Life and Work with Arianne Autaubo

Today we’d like to introduce you to Arianne Autaubo.

So, before we jump into specific questions about the business, why don’t you give us some details about you and your story.
I started out as a dancer and eventually a dance instructor/dance choreographer/studio owner… I used to LOVE to take photos of my dancers and students in action. Visual imagery has always been a passion. I studied digital art in college and eventually when I retired from dance in my late 20’s, I found myself working in the graphic design world. Photography was essential in creating design concepts and I began diving more and more back into photography. Inevitably, photography took the “lead role” in my life and I’ve been behind the camera ever since. Going on 10 years of being absolutely IN LOVE with my “new” career.

Great, so let’s dig a little deeper into the story – has it been an easy path overall and if not, what were the challenges you’ve had to overcome?
I don’t think anything that finds a place in your soul is achieved on a smooth road and my career path is no different. If you had asked my 19-year-old self, where I would be right now… I would have never seen the title, Wedding, Family and Brand Photographer but I do think I always knew I would be some sort of storyteller to those around me and more or less, that’s what Ive always been. I wouldn’t say my path has been a terribly rough one in the way of career but there have certainly been endless learning curves along the way and I’m sure many more to come. My path took several evolutions in visual imagery trials and errors to find my niche and being self-employed is no small task. The amount of self-discipline, organization, hands-on communication and awareness to all aspects of the business was incredibly overwhelming early on and it’s taken years to find the balance in my business. I fell on my face several times (and sometimes still do) but I truly believe the art of learning lessons is the most important component of the process we call life… and I am here for it.

As for advice:
Don’t be afraid to not know it all. This was a huge obstacle for me, being able to admit that I don’t have it all figured out, that I may actually need help. Especially in photography, its so easy to be intimated by someone else’s skills & knowledge. Patience is huge in cultivating your own best self.

Don’t be afraid to ask questions. The only thing that comes from asking questions… is answers. And answers help!

Don’t be afraid of transparency with clients. I was so afraid of disappointing people that I had a hard time being clear and transparent with clients. Albeit about timelines or expectations or money. The best way to run an honest business is to be clear and honest from the beginning.

Don’t be afraid to be a little afraid… and with that said don’t be afraid to grow into a badass from that fear.

Please tell us about AMA Photography.
First and foremost, I am an Engagement, Wedding and Elopement photographer. The driving force behind my approach is storytelling through photos. Telling the story of love through still moments and tangible/hold’able memories is something so special to me. That’s how I present myself to my clients and that’s the work I always hope to produce.

That same concept applies to my work in photography with Families and Newborns. Some of my most cherished work has been the ability to start with a young couple… see them through engagement and matrimony… see them through pregnancy and their firstborn… and before you know it, I am photographing a family of four and two dogs. It’s quite beautiful to document a family growing. For years, my tag line has been “creating tangible moments to a beautiful life in the making”

Additionally, I am an interior design, large event and brand photographer. There is something so therapeutic about being able to step away from working one-on-one with people… to concentrate on a fixed object or quiet beautifully curated room or the ambiance established in a large scale event.

There are so many beautifully talented female photographers in our state and it’s definitely hard to say what sets me apart. But I’d like to think that it’s my ability to set my clients at ease in front of my camera. Stepping in front of a lens is HARD and it’s so much better when the person clicking the button is there to support you and cheer you on. So, I try to be that for my clients. I champion my clients through their sessions so that they can relax and show me their best.

A lot of what I’m proud of lays in the growth of my work. Without too much reflection, I definitely clinch a little when looking at my beginner work. Today, I am very proud of the style I’ve curated and the integrity of the images. I’m also very proud of the versatility I’ve been able to establish.

Were there people and/or experiences you had in your childhood that you feel laid the foundation for your success?
Oh my gosh, absolutely! I come from an incredible family. I was raised in a house full of love and making memories. In fact, I attribute a single black and white photo of my baby sister when she was just seconds old as the defining moment of my love for photos. In my growing years, there was always a sense of importance placed in taking and collecting photos. Not too long ago, my grandparents passed away and we were left with a garage FULL of photo boxes. Every single box was an endless treasure chest of stories and moments and memories.

I believe as a photographer, I am not only gifting my clients with this same treasure but I am upholding a human duty. The idea that the photo I took of my bride last weekend, will one day be in a shoebox for her great-grandchild to find and cherish… takes my breath away.

Contact Info:

• Website: www.amaphotography.net
• Phone: 310-994-4534
• Email: info@amaphotography.net
• Instagram: amaphotos.weddings & amaphotos.colorado
• Facebook: amaphoto

Image Credit:
Personal portraits courtesy of my non-photographer but very handsome fella, Mr. Joe Martinez, All other photos are AMA Photography

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