We were lucky to catch up with Ariele Gent recently and have shared our conversation below.
Ariele , thanks for taking the time to share your stories with us today Parents play a huge role in our development as youngsters and sometimes that impact follows us into adulthood and into our lives and careers. Looking back, what’s something you think you parents did right?
My passion for documenting love stories in beautiful places comes from my childhood environment and experiences, provided by my parents. My inspiration comes from bathroom walls being painted with socks, National Forest Ranger applications, trash bags full of film photos, scenic drives, and so much more. Whenever my mom had a creative idea, it was getting done. Even in my adult life, my mom and I share the passion for art in all forms; painting, photography, home renovations, and music. My dad had one of the most unique souls I’ve ever known. Growing up we would lay in the street at night to look at the stars, and during the day look up to the clouds to create stories about what we saw. My dad passed in 2018, and a few months after his passing my uncle gave me a trunk full of old photos and documents that belonged to my dad. Inside the trunk contained National Forest applications my dad had submitted early on in his life, and knowing I have the same drive and passion for traveling as he did fuels my soul and connects me to him. My parents showed me early on in my life that it’s okay to be different, and to embrace it. Still to this day, whenever I have a photo that’s blown me away I immediately send it to my mom to share the moment with her. I have them to thank for my creative brain and the way I see art in the littlest of things.
Ariele , 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?
I am a couple’s elopement, and intimate wedding photographer. I am based out of Virginia Beach, Virginia but I travel anywhere and everywhere! My craft is documenting love stories in their authentic form. I prompt and direct couples to interact with one another, so I can capture those raw, unfiltered emotions. Ever since I was little, I’ve loved photography, in 2022 I decided to take the leap and start professionally practicing, and just in two years I’ve grown more than I ever imagined. I can’t wait to continue to grow and learn to further my art.
What sets me apart in my craft is my nostalgic editing, while showcasing the beautiful scenery that surrounds my clients. There is a story to be told in why you choose a location, whether you’re drawn to the peacefulness of the ocean, or the feeling of freedom in the mountains. I want to capture the why, I want you to feel the emotion.
My goal with my business is to continue to grow until I can become a full time, travel elopement photographer. I want to capture love stories in the most beautiful places, surrounded by intimate reunions and euphoria.
Any advice for growing your clientele? What’s been most effective for you?
The most effective strategy for growth has been creating lasting impressions on my clients, and they talk about my business by word of mouth. So many of my clients relate back to previous clients and I am so, incredibly thankful for how incredible the community is that surrounds my business. Creating deep relationships and creating meaningful art you put your entire heart into will leave a lasting impression on people.
Have you ever had to pivot?
My photography business originally started out as animals only. I gained inspiration through my dog, Goonie, and I wanted to grow this passion into something more. I eventually started to get inquiries for couples and I fell in love with engagement shoots and that, “we’re going to spend forever together” feeling each couple had. Then it grew into weddings and I truly can’t get enough. I love it so much. No matter what, I will always love photographing animals, especially with their owners. There’s nothing like capturing the love between an animal and their owner.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://gentsvisuals.mypixieset.com/home/
- Instagram: @gentsvisuals
- Facebook: Gentsvisuals
Image Credits
All photos taken by me,
Ariele Gent,
@gentsvisuals