We recently connected with Ariana Zahedi and have shared our conversation below.

Hi Ariana, thanks for joining us today. Let’s talk legacy – what sort of legacy do you hope to build?

I want to evoke a blend of joy and serenity in those who discover my work. When I edit photos, I tend to reflect back to other hybrid photographers who captured the essence of film and nostalgia so well with digital, as if to bring light back into the days of film. Film was an era of truer art than today, one that creatives put more time and effort into when bringing their visions to life (or sometimes, just for fun and memory making). I aspire for others to view my work and be taken to the same state of peace where we are reminded of the simpler times we had in life – with more human connection and focus on our emotions. I hope, as a photographer, I am remembered for this.

Ariana, before we move on to more of these sorts of questions, can you take some time to bring our readers up to speed on you and what you do?

Born and raised in Arizona, I’m a creative who loves making dreams come to fruition. I’ve always surrounded my life with art – drawing/painting, fashion, music, photography, embroidery, the list goes on. I’ve developed a profound admiration for the breathtaking charm of greenery, flowers, and wildlife thriving in a desert setting. For photography, my journey began with playful experimentation using my father’s camera equipment at the age of 19. Since then, I’ve been bestowed with my own camera, delving into the realm of hybrid photography. I want to inspirit color and emotion in my work because that is my vision.

I transitioned from capturing hummingbirds (my favorite animal) to the world of portraiture and weddings. In my eyes, all that surrounds us exudes beauty, which gave me a reason to explore every avenue and share all things captivating. While working with clients, I aim to reveal the depth of their beauty, surpassing even their own perceptions.

Aside from my profession/hobby, I am an electrical engineer-turned-UX designer, where I desire to bring a unique perspective and passion for creating enticing user experiences, as well as an avid enthusiast of video games and anime (hit me up with recommendations, Naruto is my all-time favorite forever and always). :)

What’s the most rewarding aspect of being a creative in your experience?

For artists, our reward is understanding how creativity never ends — it is always growing in different directions, portraying individuality and channeling our core to different levels of emotions. Colors, the placement of subjects and articles, framing, all these traits possess the ability to shift our moods. A little change can cause great impact to artwork.

Are there any resources you wish you knew about earlier in your creative journey?

There are various outlets for photography that I wish I knew about prior to entering the business world. Then again, our internet is much more accessible today than it was almost 10 years ago. Thanks to the communities who share their experience and expertise, an abundance of resources are available for anyone willing to learn. From in-person/online courses, to YouTube and even Instagram Reels – there is much knowledge to offer. If you want to achieve a certain branding, research other creatives who inspire you and identify patterns. Then look into tutorials, articles, influencers who provide tips, tricks, etc. The best advice is to try it out yourself and make adjustments to the product, in order to see your potential and reach the vision of your work.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://www.arianazahediphoto.com/
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/arianazahediphoto/
• Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/arianazahedi/

Image Credits
Ariana Zahedi Photography