In Focus with Ariel Noboa, a Top Photographer in the Dominican Republic

Meet Ariel Noboa, the magician who turns moments into masterpieces. With a mischievous nod to destiny, Ariel introduces himself, "My name is Ariel Noboa, I'm a wedding photographer and a devotee to art and style. I started photographing for fun when I was just 8!" His journey, though, took a detour through design school before making photography his full-time pursuit in 2015, with a pivot towards weddings in 2019. “I bring a mix of studies in fashion, portrait, and weddings, and each year I re-invest a percentage of my earnings in photography and styling education,” he remarks.

Ariel's Editorial Photography Style

Ariel's signature style is a visual feast, reminiscent of pages from a high-end magazine. "My work is very editorial, my weddings will look like they belong in a magazine," he says with a twinkle in his eye. It's a unique blend of capturing the day authentically while ensuring every detail is curated to perfection. The result? An album that's not just a collection of memories but a work of art.

"I focus heavily on capturing the day as it happens so that it's real, but I curate all details through the day so even though they're real moments they look their best," Ariel states.

The Heart of the Craft

Ariel's heart beats for the places he goes and the people he meets. "Honestly the places I go and the people I meet. Extremely thankful for all of my wonderful clients and coworkers and all of the exotic locations I get to travel to." This gratitude echoes in every frame, creating an energy that transcends the visual narrative.

Ariel's approach involves mood boards, meticulous planning, and dance with the wedding's overall design. "I love mood boards and I like to see the overall design of the wedding so I can get a sense of everything that will be going on and be ready to capture it. I also always talk to the planner beforehand to see the timeline of the day and do my share of suggestions so that everything is captured perfectly."

For photoshoots, Ariel's advice is to share all details and trust your photographer. For weddings, he emphasizes smiling, focusing on your partner, and savoring the imperfect perfection of the day – because that's when the real magic happens. “The day is about you two after all,” Ariel smiles.

Weddings, Packages, and Price Points

Ariel's comfort zone? A solid 20 weddings a year, with wedding day coverage spanning 10-12 hours of visual storytelling. The starting price? $4,500 in the DR, $8,500 in the US – because, let's face it, magic doesn't come cheap. But fear not, Ariel offers an a la carte system, allowing couples to tailor their photographic dreams to their desires. "Most of my clients book me for two days," he comments.

As for destinations, Ariel is a globetrotting lensman, but one favorite stands out – home, sweet home – Casa de Campo. It's a testament to the allure of familiar landscapes and the magic that can be found in one's own backyard.