Arianna Jadé's Fearless Portraits

Welcome to Hero of the Week, an ongoing series sharing stories from some of the best photographers in the Pexels community.

Located in Queens, New York, Arianna Jadé runs Viscose Illisusion: a female-conscious creative studio focused on portrait photography and web development.

We love the expressive portraits on Arianna's Pexels profile and reached out to learn more about her inspirations.

Pexels: How long have you been taking photos, and how did you get started?

Arianna: I got my first DSLR camera ten years ago. I originally started shooting as a hobby and would carry my Nikon around with me everywhere, from museum trips to restaurants, snapping up everything I came across.

After college, I started taking it seriously, as I realized my potential and passion behind the lens. I invested in new camera gear and photo studios, started taking on gigs, and haven’t looked back since.

What camera gear do you use?

I have a Canon 5D Mark IV and mainly shoot with my 50mm f/1.2 and 24-70mm f/2.8 lenses. I also love using the Profoto A1 flash, which works well for both shooting events and in the studio.

What's your favorite type of photo to shoot, and why?

I love shooting portraits! It’s an intimate experience between photographer and subject when it comes to portraits.

Not only do I enjoy capturing my subject’s personality and emotions, but I also love conveying a piece of their story and journey within a photo.

Most of my muses are women so it’s really important for me to emphasize their confidence, fearlessness, and courage while tapping into a side of themselves they don't otherwise show to the world.

What inspires your photography?

My photography is hugely inspired by my own life experiences, literature, and films.

I’m obsessed with cinematic photography, which I’m hoping to create more of this year.

Tell us about a favorite photo on your Pexels profile.

Currently, this is my favorite photo on my Pexels profile. I love the juxtaposition of the model’s melancholy expression against vibrant pink roses.

Also, the roses are tied around the model’s neck, as if they are choking her, showing beauty tinged with hopelessness and despair. The mood of the image channels exactly what I was feeling at that time in my life.

Who are some other photographers or artists who inspire your work?

I am inspired by Renell Medrano, Petra Collins, Sasha Samsonova, Damian Borja, Hajime Sorayama, Micaiah Carter, and Desiree Mattsson, just to name a few.

I love how they portray women as strong, badass beings while telling stories through their work. To me, their work goes beyond just photos, they are emotive visual artists.

What is one goal you have for your photography?

A goal I’d like to achieve for my photography is to eventually have a photo exhibition focusing on the coming of age of young girls in the Latinx and Black culture.

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