We were lucky to catch up with Arianna Padilla recently and have shared our conversation below.

Alright, Arianna thanks for taking the time to share your stories and insights with us today. Can you talk to us about how you learned to do what you do?

I wouldn’t claim to have mastered my craft entirely, but I’ve come a long way. In my opinion, one of the biggest misconceptions about photography is that mastering your equipment and software is the most essential aspect. While technical skills are important, the one thing that has had the greatest impact on my work is learning how to communicate in a way that creates space for authenticity with my clients.

To truly capture human connection, you have to help create those moments naturally, without making them feel forced or pressured. As photographers, we often feel the need to maintain a professional facade, dictating what should happen. While giving professional direction—such as managing time or choosing locations—is important, the magic lies in letting go of rigid control and fostering an environment where genuine moments can unfold.

Arianna, love having you share your insights with us. Before we ask you more questions, maybe you can take a moment to introduce yourself to our readers who might have missed our earlier conversations?

Your text is already clear and heartfelt. Here’s a refined version with minor adjustments for grammar and flow:

For those who may not know me, my name is Arianna, and I’m a portrait photographer. My journey into photography didn’t start with an extraordinary event—I got my first camera at 13 and instantly fell in love with taking pictures. Like most teens, my interests shifted over time, and for years, my relationship with photography ebbed and flowed. It wasn’t until I became a parent that my passion was truly reignited.

Having kids gave me a new perspective and the desire to create a life that allowed me to prioritize both my family and my creative calling.

What I offer is more than just photos—I strive to create an experience where clients feel seen, comfortable, and authentic. My work includes a mix of posed and candid shots, but the common thread is always a focus on capturing real emotion and connection.

If there’s one thing I’d like people to know about me and my work, it’s that photography isn’t just a job for me—it’s a way to be creative, to celebrate, and to honor the beauty of genuine, unfiltered moments.

How did you put together the initial capital you needed to start your business?

Of course! Here’s a more polished version of your revised answer:

My initial funding for photography actually came from a different career. At a time when I didn’t realize I could turn photography into a full-time profession, I sought stability in the medical field. I still hold a license as a radiologic technologist and often joke with my clients that, one way or another, I’ve been “shooting” people—whether it’s their bones or their faces, haha!

I’m fortunate to no longer rely on the stability of the medical field, but I’m incredibly thankful that it allowed me to save and invest in my photography business until I felt more secure in pursuing it as a career. That foundation gave me the confidence to fully commit to my passion, and I’ll always appreciate the role it played in getting me here.

Any resources you can share with us that might be helpful to other creatives?

YouTube was an invaluable resource in the early stages of my photography journey, and I always encourage others to take advantage of it. There’s a wealth of free information available, covering everything from technical skills to creative inspiration.

In addition to YouTube, two other fantastic resources that often fly under the radar are CreativeLive and MasterClass. While these platforms require payment for classes or subscriptions, I’ve found incredible courses on both that have significantly expanded my knowledge and perspective on photography. They’ve been well worth the investment and have helped me take my craft to the next level.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://Ariannavpadilla.com
• Instagram: Ariannavpadilla
• Facebook: https://m.facebook.com/ariannavpadilla/