Check Out Andrea Arebalo’s Story

Today we’d like to introduce you to Andrea Arebalo. 

Hi Andrea, please kick things off for us with an introduction to yourself and your story.
I’m Andrea Arebalo, I used to work as a Sr. Marketing Brand Manager for Bagel Brands for almost 10 years but stepped away about 2 years ago to spend more time with my children, Ethan (7) and Gretchen (5). I wanted to be the one to instill their foundational values and just be present. Over the last year, I decided I needed to do something for me, which is to have accomplishments outside of the home to bring myself joy. I decided I wanted to work for myself in what I am passionate about and that is opening my own photography business and studio. Ideally working with families in portraits but have my main focus be on food and product branding photography. I want the flexibility to be my own boss, make my own path and be responsible for my own successes and failures. Putting myself out there has been the scariest part but slowly I am building the confidence to keep after it as more and more businesses and families start knocking on my door. I’d love the chance to work with more small businesses in crafting their brand and photographing their products and/or food in the commercial world. Helping small businesses compete with the big ones is my ultimate goal. 

We all face challenges, but looking back would you describe it as a relatively smooth road?
The challenges that come with going from being a full-time working parent to a full-time home parent to trying to be both has been difficult. It has led to a slower start-up process and guilt on days where there just isn’t enough time for both. I honestly thought I would be farther along in getting up and running but some days or months it was put on the back burner for the sake of my children. Also, my parents live with me half of the year and this Summer, after being 5 years cancer-free, my mom was told the cancer is back. So, the past few months have been navigating her treatment options and recovery. I am happy to say the prognosis is positive and hopeful and I’m glad I have the flexibility to be there for her in anything she has needed. All this to say, I am grateful for my past and the ability to have connections that have led to great starter clients to get me through the less than smooth times. 

Alright, so let’s switch gears a bit and talk business. What should we know about your work?
Growing up I always had a camera in my hand, specifically a Canon, since the day my dad put his Canon AE-1 film camera in my hand from his Navy days. I got a minor in photography and my first job out of college was a fashion and product photographer for an online clothing company. From there I jumped into food marketing so now after years of being the one creating the briefs, setting the brand tones – I am the one back behind the camera. I really love working with still life and products – whether it be creating a specific lifestyle look for a startup brand or standard menu shots for local bakeries. I am proud of my knowledge and background in marketing/branding and I think sets me apart from other photographers because I truly understand what it is like from the client’s perspective and how to ask the right questions to help them create the best possible images for their products. I also love to photograph individuals who are looking to create a personal brand for themselves – having a trade or talent is so admirable and I wish more people took a chance on themselves to see what greatness they can put out into the world. 

We’d love to hear about any fond memories you have from when you were growing up?
Growing up my parents definitely fostered the creative side to me and my dad built a small darkroom in our tiny backyard. I taught myself how to develop film using multiple exposures and silly techniques. One time my friend and I set up a scene where I was sleeping on the ground in one exposure and dressed up as the tooth fairy in a second exposure and was hovering over my “sleeping” other self. I just found that old photo the other day and got a good laugh out of the crazy things I did with my friends when we got bored enough in high school. 

Contact Info:

• Email: photographybybluesky@gmail.com
• Website: www.photographybybluesky.com
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/photographybybluesky/
• Facebook: www.facebook.com/photographybybluesky/