Art & Life with Stephanie Slezak

Today we’d like to introduce you to Stephanie Slezak .

Stephanie, please kick things off for us by telling us about yourself and your journey so far.
For the longest time I have been in love with photography but was never able to fully focus on it. In college I wanted to study Photography but was told that I needed a “real” career choice! After college I went on to work on another passion I had, working with children. Throughout life with photography on the back burner, I still deep down was obsessed. I was always the one taking the photos and creating these scrap books of pictures of memories that I knew I would want to look back on. I have these handmade scrap books, one for each year of college, all of my photos of my life with friends, school, Greek life and more. One day I will show my own girls! It wasn’t until after having my first child that I was able to really allow myself to focus on my Dream Job!

It started with photos for friends that were pregnant, and then doing their first family pictures. Over the last 3 years I have been expanding and building relationships with friends and friends of friends that have allowed me to do what I love and capture these moments for families, events, and much more. I am obsessed with providing great pictures for people who are actually living in the moment and am the one there to take the picture! This passion of mine has brought me so much joy, Finally I’m doing my DREAM Job! Aribella is a combo of my daughters Aria and Isabella, these 2 are my heart!

Can you give our readers some background on your art?
I love to take photos that capture people in the moment and in real life. I will always love the traditional portrait photos, but my true love is to be able to capture real life. Moms/Dads kissing their children with real smiles, people enjoying food and having real conversation, people living life in the moment. The candid real-life shots are my favorite! and the ones that I know my clients/friends will always remember.

Artists rarely, if ever pursue art for the money. Nonetheless, we all have bills and responsibilities and many aspiring artists are discouraged from pursuing art due to financial reasons. Any advice or thoughts you’d like to share with prospective artists?
I get why my parents didn’t want me to study photography but look what I am doing Now! Thanks to my current life (married with 2 daughters) my husband has allowed me to venture and fully pursue my dream allowing me time and the ability to do ALOT of learning and building. It’s been a challenge getting all of the equipment that I want and need. But I have been working on building these things slowly. Thanks to Tempe Camera who allows me to rent some of the equipment I needed before being able to afford it all. All of this combined with creativity and constantly learning.

What’s the best way for someone to check out your work and provide support?
I am currently sharing my work via Instagram, Aribella Website, and Facebook

Contact Info:

• Website: www.aribellaphotography.com
• Phone: 970-433-2721
• Email: aribellaphotographyaz@gmail.com
• Instagram: @aribellaphotographyaz
• Facebook: Aribella Photography Az

Image Credit:
Aribella Photography

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