Today we’d like to introduce you to Fareena Valliani.
Hi Fareena, can you start by introducing yourself? We’d love to learn more about how you got to where you are today?
I started my journey with crossfit athletes, bodybuilders and powerlifters. Around 2016, I had a friend ask me to be the second photographer at one of her weddings and that’s when I decided I would love take pictures at weddings.
However, as I learned my art and started traveling for it, I decided to expand my work more towards elopements rather than weddings. Don’t get me wrong, I loved working at wedding but it just isn’t for me.
I enjoy taking pictures of my lovers and I like having my time with them rather than feeling rushed.
Alright, so let’s dig a little deeper into the story – has it been an easy path overall and if not, what were the challenges you’ve had to overcome?
It hasn’t been an easy journey. I am Pakistani and a lesbian so marketing myself an LGBTQ-based photographer has been rough. However, I take a lot of pride in what I do and I had to understand these people are trusting me to tell their stories. I simply stopped caring what people think. I started letting my work talk for me.
Can you tell our readers more about what you do and what you think sets you apart from others?
I am an Elopement/ LGBTQ based photographer.
I capture raw & intimate moments of some rebellious babes.
What I am truly proud of is my journey as an artist, this journey has helped me grow as an individual. It has also helped me be more opened about my sexuality. I would love to capture and be known for LGBTQ based photographer than just elopement based photographer. I owe it to the community and myself.
Can you share something surprising about yourself?
Hernamewasfareena came from lowest point in my life. I had gone through something major in my life. I was in Colorado for a shoot at the time I was marketing as Fareena Viglianco, I decided to change my @ on Instagram as @hernamewasfareena. Now, when people ask me why I did that, my answer is pretty simple ‘she lost her self ‘ I don’t want my brand to be just a name.
Contact Info:
- Email: Fareenavalliani@gmail.com
- Website: www.hernamewasfareena.com
- Instagram: www.instagram.com/hernamewasfareena
Image Credits
@hernamewasfareena
