We’re excited to introduce you to the always interesting and insightful Arie Turner. We hope you’ll enjoy our conversation with Arie below.
Arie, so great to have you with us today. There are so many topics we want to ask you about, but perhaps the one we can start with is burnout. How have you overcome or avoided burnout?
Sometimes it’s hard to avoid burnout, but I try my best to do so. One sure way to avoid it is to put yourself on a schedule. Anyone that’s an entrepreneur knows how hard that can be because you’re basically working 26/7 and time gets away from you before you can even catch your breath. So creating a schedule for myself is what helps me the most. I usually set aside 2-3 hours each weekday to focus solely on my business. That can be anything from scheduling social media posts, responding to and sending out emails, editing sessions, updating portfolios/storefronts or attending seminars. A way I overcome burnout is simply by going on vacation and treating myself to experiences that I’ve never had. For example, after last wedding season where I literally had weddings every weekend or every other weekend from April to October, I went to Costa Rica for a week. For me I have to escape to somewhere different, somewhere new, in order for me to reset. And it doesn’t always have to be something as grand as that. Sometimes it can be something as simple as trying a new themed restaurant or trying a new yoga class.
Let’s take a small detour – maybe you can share a bit about yourself before we dive back into some of the other questions we had for you?
I’m a queer traveling wedding photographer! My style leans more on documentary/photojournalistic with a dash of editorial when it comes to photographing a wedding day. So I’m going to grasp the emotion of a moment and That day to make sure it shines brightly in every shot while also giving you some publication-worthy content. I have the privilege of traveling from coast-to-coast across the United States taking photos of beautiful people on their wedding day. That is by far one of the most exciting parts. Last season I had weddings in California, Michigan, Illinois, Ohio, Indiana, Georgia and Alabama. Being able to connect with someone on such a level virtually that they trust me to document their day and bring their vision to life! Granted I’ve been doing this for quite some time, so I have the work to back myself up but still. It can be competitive out here, especially with being black & queer. I know people like to think we don’t have to tiptoe in spaces, but we do especially when it comes to something as “traditional” as a wedding. So being able to do something I’m super passionate about without feeling like I have to filter myself is a major plus when part of the reason someone has booked with me is because I’m a POC and a part of the LGBTQ+ community. On top of that, I feel like once people talk to me they get a peek into my personality and it’s all love from there. With all that being said, I’m currently booking weddings from now all the way out to December 2025. So definitely come find me, if you’re planning to get engaged or married!
There is so much advice out there about all the different skills and qualities folks need to develop in order to succeed in today’s highly competitive environment and often it can feel overwhelming. So, if we had to break it down to just the three that matter most, which three skills or qualities would you focus on?
I don’t feel like my three are strictly photography-based, but here they are: perseverance, social skills, and composition (ok, that last one has more to do with photo/art itself). Those have been the most impactful for me.
SOCIAL SKILLS: Being comfortable enough to talk when no one else is talking and stir the conversation can be helpful in so many situations. It came in handy with me when connecting with other creatives and actually helped me get my real start in weddings.
PERSEVERANCE: There are going to be so many moments where you’re going to feel like you’re not good enough. Whether it be your own self-talk, or words of others in the industry. Just remember everyone has to start somewhere and no one knew it all when they started and still don’t know it all now. There’s always so much more to learn in an industry that’s constantly changing and improving. The best thing for you to do is just start. Start whatever it is you’ve been contemplating.
COMPOSITION: The brand or type of equipment doesn’t really matter if you know how to frame a shot. I started with a Canon Rebel T3i. It’s a consumer-friendly, crop-sensor camera. Anyone will tell you that if you’re trying to do weddings or even portraits professionally that is NOT the right body to use. “It’s crappy.” But when I tell you I did my first year of wedding with one. It was risky, but I got the job done. Of course looking back at them now I get sick to my stomach (LOL) but at that point in my timeline it was some of my best work. And of course the couple loved every single photo. Again, it was all about my composition; the way I framed each shot made it chef’s kisses!
Who is your ideal client or what sort of characteristics would make someone an ideal client for you?
Oh! I have a list, in no specific order:
Clear Communication: They articulate their vision, preferences, and expectations clearly, enabling me to understand and meet their needs effectively.
Trust: They trust my expertise and artistic judgment, allowing for creative freedom while providing constructive feedback when necessary.
Organization: They are well-prepared and organized, providing essential details such as schedules, contacts, and venue information in advance.
Respectful of Boundaries: They respect my professional boundaries and limitations, understanding the importance of allowing me space to work without unnecessary interference.
Flexibility: They are open to suggestions and flexible with changes, understanding that unforeseen circumstances may arise during their wedding day.
Appreciation: They express appreciation for my work and efforts, valuing the importance of capturing precious moments and memories.
Payment: They understand the value of quality photography and are willing to invest accordingly, paying promptly and fairly for the services provided.
Basically my ideal wedding photography clients contribute to a positive and collaborative working relationship, resulting in beautiful and memorable photographs that exceed expectations of everyone involved!
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.photosbyarie.com/home#homepage
- 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
