Arielle Doneson is a photographer whose work focuses on the theme of friendship and connection. She looks at the depth of human relationships. She uses natural lighting, candid portraits, and intimate settings to explore how friendships form, grow, and change over time. Doneson’s photography examines the not as obvious aspects of human connection. She captures her subjects, who are often close friends, but also strangers, to create portraits that show the shared history, mutual care, and existence in each others lives. Doneson’s work has been featured in many publications, including Style Me Pretty, The Wedding Chicks, Elizabeth Anne Designs, and GayWeddings.com. Arielle Doneson’s work links to the theme of “union” in several meaningful ways, even if it’s not the central or overt theme of her photography. Here are a few key connections:

The photo – “Shared Silence”

This is a portrait of two women sitting on a park bench during sunset. The photo captures the moment between words, where the friends’ heads are slightly bowed, their hands gently touching. The photo expresses the quietness they both share, suggesting that no words are necessary for a strong, meaningful connection.

Arielle Doneson’s work, while often focused on individual portraits, also creates the sense of unity between the subject and the photographer. This connection could symbolise the deeper bonds found in friendships, where people come together and form a shared experience. A good portrait is not just about capturing someone’s appearance but about displaying their inner world, like when true friends come together, not just physically, but in understanding and emotionally.

This artist inspired me as she looks exactly at what i was wanting to look in to. Her photographs mildly encouraged what I then captured.