas.
I am so thankful for everyone that has gotten me and my business where it is today. I am looking forward to many more years as your photographer!
