Check Out Angela Peterman’s Story

Today we’d like to introduce you to Angela Peterman.

Angela, we appreciate you taking the time to share your story with us today. Where does your story begin?
Thank you so much for having me! I’ve always been drawn to storytelling, especially through symbolism, light, and emotional connection with the viewer. I studied photography at Brooks Institute, where I majored in advertising. That gave me the foundation to approach visuals with both artistry and strategy.

One of the most impactful mentors I’ve had was a professor there, Harry Liles. I had always loved watching commercials, but he sparked my curiosity even further and taught me to think deeply about the strategy behind great campaigns. He recently passed away, and it’s incredibly important to me to credit him for the wisdom and guidance he gave me. He, along with other amazing professors at Brooks, shaped my creative foundation in a big way.

I began my career shooting jewelry, which taught me how to work with light in a very technical and intentional way. That job also gave me my first work travel opportunity, flying me to Hong Kong (twice). In 2016, I transitioned into beauty and shot my first beauty campaign for Bare Minerals while working with Creative Compound. It was a defining moment that helped shape my path moving forward.

During this time, I also worked with The Today Show, where I collaborated with a variety of CPG brands and supported the development of paid media ads. It was a fast-paced, high-expectation environment that taught me a lot about quick turn arounds, performance-driven creative and brand positioning.

In 2017, I signed with my agent James Hill, who truly believed in me from the start. Alongside the incredible Eric Rojas, James hired me for my first shoot with Hippeas, which later became a longtime client. They also collaborated with me on an impactful spec shoot for Kosas that really elevated my portfolio.

That same year, I began photographing celebrities including Madison Beer, Kim Petras, Shaun Ross, Peyton List, Tana Mongeau, and others. I was also working in fashion, shooting for Nasty Gal and RE/DONE, contributing to the photo team at HauteLook/Nordstrom, and retouching for Cuyana and Velvet by Graham & Spencer. I later served as one of the key in-house photographers for Fashion Nova.

From 2017 to 2022, I collaborated with Beach House PR, producing beauty campaigns for Goldfaden MD, Alterna Haircare, Babor, and Formawell Beauty, a brand by Kendall Jenner. I was directing and shooting motion content throughout many of these campaigns as well.

As my career progressed, I leaned more fully into beauty and wellness. I directed and shot for brand work that was published in Ulta, Target, Sephora, and other retailers. In February 2021, I saw my first billboard go up in Los Angeles for DHL Shipping Co. In early November 2023, I had my first Times Square billboard for Young Blood Cosmetics, followed by another for Suave later that month.

In late 2023, I co-founded Sunshine Creative, where I co-led campaign productions for beauty, wellness, and CPG brands. After an incredible journey and a lot of hard lessons, I closed that chapter in 2025 and launched my own company, Aara Productions.

Aara means “to bring the light,” which mirrors my own name, Angela, meaning “messenger of light.” The name is meaningful to me not just spiritually, but symbolically — A.P. are also my initials, and now the initials of Aara Productions. I’ve been obsessed with prismatic light since I was a teen, and that passion is deeply woven into my creative identity, my brand, and even my nickname — the “lighting queen” at Samy’s Camera.

Today, I work as a director and photographer, leading full-scale campaigns with a strong visual identity, thoughtful storytelling, and soul. I’ve built a reputation for bringing together creative teams that truly specialize in their niche and make for incredible collaborations — stylists, videographers, designers, and more — all aligned under one vision. I’ve been very lucky to have clients who love working with me and the teams I curate and they have stayed with me across the years. That trust means everything.

As Aara is quickly growing and gratefully thriving, I am now bringing on other talented photographers, directors, and AI artists to continue servicing our clients with the best creative possible for their project. Teamwork really does make the dream work.

Would you say it’s been a smooth road, and if not what are some of the biggest challenges you’ve faced along the way?
Every business owner has their challenges, and I’ve experienced my fair share along the way. One of the challenges has been balancing the many hats you wear as a business owner — from creative to financial to operational — and that’s why I’m growing my photography and videography team. Expanding in this way has been such an exciting step, and one that allows me to keep growing and move into the next evolution of my business.

Thanks for sharing that. So, maybe next you can tell us a bit more about your work?
When I created Aara, I really wanted to form it around collaboration — not only because it’s such an integral part of this industry, but because it’s what I love most. The best work doesn’t come from one person alone; it comes from the collective energy of photographers, directors, stylists, videographers, designers, and so many others working together under one vision.

At Aara Productions, we focus on photography, video, UGC, and branded graphics for beauty, fashion, and lifestyle brands. Every project is rooted in collaboration, clarity, and creativity — because the right people in the room make all the difference.

What sets us apart is our ability to curate and lead teams that bring both artistry and precision. We’re not just delivering content; we’re creating cohesive brand worlds that perform across retail, social, and out-of-home, while still carrying depth, soul, and longevity.

We believe teamwork really does make the dream work — and that philosophy is at the heart of every production we take on.

Where do you see things going in the next 5-10 years?
Absolutely! The industry is evolving faster than ever, and the next 5–10 years will bring incredible change. In the near term, AI will transform how we create — giving us the ability to produce commercials and content at the touch of a button, and enhancing our workflows so we can deliver stronger-performing creative with speed and precision.

At the same time, I believe there will be a deep cultural craving for the art, nuance, and emotion of human-led storytelling — the kind of craft that comes from working with light, texture, and real connection. That blend of technology and timeless artistry is where the most exciting work will live.

At Aara, we’re leaning into both sides: embracing innovation while continuing to champion high-concept creative that feels soulful, elevated, and lasting. The future will belong to teams that can do both — merge data and creativity, speed and soul. We’re already building toward that, and can’t wait to see how this next chapter unfolds.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://aaraproductions.com
• Instagram: instagram.com/aara.productions & instagram.com/angela_peterman
• LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/angelapeterman/

Image Credits
All photos by Angela Peterman