Meet Stacie Buhler | Fashion Photographer / Creative Director

We had the good fortune of connecting with Stacie Buhler and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Stacie, how do you think about risk?
I don’t think about risk taking. Maybe that’s not the best thing, but because I am Bipolar, I’m sometimes not even aware I’m taking the risk. I don’t worry about it, because I know I’m capable of making it happen. When I was first starting out in fashion I bought a plane ticket to Paris during fashion week. I snuck into shows, shot street style and celebrities. I took a leap of faith and built a portfolio, but I always had a feeling that I could do it. That trip to Paris changed my life forever. I now shoot fashion weeks for magazines in Milan, Paris, and New York. I’m living my dream, and I really feel like that trip solidified my career as a fashion photographer. Take the risk, but know you can do it!

Let’s talk shop? Tell us more about your career, what can you share with our community?
My work is always changing and evolving. I feel like my work has always been a great representation of who I am at the time. We are always changing, and our work should reflect that. Right now I am attracted to androgyny and feel a strong pull in shooting models within the LGBTQ+ community.

So far– It’s been tough reaching my goals. I’ve worked to the bone for six years to get to this spot, and I’m always trying to grow as a person and artist. I had a lot of great mentors along the way. I really believe in learning from our peers and other artists who surround us. I think that’s pushed me farther than anything. Educating myself on fashion and business, then letting the photography flow naturally.

I have a bipolar diagnosis and that has affected my work immensely. In one way, it makes me unstoppable, but at the same time it can stop me. Does that make sense? Some days it’s a big burden, and other days it’s just me on top of the world. I want to normalize mental illness, and show that if I can do this- anyone else can.

I’ve learned to never compare your work to others, just like you should never compare your own life to another. In life and photography, just try to beat yourself. Create what YOU want to create. Become who you want to become, or die trying.

If you had a friend visiting you, what are some of the local spots you’d want to take them around to?
GO TO ONE PLACE AND ONE PLACE ONLY: Paradise Cove Beach Cafe in Malibu. You’ll thank me later…

The Shoutout series is all about recognizing that our success and where we are in life is at least somewhat thanks to the efforts, support, mentorship, love and encouragement of others. So is there someone that you want to dedicate your shoutout to?
I would love to shoutout my wonderful friend and first mentor, D’Arcy Benincosa. She pushed me, believed in me, and really helped me become the photographer and business owner I am. She is a brilliant marketer, photographer, and mentor. She encouraged me to take that trip to Paris, I completely owe the idea to her!

Website: staciebuhler.com

Instagram: instagram.com/stacieabuhler