Today we’d like to introduce you to Arianna Boggs.
Arianna, please share your story with us. How did you get to where you are today?
I started because someone told me I couldn’t. My disability affects the way I walk. I have cerebral palsy. In today’s modeling world, there are very few disabled people. Disabilities are seen as a dirty thing, something that can’t make you successful.
When I first started, I was nervous because I didn’t know where to start but I reached out to some vetted photographers and went from there.
As I’ve gotten to know so many great photographers in the Atlanta area, I’ve seen the world of modeling slowly open up to and accept people with disabilities!
Overall, has it been relatively smooth? If not, what were some of the struggles along the way?
One of the struggles for me was getting past myself. I used to look in the mirror and hate certain things about myself, specifically my legs. But as I’ve modeled more and more, my confidence has gotten a serious boost and I feel great.
Another thing that I struggled with personally is learning not over analyze my photos. I think this is something a lot of models and photographers struggle with. I would look at a photo and think “Wow. My legs look so freaky.” Or “Oh wow I look really disabled in this photo.” I had to realize that not every photo in every shoot is going to look perfect. There may be shoots where there are only five photos out of 300 that look good. And you know what? I’m human. There will be days that I am off and that’s alright. There will also be shoots that will blow everyone away and on my off days, I remind myself of that.
We’d love to hear more about your work and what you are currently focused on. What else should we know?
I’m a model in upper Atlanta. I love to do empowerment photo shoots and making positive statements but also love doing a good fashion photo session as well.
What is “success” or “successful” for you?
There isn’t a specific thing. I think that I define success differently than most because I’ve been through 6 surgeries and lived when I was born so that’s success in and of itself.
I think if I can make someone not feel so alone in the world, I’ve succeeded. I think if I can make someone stop and think, then I’ve succeeded. Success is in the eyes of the beholder.
Pricing:
- $10 per hour
Contact Info:
- Email: ari.salena22@gmail.com
- Instagram: Instagram.com/heyitsarixo
Image Credit:
Chris Henderson (@chrishendersonphoto) and Keeley (@swahilikeeley)
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