Today we’d like to introduce you to Ariana Nicole Ruehle.
Ariana, can you briefly walk us through your story – how you started and how you got to where you are today.
Hi there! My name was used to be Ariana Nicole Miller hence ANM Photography. It all began in a dark room, in 8th grade, mixing chemicals and paper resulting in a few award-winning photographs. My passion was discovered and with camera in hand, there was no turning back. Next thing I knew, I was photographing everything and anything, from old buildings, to puppy dogs. I now hold a Bachelor in Fine Art Degree from the University of North Texas in Photography and Business Marketing. I now own and operate a studio space on the Denton Square right across from the Denton Court House. I plan to dedicate my life to preserving the cherished moments for my clients. My style is fun, personable and quietly unobtrusive resulting in photographs that naturally reveal the true personality of my clients in creative settings and environments.
I live in North Texas with 4 dogs and the love of my life, Ryan Ruehle. Does it surprise you that I met him at the dog park? How romantic is that?! We were married April 30, in 2016 in a beautiful white barn. I have a growing vintage camera collection and love to listen to Courtney music, 90’s rap, auto books and podcasts while driving and editing images. I also bake and eat cookies at midnight, which my husband loves! I hope that while I’m capturing your memories, we become lifelong friends so I can continue to photograph the next keepsake moments in your life.
Overall, has it been relatively smooth? If not, what were some of the struggles along the way?
Oh my gosh – first of all, what a great question. Overall, I would say it’s mostly been a smooth road! I’ve been very fortunate to have several great clients who have turns into friends. Photography is something I am extremely passionate about. I absolutely love what I do. As that old saying goes, “Choose a job you love, and you will never have to work a day in your life.” That’s 100% true. I’m constantly looking to make my business better. Better client experience, better images, better education, better workflow systems, quicker delivery times while maintaining a great quality. With that said, balancing that drive, that passion with a personal life is also my greatest challenge.
Many people don’t realize that photography is a business. Business never sleeps. It’s constantly moving, constantly changing. I personally struggle with work/life balance. I could sit in front of my computer for 16 hours and not move. Editing images, sneak peeks, blog posts, vendor images, emails, phone calls, contracts, accounting, Facebook marketing, Instagram marketing, Pinterest boards, updating websites, collaborating for workshops and styled shoots just to name of the computer-based tasks. The challenge is to stop working and enjoy life. I tried to limit myself to 9-5 office hours, but that didn’t work because that’s simply not enough time for me to complete my goals. Now, I stop when my husband comes home, eat dinner with him no matter what time it is. I try to take one weekend off a month and spend time with my husband. We go to the lake, go see a movie, just get out of the office and away from a computer to spend time with the people I love. Over the past 5 years, I have taught my self that, it can wait. The world will not fall part because I’m not working. I have one life and I need to enjoy all aspect of it; work and play.
Please tell us about ANM Photography.
ANM Photography has been in business since 2013. We specialize in weddings and portraits such a engagements, bridals, boudoir, seniors, and family sessions. I am most proud of how I grew ANM Photography. I started in college with BFA in Photography and a minor in Business Marketing then began photographing friends and family. Now, I’ve photographed over 125 happily married couples and over 350 portrait sessions. Two years ago I was able to go to full time and support my a little family. I’m proud of my passion, and I turned my passion into my means of living. I can’t imagine doing anything else. I believe what setts me apart form others is that passion. The passion to always be my best. Provide the best communication, the best client service, the best workflow management, the best posing and editing techniques and the list goes on. I always strive to deliver the best me, whither I’m in front of 200 people at the wedding or working on accounting in yoga pants. =)
If you had to go back in time and start over, would you have done anything differently?
Oh, my gosh, to start over absolutely terrifies me!! But if I had to pick one thing, I would say start networking sooner. The wedding industry has some fabulous people and I have made many lifelong friends and business connections. I’m a firm believer in “A rising tide, lifts all boats”. We can all help and support each other.
Pricing:
- Wedding Collections start at 6 hours, and engagement session for $2,300.
- A 20 page, 10×10 wedding album starts at $650
- Portrait session begin at $300/session.
Contact Info:
- Address: 207 W. Hickory St #310
Denton, Texas 76201 - Website: www.anmphoto.com
- Phone: 940-595-0499
- Email: ariana@anmphoto.com
Image Credit:
Ariana Ruehle with ANM Photography
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