Meet Araka Walker: Wedding Photographer

We had the good fortune of connecting with Araka Walker and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Araka, what matters most to you?
Compassion and respect are key in my life. In friendships, yes, and especially in business. The golden rule is treating others how you would be treated, right? As a wedding photographer, I think back to my own wedding and how that process was. I felt lost in the planning and overwhelmed in the execution, unsure of how to get the results I had dreamed up on my pinterest board translated into real life. When I put myself back in those shoes, it’s clear to me how I want to my clients to feel. Cherished. Heard. Supported. I am their cheerleader for their love story. A sounding board on wedding ideas. A guide to other wedding vendors when needed. 2020 required much compassion from everyone. If ever there was a time to practice compassion and respect, it was this past year! 

Let’s talk shop? Tell us more about your career, what can you share with our community?
After 8 years in the Air Force, my heart felt heavy. I was very proud of my career but I needed art and my heart needed the beauty of love stories. I threw myself into photography as a way to heal and have never looked back! I’m very fortunate to get to work with the sweetest couples and their love stories are so inspiring to me and those around them.

If you had a friend visiting you, what are some of the local spots you’d want to take them around to?
As a military family, we moved to Augusta Georgia in 2012 and it has become home. After a year in California we are happy to be back and I’ve been soaking up our favorites spots since being back, both new and old! Finch and Fifth is hands down my favorite dining spot – their seasonal menu, handmade craft cocktails, and charcuterie boards are amazing! Then there’s Tako Sushi when you get a penchant for sushi- you have to try the Crazy Roll! A new favorite is Pineapple Ink Tavern – their pit fries will take you by surprise in the best way. My favorite way to walk off a food coma is by perusing antique stores and the CSRA is brimming with great options! Riverfront Antique Mall, Mama Had One, Aunt Tique & Uncle Junk’s just to name a few! But if you spot any antique Fire King jadeite be sure to give me a shout 🙂

Shoutout is all about shouting out others who you feel deserve additional recognition and exposure. Who would you like to shoutout?
I am so grateful for my husband who holds down the fort with our little one and also supporting me through our own personal investments. Photography is not a cheap professional! Where our daughter is concerned, he’s always in my corner and eager to single parent when needed, whether it’s a weekend out of state for a wedding, taking over dinner and bedtime for an inquiry call, or sending me goodnight videos as we are winding down our wedding coverage. Also this community of creatives has been amazing. Fellow photographers who speak life into passion. Florists who share their beauty and magic. Planners eager to jump into the next crazy, creative idea with trust. My heart belongs to this community and I’m so grateful!

Website: www.arakawalker.com
Instagram: www.instagram.com/arakawalker
Facebook: www.facebook.com/arakwalker