Ariane Hunter Photography

I HAVE MOVED!! BUT YOU CAN STILL FIND ME

2009-09-21T23:26:00.001-04:00

Hello Everyone

Please visit my new site http://www.arihunterphotoblog.com/ for my new blog site and featured posts. Please feel free visit me there and drop me a line or two. Thanks!!

I See You

2009-09-09T19:32:00.001-04:00

This amazing couple, Mark & Annisha, granted me the wonderful opportunity to work with them on a fun shoot in Grand Central, New York City. Now as you can imagine, Grand Central is a place where commuters are constantly whizzing by, there are wall to wall postings of train schedules, and the all around hustle and bustle is enough to make you dizzy. But despite these distractions, the setting absolutely fit their personality. Their classy timeless love meets the beautiful energy of Grand Central Station.

Now before I proceed, I want to say that the most important look to me is the look of your soul. What do your eyes tell me? Are your body movements natural or controlled? I want to see your spirit. That to me is what makes a good picture. When you are naturally comfortable in your environment and I can see the beauty of your soul.

I could detect a hint of nervousness as I began my shoot with Mark & Annisha. With my big black camera pointed in their face and crowds of people stopping to see what the heck was going on. But somehow, through casual conversation, lots of laughter, and a little bit of flirting, they both forgot that they were in one of the busiest places in NY and tuned into each other. Like they were the only people in the world. It was then that I saw the beautiful connection they shared. I saw their spirit from within...

Photographing Mark and Annisha reminded me of how amazing it is to be able to see a person in the truest sense. We meet hundreds of people on a regular basis, some of which are your co-workers, family, and even your best friend. We owe it to the world and more importantly to ourselves to always be truthful to who we are and what our heart tells us. Some of us, myself included, get so caught up in playing a role of what we think the world wants to see. Instead, forget all the distractions and tune into yourselves. Acknowledge your spirit and know that it's ok to let it guide you.

My Little Momma

2009-08-29T10:44:00.000-04:00

Ok, I had to do this one for my Mom!!

My mother moved to Florida almost a year ago but up until then we were like two peas in a pod. Frequent shopping trips to the mall, long conversations about anything, or just hanging out at home watching a movie. Sounds more like a best friend then a mom. But that's how I look at her, even to this day; my mom is one of my best friends. She's like this little lady, 5 feet 4 inches, so cute, full of life and loving. I call her "my little momma" :).

She flew up to New York to visit with me for two weeks. It was like old times. We stayed up late at night reminiscing about old times when I was growing up, strolled around Union Square admiring the artwork from the local vendors, and even pampered ourselves with a trip to the nail salon to get mani/pedi's. We did so much in the two weeks she was here but the time that stood out the most to me was taking her to the Japanese Stroll Garden in Oyster Bay, Long Island. One thing you should know about my mother is that she absolutely loves gardens, flowers, and anything nature related so this was the perfect place for her. It felt good to be able to do this small thing for her after all the things she's done for me in my life. Here are a couple of photos from that day that I also plan on putting into an album because I would love to look back on this experience 5 or even 10 years from now.

Look how beautiful!! Initially she didn't want me to take any pictures of her because she doesn't think she's photogenic.

And by far my most favorite picture of my mom. Really captures her spirit and her beauty from within.

It's funny how when you grow older you look at your parents and appreciate them in different ways. Now when I look at my mom I really see and understand who she is. Being a parent can be a very difficult thing and I realize that now as an adult and hopefully a future parent. I am grateful to have such a fulfilling relationship with my mom and I'll always cherish the times that we spend with each other. Love you Mom!!

Fear of Success

2009-08-20T07:14:00.013-04:00

What does title mean to you? What kind of feelings does it evoke? Could you be guilty of having fear of success? We have all lost ourselves in imagination at some point or another and visualized living our dreams and how happy we would be. We fantasize about one day becoming an actor/actress, a painter, a singer, or even the CEO of our own company. Suddenly, as quickly as our imagination starts to wonder of all the possibilities, the negative thoughts start to creep in and our dreams of success quickly turn into fear. Fear is such a strong emotion; it has the power to stop you dead in your tracks and prevent you from going after the very thing you know you were destined to do. It can be a scary feeling to know that you have the power inside you to do ANY thing in this world that you want to do. How different would your life be if you just tapped into those powers? You wonder if you're ready and if you even deserve it. Those questions are very natural and feelings of uneasiness are to be expected. But it should not stop you from dreaming and fulfilling your place in this world.

I photographed this New Orleans woman at a local bar during Mardi Gras this past year. She sang so passionately her voice just seemed to move the crowd. I was touched by her obvious dedication to her art and her ability to find happiness through song.

Believe that you deserve success and that you are uniquely talented. Know that when you actively live out your dreams happiness is sure to follow.

Family Ties

2009-08-11T06:44:00.014-04:00

For me, one of the most enjoyable things about being a photographer is that I get to meet and work with people of different backgrounds, interests, and personalities. Let me say, I am not the most outgoing person in the world but there's something fascinating about meeting people and learning so many things about them. Sometimes, that can give rise to a whole new perspective on life.

Back in May, I was given the opportunity to photograph a family of three. A sparky energetic mom, a cool laid back father, and a sweet adorable baby with smiles for miles. The shoot took place in Central Park, New York which I thought would be a fitting place to capture their natural beauty. Boy was I right. From the moment I picked up my camera to the last shot of the day, every photo portrayed a family unit so strong and bright.

This little one on the other hand, so full of life and happiness!! What a beautiful baby; he made my job so easy! His parents and I danced around him hoping to catch a glimpse of his smile. And then, magic happened. His eyes became wider and his smile became bigger and bigger showing off his two front teeth. All I could think of at that moment was how beautiful this little child was. Not because he has the most awesome smile and the cutest cheeks you ever saw, but because I could see his spirit. Happiness and laughter consumed him, his soul was so bright.

We can learn so much from children. They possess such a carefree nature, a fun curiosity, and an insatiable outlook on life. We all have these qualities inside of us but sometimes we lose touch with them along the way. Wake up your spirit and the child within you. Smile a little more, laugh a little more. Tell you what, the next time you're out for a walk and you get caught in the rain, don't take out your umbrella. Run through it, jump in puddles, it' will be ok, I promise. But I must warn you, it will probably be the most fun you've had in a long time.

While I Was Away

2009-08-06T12:15:00.007-04:00

It's been a while since the last time I wrote. Vacationing in Southbeach Florida was a small distraction for me for the last couple of days. However, I couldn't wait to get back and post some of the details from my trip. As I sort out things and get back to my normal life after the fun in the sun, I wanted to share with you one special moment from my trip.

One morning, I decided to get up with the sun and experience something peaceful and very spiritual. I was one of about three people on the entire beach, but at this moment, I felt like I was the only person on earth. The waves crashing against the shore became rhythmic and the smell of the ocean filled my lungs. I could hear my heart beat and for once nothing was on my mind.

Out of all the things I did while on vacation; the wonderful dinners, sunbathing, and trendy nightspots, this memory is the one I'll keep with me.

Image File

2009-07-30T07:14:00.009-04:00

I started reading a phenomenal book called the Artists Way by Julia Cameron. It has become somewhat my bible for the past 6 weeks. If you find that you are feeling blocked as an artist or you need to reconnect with yourself, I highly recommend reading this book. It will change your life, one chapter at a time.

With that said, I wanted to share with you a small activity that I've incorporated in my life just recently from reading that book. The other night, on my way home from work, I decided to pick up some sushi for dinner and a bottle of red wine. Mmm mmm, I just love wine. But anyway, I decided that during dinner I would flip through some travel magazines that I had and cut out the images of locations that I would someday want to visit or perhaps even live.

I've always had travel aspirations of going to far off exotic locations to experience new surroundings and different cultures. I've even created a top 7 list of places I would like to go before I die. Thailand, Australia, Brazil, Japan, etc. The list goes on and on. Visiting these places, seemed somewhat far-fetched for me but through the help of reading the Artists Way and looking at things differently, I realized that if my heart is telling me to travel, I need to listen.

So for now, I am keeping my aspirations of traveling alive by constanly surrounding myself with images of places that I am destined to go. As of right now, I have magazine clippings of beautiful destinations hung up in my kitchen, on my bedroom mirror, and the wall next to my workstation at home. This can be done with not only places but with images of things and people. Things that you hope to obtain some day like that 5 bedroom beachhouse in San Francisco or a picture of Michelle Obama; who doesn't want to exude confidence and strength just like her?

I encourage you to try this activity for at least a week and watch as your perceptions and behavior start to change.

Through My Window

2009-07-25T08:37:00.006-04:00

Good Morning Everyone!

When was the last time you took a good look outside your window? I live in New York City so typically we have things like skyscrapers, apartment buildings, concrete sidewalks below, and a Starbucks on the corner. Looking through my window this morning, I saw none of those things however. In fact, I saw this...

Beautiful? No. Interesting? Eh, maybe. A small detail of the world I live in? Basically, its the window in my living room but every morning the sun kinda pierces through the entangled leaves and casts an interesting light pattern in my apartment.

Since picking up a camera, I see things and now I take the time to examine the details of everything around me. Everything in your life, no matter how small it is, plays an important role. Don't take it for granted.

Good for the Soul

2009-07-13T21:43:00.007-04:00

Everyday I come home to this lonely piano; it sits there, in the corner, collecting dust waiting for someone to breathe life into it. Today, I decided to warm this piano with a single rose until the musician returns.

Sometimes we become consumed with our daily lives and forget the things that matter the most to us, the things that make us happy. Go out and do the thing that you enjoy the most but haven't done in years. Your soul will thank you.

New York State of Mind

2009-07-03T10:31:00.004-04:00

I made NYC my home for the past two years....wow, its been two years already! Time sure flies. If you ever thought about moving to the city - do it! I grew up in the outer-boroughs of the city, in the Bronx for ten years before I relocated to Long Island. Seventeen years later, I realized that suburban life was not for me. I moved back to the city for several reasons: the energy, the excitement, the diversity, and to meet people. I've done all those things and had a blast. I still don't have a grasp on everything in the city but I'm learning. I've learned so much about myself just by being here. The possibilities are unlimited in the city and I couldn't imagine myself anywhere else at the moment.

The Newest Addition to My Family

2009-06-29T19:44:00.006-04:00

On June 24th my family welcomed Jace O'Neal into the world. I can't describe the feeling I felt when I walked into the hospital room when I went to visit. My cousin, and proud new father, was holding him in his arms, gazing into his son's eyes with amazement.

I have never seen my cousin look so peaceful as he held his new son. I wanted to tell him how proud of him I was and that all the things that has ever happened to him in his life, lead up to this very moment. Welcome Jace O'Neal, your daddy loves you very much...

Mark & Cheryl's Wedding

2009-06-28T16:59:00.011-04:00

I’m so happy to be able to post my newest wedding photo project. Its been weeks of endless editing and post processing but here it is.

Mark & Cheryl’s wedding took place in Paramus, New Jersey at a senior citizens facility, called Pine Rest. This was a perfect setting because Cheryl has worked there for years and invited her patients as special guests to attend her wedding. There were about 120 people present at the ceremony including family and friends of all ages.

It meant so much to Mark to have his son serve as his best man; he was honored to have him by his side.

The couple was surrounded by genuinely good people at their wedding. I snuck this shot of Cheryl and one her patients after the ceremony. I'm not sure what they were saying but think the photo itself shows the connection that Cheryl has with her patients. She was truly happy to have them share in her special day.

After the ceremony, the newlyweds walked over to the reception hall nearby. I wondered what they were thinking and feeling very moment, now that they were pronounced husband and wife. I took this shot because of how into each other day they looked; as if they are only people in the world.

Mark and Cheryl, thank you for granting me the pleasure of shooting your wedding ceremony. It was an exciting experience and I can clearly see the love you share between each other.

Coney Island

2009-05-28T13:35:00.009-04:00

On Memorial Day, hundreds of thousands of people had the same idea to go to Coney Island to enjoy the beach, stroll the boardwalk, and of course ride the Wonder Wheel. For years, this place has remained a symbol of fun and excitement. Especially as a child, Coney Island can feel like the best place on earth.

For me, now that I've gotten older, I experience Coney Island a little differently. It still has the charm that drew me to it as a kid, but now when I ride the ferris wheel to the top and look out at the ocean, it still to this day feels like the best place on earth...