Check Out Armina Feliciano’s Story

Today we’d like to introduce you to Armina Feliciano.

Hi Armina, it’s an honor to have you on the platform. Thanks for taking the time to share your story with us – to start maybe you can share some of your backstory with our readers?
I started with digital photography when I was in high school just taking photos of my friends I’m sure like most of us do. I started doing paid work when I got to UGA in 2019 mostly doing grad sessions. I interned at a local men’s fashion boutique in Athens as their in house photographer. I think this is where I really got to start getting creative with my work and spent about two years with them and have gone back to work for them a few times since!

I started doing weddings in 2021, assisting friends of mine who were already established in the industry. By 2023 I booked my first wedding! Just this Summer I had my first international wedding in Italy.

Can you talk to us a bit about the challenges and lessons you’ve learned along the way. Looking back would you say it’s been easy or smooth in retrospect?
I haven’t committed to this full time yet, I’ve always juggled a few different things at once. The first few years I was taking paid work I was also a full time college student, so finding time to do the things I love while making sure I graduate was difficult to say the least. Even now, I work full time during the week in paid social media advertising, so my time and mental energy is always scattered about a million things. Can’t say I would change anything about it though!

Can you tell our readers more about what you do and what you think sets you apart from others?
I’m a digital and film photographer based in Atlanta. I specialize in intimate weddings, elopements, and creative editorials. I’ve also come to be a known for my seasonal Halloween concepts. Being big horror fans, my husband and I collaborate on at least one spooky concept a year.

Intimate weddings are one of my favorite things to capture. I love bringing a creative edge to wedding photography while getting sneakily good at being a fly on the wall. One of the first things I hear from clients while booking is how much they love my documentarian approach while incorporating fun and creative editorial style portraits.

My work is often described as authentic, intentional, romantic, with my personal favorites being comfortable and fun!

I think one of the things that tends to set me apart from others in my field and especially in my area is (and I know it’s corny) but my personality. I spent years shrinking myself into a teeny box to make others comfortable, but as I’ve grown and met so many different kinds of people, I’ve learned that being unapologetically yourself is a SUPER POWER. While of course I’m a professional and will treat my work and clients with professionalism and respect, I’m also a person and I’m not going to strip the personality from my work or my interactions. I want people to feel comfortable around me, SO comfortable they can laugh and dance and play and be themselves without fear of judgement or retribution. This in turn produces some of the best photos because my client and I are just existing and having fun with zero pressure to ‘perform’. Most of my favorite photos are those I took in moments of quiet and slowness, or in a complete crazy flow mode with my client when we both just click.

I truly believe that’s why I have repeat clients and why people seek us out after viewing our portfolio and socials.

What makes you happy?
I’m the most creatively energized and motivated when I’m surrounded by other queer and/or immigrant creatives and small businesses who use their space and platform to support local community.

I love putting together and co-hosting community events, focusing on providing a safe and fun space for BIPOC and queer creatives, artists, and allies.

I helped organize an event back in February for an Atlanta local makeup shop, that unfortunately had to close their doors, but not without throwing one last bash. We had a runway show showcasing some of Atlanta’s local SFX and beauty makeup artists, performances from local drag queens, and several local artist vendors! I was there offering affordable headshots for the patrons as well as capturing the runway and performances for my friends at the shop. While the circumstances were unfortunate, I’ve never seen or experienced so much joy, love, and support in one room.

Pricing:

• Weddings start at $3.5k / Average investment is $4.5-5K
• Sessions start at $500/hr
• Creative/Editorials start at $800/hr

Contact Info:

• Website: https://felicianophotocollective.mypixieset.com
• Instagram: https://instagram.com/felicianophotoco
• Other: https://tiktok.com/@felicianophotoco