We’re excited to introduce you to the always interesting and insightful Ari Theel. We hope you’ll enjoy our conversation with Ari below.

Ari, looking forward to hearing all of your stories today. Being a business owner can be really hard sometimes. It’s rewarding, but most business owners we’ve spoken sometimes think about what it would have been like to have had a regular job instead. Have you ever wondered that yourself? Maybe you can talk to us about a time when you felt this way?

I am thrilled to be a business owner! That being said, it absolutely had its growing pains. There were days and months when I craved a steady paycheck and the ability to “turn off work” when the work day was done. I am so happy I did not quit. It’s been years since I was in that place of struggling to own my own business business and looking back I’m just so proud of younger me for not giving up when it was difficult. Nothing worth having comes easy, and although owning a business is hard work, it is so rewarding when you begin seeing those larger returns and bigger projects coming your way.

Awesome – so before we get into the rest of our questions, can you briefly introduce yourself to our readers.

I am a full time wedding photographer based out of Oahu, Hawaii and I love every minute of it. I started with fashion and editorial photography near LA but quickly realized the market in Hawaii was much different. If I wanted to make it as a photographer, weddings were the easy answer. Little did I know, weddings would become my entire life! I truly cannot see myself doing anything else and I’m shocked I didn’t know how great being a wedding photographer would be when I was younger. I love my couples, of course, but one of the biggest blessings have been the relationships I’ve built with other vendors in the community. I’m so blessed to work alongside such talented and creative individuals and call them my friends.

My niche of weddings is in the luxury market, which means I get to experience couples’ wedding days in a lavish and intentional way. My clients love including details that make their wedding unique to them, and seeing how their wedding aesthetic speaks to who they are as a couple is such a special thing to both witness and capture. I’m so proud of the brand I built and the trust that people bestow upon me to capture such a special and intimate day.

Can you talk to us about how your funded your business?

I was working as a 911 police dispatcher in Orange County, CA, and used my first “adult” paycheck to buy a camera. I always knew photography was something I would love but didn’t know if I’d be any good at it, and at that time it was quite a bit of money to throw into a hobby. I started photographing portraits and models to test the waters and fell in love very quickly. Most of my career I’ve been re-investing a large portion of what I make into better gear. I’m not sure that cycle ever really ends as there’s always new and fun tools coming out that only improve what you do. It’s true that the gear doesn’t make the photographer – but it doesn’t hurt!

Any stories or insights that might help us understand how you’ve built such a strong reputation?

Building relationships and going above and beyond! I cannot stress this enough. People spend so long trying to figure out marketing ploys, the best way to build a business is to be genuine in your interactions and help others. I really do believe in Karma and receiving the energy you put out. I’m thankful for the community around me and have only scratched the surface on getting to know others in my industry.

This, and of course just being the best photographer/business person you can be towards your clients! I always underpromise and over-deliver. I make sure that I’m not only fulfilling my role as a photographer but also finding ways to help them in other categories. I’ve fixed a bridesmaid’s broken shoe with silk ribbon from my styling kit, caught a falling ceremony arch, and held it for an hour while others tried to stabilize it. Transported buckets and buckets of florals from one location to another to help out planners. Being a good person really goes such a long way.

Contact Info:

• Website: theelweddingproductions.com
• Instagram: instagram.com/theelweddingproductions
• Facebook: facebook.com/theelweddingproductions

Image Credits
Belle de Jour Floral Reveal Hair and Makeup SF Fleur Updo Hawaii Soleil House Summerhouse Hawaii Juniper Calligraphy