Today we’d like to introduce you to Aryka Knoche.
Hi Aryka, thanks for sharing your story with us. To start, maybe you can tell our readers some of your backstory.
I’m a full-time high school special education teacher and have been for the past four years. Around the same time I started teaching, I picked up a camera for fun—my first was a Sony a6000. I began by photographing my fiancé’s basketball games, which led to shooting the Minnesota Basketball Pro-Am and eventually doing sports photography more regularly. From there, I started taking photos for friends and family, which helped me broaden my skills and explore different styles.
As I gained experience, I invested more into my gear and eventually upgraded to the Sony a7IV. That shift helped me find my style and focus on the types of shoots I love most. I’ve had the support of other photographers along the way, including help with building my website.
Today, I shoot everything from senior portraits and families to solo/creative shoots, couples/engagement, and sports. While my long-term goal is to pursue photography full-time, I also love teaching, so I’m grateful to do both. Word of mouth has played a big role in growing my business, and it’s been amazing to watch something that started as a hobby turn into something much bigger.
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 always been a smooth road. As a giver, I sometimes struggle with valuing my work properly because I want my photography to be accessible to everyone, which can lead me to undercharge. But over time, I’ve learned that this can be draining. Not everyone sees the behind-the-scenes effort, especially in editing. After a shoot, I spend hours fine-tuning each image to reflect the true vision, and that part of the process is just as important as taking the photo and can take some time.
Another challenge is balancing it all. With being a full-time teacher, earning my master’s in special education, and running a photography business can be overwhelming. There are definitely times I feel stretched thin. Still, I keep going because I love both paths. Each one gives me purpose, and the challenges are part of the growth.
As you know, we’re big fans of you and your work. For our readers who might not be as familiar what can you tell them about what you do?
I’m a photographer who specializes in senior portraits, family sessions, solo/creative shoots, couples/engagements, and sports photography. I would say I am known for capturing authentic, emotional moments and creating a relaxed, personal experience so clients can enjoy their time and can truly be themselves.
What sets me apart is the blend of my teaching and photography experience. As a teacher, I’m used to connecting with people from all backgrounds, which helps me build strong client relationships and capture real emotions. I’ve also developed a style that blends natural light and flash photography, allowing flexibility across different settings. I also put a lot of care into editing to make sure each photo is polished and truly reflects the moment.
I’m most proud of the relationships I’ve built with my clients and the trust they place in me to capture their special moments. Word of mouth has been a huge part of my business growth, and knowing that people are happy with my work is what keeps me going.
If we knew you growing up, how would we have described you?
Growing up, I was always active and loved spending time outdoors. I played a variety of sports, but eventually, I chose to focus on softball and continued playing it through college, first at Drake University my freshmen year and then I transferred to Concordia University St. Paul. It was a big part of my life growing up. Besides sports, I was always outgoing and loved being around my friends and family.
One of my favorite memories from childhood is our family cabin. Every summer, we’d head up there to spend time together, whether it was tubing, boating, being around the fire making s’mores, or just enjoying each other’s company, it was always a great time. Those are some of the best moments I’ve had and they have shaped me into who I am today.
Pricing:
- Couples/Engagements: $175 – $350
- Family: $185 – $285
- Solo/Creative: $150 – $230
- Senior Portraits: $175 – $325
- Sports: $125 – $200
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.arykabriphotos.com/
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/arykabriphotography?igsh=dG9qeGtpc2Z4ZjZs&utm_source=qr
