My Approach
When I first meet a couple, I want to know what makes you “you” as a couple,
what you do on Friday nights, how you knew they were the one. Once I know that, I know how to photograph
your love the best that I can. During portraits - either your engagement session or your portraits on your wedding,
I want you to look like you - you in love with your partner and not some posed person.
I direct you into being the cutest, sweetest and in love you can be. I mean, I will for sure make sure you
have a happy smiley photo - but I also love showing your silliness and intimacy and
you being all hot and steamy with your best friend - your partner!
About Me
So, that’s me over there - Ariel! I grew up in Oceanside, CA and basically went to the beach all the time as a kid. I could have lived at the beach! After going to ArtCenter College of Design in Pasadena, CA for my BFA in photography, I knew I needed to be back at the beach, so I moved to Long Beach soon after graduation. My days are spent editing or shooting and then walking on the beach at sunset with my guy, Patrick. He and I have been together forever, he’s the best, funniest person I know. On our off days, we live for getting brunch at our favorite spot in Downtown Long Beach, Berlin. Then we usually go to an art museum - we’re members at LACMA and MOCA. Our guilty pleasure is rewatching Parks and Rec or It’s Always Sunny for the millionth time. We love camping and hiking and have been to Sedona and Joshua Tree and have plans to visit every National Park in the US!
I’m an ENFP; Scorpio in Sun Rising, Taurus in Moon, with Scorpio in both Venus & Mercury and Aquarius in Mars; Enneagram Type 8. I’m strong willed, outgoing, cherish strong connections, value uniqueness, judge situations by my feelings and am very passionate! While I might be seeing the qualities I want from all of these - these characteristics are definitely me to a tee!
What makes me “Me”
Flowers
I live for peonies, Gerber daisies, ranunculus and any beautiful flower in season. I try to make bouquets to decorate my home, usually in every room I can. I even have a vase above my desk for when I’m editing.
Love
Patrick and I met in the darkroom, while making black and white prints during college, our first date was me taking his portrait and we’ve been together ever since. Can you tell I love a good meet-cute!
Travel
I am happiest when seeing this big beautiful world we live in! I’ve swam in a volcano in Greece, explored ruins in Italy, swam with turtles in Mexico, and barhopped in Japan. I make time to explore any chance I get.
Published
FAQ’s
Are you available for my wedding date?
How many images do you deliver?
Check out our availability calendar here to find out!
I shoot everything! I aim to deliver between 100 -150 images per hour. I take out squints and unintentional funny faces. I keep in the best of the best from your day for your gallery.
For engagements and portraits, I deliver 75 - 125 per session.
I deliver all my images to a personalized online gallery, where you can download all images or single images - the images are yours!
Are you insured?
Yes! For up to 2 million dollars!
If you need a certificate of insurance for your venue, let me know!
How long does it take to get my images?
My turnaround time is about 6 - 8 weeks! Although, I usually send a sneak peek the next day after your wedding with my absolute faves so you can have something to share!
For engagements and portraits, my turnaround time is 2 - 4 weeks.
Do you have a second shooter with you on wedding day?
OMG, yes!! Unless you book JUST me.
Having a second shooter ensures that we capture everything happening at your wedding. I’ll usually have a second shooter and an assistant. We can chat about ensuring that there’s a second shooter in your package!
Do you also shoot video?
I do not shoot video and I do not include it any of my packages. I LOVE shooting still photos and that’s definitely what I’m best at! If you need recommendations, I’d be happy to give you some referrals!
What areas do you service?
Do you travel?
I live in the Los Angeles area and there are no travel fees within LA or Orange County -Anywhere within a 120mi round trip radius!
I love to travel, I will happily travel to your wedding, if it’s somewhere where I need to catch a flight or stay a night at hotel - all you need to do is pay the travel and accommodation in addition to your package.
If I need travel outside the 120mi round trip radius by car, I charge $0.75/mi after 120mi round trip. This can be added to your contract!
I’m ready to book - what’s next?!
Awesome! You’ll fill out the contact form here and I’ll be in touch within 24 hours. We’ll figure out which package is best for you. I’ll send you a contract with your package choice. A 30% deposit & your signed contract is required to hold your date and then we’re set!
Love Notes
Testimonials
Working with Ariel was super fun and easy because of her professionalism, friendliness and definitely her sense of humor!