Today we’d like to introduce you to Aria Askari.
Aria, can you briefly walk us through your story – how you started and how you got to where you are today.
I remember when I was just about ten years old that I started falling in love with cameras. My dad, at the time, he owned one of the classic Panasonic camera video palm recorders where I couldn’t believe the technology that it came with. I could record, play, fast forward, and see through the lens as I would create memories. He also owned a few Fuji and Canon AE-1 vintage cameras where you would have to take film to a specific camera shop stores, in order to get it printed. After that, we bought one of the very first Canon Digital cameras where you could digitally take photos, save it on a memory card and watch it on your computer. Long story short, I can say that I was always behind the camera, the person who wanted to get involved with the action of taking the better shot from anyone else, and with that mentality, I became the guy who knew how to work with cameras. Everywhere we’d go, everyone would call me as the photographer who takes the best shots. Anywhere I would go, events, parties, family gatherings, school, almost everyone would come up to me and say can you please take a photo of me? So, with that set of mind, just about less than two years ago, I decided to launch my Instagram page specifically for photography. I started with no followers, and now I’m at 5K followers.
Now, how did I achieve what I achieved is the real question. I started with networking, collaborating, and also investing time and money into learning the photography at its best throughout my journey. I started with my friends, friends of friends, reaching out to people I didn’t know, then I ran some marketing campaign on social media, and next thing you know, you’re making it. I would say what really helped me was the fact that I never said “No” to any opportunities that came across my journey. You never know where one door could take you if get it closed before walking into it. Now, I also want to mention that I come from a very educated family that they always want you to go to school and get your degrees before anything else. I was fortunate enough to graduate with both bachelor degree (in Electrical Engineering) and masters degree (MBA in Data) from some top universities in Southern California. So, a big thank you to my parents who pushed me get my education done before I follow my hobbies.
Overall, has it been relatively smooth? If not, what were some of the struggles along the way?
I want to say it has been smooth, but there were times that it really wasn’t. A lot of times, when you’re in a photography business, clients could cancel last minute or not show up at the shoot. Obviously, this would have not happened if you were publicly known. And I get it, I’m still not there yet. But I stay positive and do my best practices to get better at what I do. Photography is something that you need to build a connection with your clients. Communication skills, trust, quality and creativity are some of the factors that a photographer should always keep in mind. In no way, I could say that I’m the best at all of them, but I’m working on it to gain these skills every time I shoot.
Please tell us about BonnyShot.
I specialize in fashion, portrait and boudoir photography. What really sets me apart from others is that I am great at creativity when it comes to shooting and people love that. I always try to create a new photo that hasn’t been done and something that the client would be extremely surprised once they see the final photo. What I’m really proud of as a brand or company is the people that I worked with so far! I shot with many big names in this industry, including Miss Universe, well-known Netflix actresses, and well-known famous models.
If you had to go back in time and start over, would you have done anything differently?
If I could go back in time, I would probably start what I started much earlier than when I did. I just remember times that I could have started my social media, but I did not for no reason. I don’t think I would have done anything else differently.
Pricing:
- $495 for 9 prints, up to 2 hours
- $650 for 15 prints, up to 3-4 hours
- $1500 for a full day, with no limit in prints
Contact Info:
- Website: www.BonnyShot.com
- Phone: 310-871-8857
- Email: aria.da.creator@gmail.com
- Instagram: www.instagram.com/aria_ak
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/BonnyShotByAria/
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