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

Hi Ariel, what inspires you?
I am inspired by the journey of motherhood. Becoming a mother has shown me just how fast time flies, and that in the blink of an eye, moments turn into memories. If one is not careful to be present in the moment, the details of the now memories quickly fade.

Can you open up a bit about your work and career? We’re big fans and we’d love for our community to learn more about your work.
I help families who desire to preserve those fleeting, meaningful moments by capturing their stories in a way that is authentic to them. I love to get to know my clients before the shoot. It not only opens up a level of comfort beforehand, but it also builds trust that allows me to tell their story in an authentic way. I believe family photos can be more than just stand still and smile for the camera. Do your kids like to play? Let me capture them playing tag. Is your family affectionate? Let me capture you all snuggling. Are you funny? Let me capture that laugh that comes deep from your belly.

Photography has always been a part of my life. I was that girl in school taking pictures in the cafeteria with a disposable camera during lunch, then taking it to Walgreens to get developed. Fast forward to 2016 my daughter had turned one and I realized that due to my postpartum depression, I wasn’t as present as I could have been during her first year. Like the Arrowsmith song, I didn’t want to miss a thing! So I dusted off my dslr and began capturing everything. My mentor Kyeon Constantine taught me how to get off of auto and shoot manual which led me to begin experimenting more and learning about the art of photography.

The decision to turn this into a business started during quarantine. I made a decision to invest in myself and my craft and blossom from “I take pictures” to “I am a photographer. ” I attended my first retreat with Kendra Ashton where she showed me how to turn my passion into a business, all while keeping God first and with a servant’s heart. During this whole journey, I have learned to fall in love with the process. Of course we strive for the end goal, but there is such beauty and character building in the process.

If you had a friend visiting you, what are some of the local spots you’d want to take them around to?
I would definitely recommend Slutty Vegan. Their burgers are out of this world and you would never guess they were 100% vegan! The rooftop at Ponce City Market is also fun. You can grab something to eat inside then head to the rooftop for a carnival like experience.

Shoutout is all about shouting out others who you feel deserve additional recognition and exposure. Who would you like to shoutout?
I would be remiss if I did not first acknowledge God who purposed me to pursue photography. I would also like to shoutout my daughter Aria who serves as my model, my muse, and my daily drive to keep pushing forward. My amazing village comprised of friends and family who keep me ground and pour into daily. My mentors Garren Pryce of Garren Pryce Photography, Kendra Ashton of Kendra Ashton Photography, and Kyeon Constantine have all played a major role in the photographer I am today and I will forever be grateful.

Website: arieltheresaphotography.com

Instagram: instagram.com/arieltheresaphotography

Image Credits
Headshot: Kendra Ashton of Kendra Ashton Photography

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