This isn't much of a sales pitch.......yet.
And that's because it isn't! But this is important.
My name is Ariana Rae Limas. I have had a passion for photography for as long as I can remember. Even at a young age I always complained about not having enough film during field trips because I used it all up on small, but beautiful, things. I come from a family where picture taking is a must at almost any event, big or small.
When taking photos, I love to play with creativity. I'm not very fond of studio shots where everyone is so poised. I love taking my photos outside where there is lots of space to work in. Capturing those spontaneous moments of each individual is my favourite thing to do and I take much pleasure out of it. I believe that photography truly is to capture the beauty in things that go unnoticed-- whether it be people, places, or things. I love silhouettes, I love detail, I love emotion, I love props, I love to experiment, and I love to create meaning.
But I must be honest here: I have no formal training in photography. Or in business. I've taken a photography course in the 11th grade (which I absolutely loved! Especially working in the dark room!), but other than that I have no post-secondary training.
I think this is important for my costumers to know.
I do not normally charge my customers. As much as I want to pursue photography as a business, my lack of training make me think it would be unfair to. I don't believe in charging people because I want them to get the best that they deserve. I have never liked the idea of people paying me when I do not have a vast knowledge of what I am doing.
So why am I charging people now?
The days leading up to my 20th birthday I have officially decided that I want to serve a full-time mission for The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. It is not necessary for women to go, but I definitely have the desire to. And I have been prompted that I should go as early as possible (for women, the age of 21). I am currently not working due to the weight between school, church callings, and volunteering. Many people have already suggested before that I charge people. For the first time ever, when my sister suggested it once more, I took it into consideration. This time I had no feelings of guilt, but a feeling of hope. The Lord has commanded to put our talents to use to build up the kingdom of God. That is what I'm doing. I'm taking photos of you to save money to go preach the Gospel of Christ. That's the honest truth.
Now you may or may not like that idea. I might even lose potential costumers because of this.
...But it needed to be said.
I do plan on pursuing photography after I have received my bachelor's, but for now, THIS is the plan.