Alright – so today we’ve got the honor of introducing you to Alec Arambula. We think you’ll enjoy our conversation, we’ve shared it below.

Alec, thanks for taking the time to share your stories with us today Often outsiders look at a successful business and think it became a success overnight. Even media and especially movies love to gloss over nitty, gritty details that went into that middle phase of your business – after you started but before you got to where you are today. In our experience, overnight success is usually the result of years of hard work laying the foundation for success, but unfortunately, it’s exactly this part of the story that most of the media ignores. Can you talk to us about your scaling up story – what are some of the nitty, gritty details folks should know about?

When I started Arambula, it was just me, my camera, and a love for capturing moments. Over time, I figured out how to turn that passion into a business that actually grew. It wasn’t a straight shot—there were a lot of lessons, pivots, and challenges along the way.

What Helped Me Grow
Clear Brand & Messaging – I had to position myself in a way that attracted the right couples—people who valued photography the way I do. That meant refining my wedding packages, showcasing my style, and making sure my work spoke to the right audience.
Word-of-Mouth & Referrals – Happy couples became my best marketing tool. I focused on delivering a great experience, and in return, they recommended me to their friends. Instagram @ajarambula and Website: arambula.us also played a huge role in building credibility.
Content Creation – I started using Instagram Reels to connect with couples in a more engaging way. Providing value through content helped me establish trust and authority in the wedding space.
Efficiency & Workflow – I optimized my editing process, streamlined my communication, and made booking seamless. Investing in the right tools helped me scale without burning out.
Building Relationships – Networking with planners, venues, and other vendors led to more opportunities and referrals. Those connections made a big impact.
Challenges & Lessons Learned
Undercharging at First – I was pricing too low early on, which made it hard to grow. Raising my rates felt risky, but it was necessary.
Saying No to the Wrong Clients – Not every inquiry was the right fit. Learning to turn down work that didn’t align with my style and vision was a game-changer.
Balancing Business & Creativity – Photography is what I love, but running a business means also focusing on marketing, sales, and client experience. That balance took time to figure out.

Great, appreciate you sharing that with us. Before we ask you to share more of your insights, can you take a moment to introduce yourself and how you got to where you are today to our readers.

Michigan-based wedding photographer, has a true gift for capturing the essence of your day. With an eye for the smallest details and a talent for transforming everyday moments into unforgettable memories, Alec ensures every smile, tear, and fleeting glance is beautifully preserved. His blend of technical expertise and creative flair tells your love story through breathtaking images, allowing you to relive the magic of your wedding day for years to come.

It’s an honor to be a part of your wedding day—one of life’s most meaningful milestones. I’m committed to capturing the joy, love, and celebration that define your story, creating evocative, timeless imagery that you’ll treasure forever.

What’s a lesson you had to unlearn and what’s the backstory?

For the longest time, I believed that to be successful in photography, I had to do everything—portraits, weddings, product photography, events, landscapes, and more. I thought casting a wide net would bring in more opportunities, but in reality, it only spread me thin. I was juggling too many things, never truly excelling at any of them.

The real shift happened when I decided to focus on one craft. I put all my energy into mastering a single niche, and that’s when everything changed. I became an expert, my work stood out, and opportunities started coming to me naturally. Ironically, once I honed my expertise in one area, everything else followed—my overall skillset improved, my confidence grew, and I started attracting the right clients.

The biggest lesson I had to unlearn was that doing everything doesn’t make you successful—becoming great at one thing does.

We’d love to hear a story of resilience from your journey.

There was a time in my photography career when nothing seemed to be working. I was grinding, putting in the hours, taking every job I could, yet I wasn’t seeing the growth I wanted. Doubt started creeping in. Was I cut out for this? Should I pivot to something else?

But instead of giving up, I doubled down. I refined my craft, invested in learning, and most importantly, I shifted my focus. Instead of trying to be everything to everyone, I found my lane and committed to it. It wasn’t an overnight success—there were late nights, moments of frustration, and times when I questioned everything.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://arambula.us
• Instagram: @ajarambula @a.j.arambula
• Facebook: Alec Arambula
• Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/alec-arambula/