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

Hi Stephanie, is there something that you feel is most responsible for your success?
There are two really important things for me as a photographer that have brought success in what I do. It’s always been extremely important to me that anyone who sits in front of my lens feels comfortable and at ease and that the process of being photographed feels natural and fun. Growing up, my mom was a professional photographer and often times, I was her model when she would be trying out new equipment or experimenting with poses, etc. She always knew instinctively how to make me feel comfortable in front of the camera, making it feel fun and like I could be myself, not a posed version of who I was. Ultimately, by doing that, the images she captured were incredible because she knew just how to capture the very essence of who I was. As I got older, I realized I had the same instinctual ability and it was that ability that I became known for as a photographer. It’s really important to me that I capture the very soul of a person, who they are deep inside. It’s that bright light that I always strive to capture and bring out. Ultimately, when I do, my clients instantly connect to their photos as they can see that same bright light that I see in them when I’m photographing them. My clients often say, “Oh my gosh, you captured my spirit and natural joy!” That has been a big part of my success. Another contributing factor that has been a part of my success is the ability to translate emotion and deep connection via a still photograph to the viewer. It’s equally important to me that the viewer who sees my images is able to feel what I was feeling, experiencing the emotion that was being felt when I captured the image. I want my viewers to “feel ” the photograph. My ability to do this instinctually has been an additional factor behind my success. These two things bring me extreme joy anytime I’ve got my camera in my hands. Bringing joy, emotion, thought, etc. to others through my images is the ultimate success for me.

Can you open up a bit about your work and career? We’re big fans and we’d love for our community to learn more about your work.
I think for any creative, the leap from “hobby” to “paid creative” is a challenging one. There’s a space in that transition that is a tough one. You’re still building your confidence but working on moving your passion and hobby to something that you can begin making a living doing. It can be a really awkward time. This transition for me was particularly challenging. In fact, the transition happened not by my choosing, but a friend actually created the opportunity. Earlier on, I was photographing family and friends for free, just for the practice. I got great experience and they got great photographs (no charge). One day, I was asked to do an on-location shoot for a high school grad. We agreed that I would do it for free just to get the experience. At the end of the shoot, my friend presented me with an envelope and said, “I have paid you for your time. If you don’t cash this check I’ll be really mad. Also, the amount I’ve paid you is what I’m going to tell other people I know (who would really love your services) is what your fee is.” So basically, she set my price point based on what she felt my photography was worth. I remember opening the envelope and being totally blown away by the amount on the check. I couldn’t believe she thought what I did was worth so much! She ended up referring me my next 3 clients, and from there, word of mouth got around and the business began to grow from there. I owe a lot to her and that moment. It’s literally how I went from photography being a hobby to a professional career. Needless to say, my mom was thrilled as she for years kept telling me, “Steph, you’re giving away your work, it’s time you became a professional.” I guess I needed that big push to make the transition. As for what sets me apart, well, I think if you asked anyone who’s worked with me, they would say that I make the process fun and bring out their true nature. Though we live in a world where selfies are king, most people, when sitting in front of a professional photographer tend to stiffen up, feel like they need to be something other than their wonderful selves. When I photograph people, I feel like I’m looking deep within them. The camera can be quite intimidating….you can’t really hide from the lens. I’ve always really been sensitive to other peoples energy and this has been a wonderful gift because when my clients sit in front of my camera, I can feel how they feel and I instinctively create an environment that allows them to feel comfortable and allows them to feel free in their own skin and relaxed to let their beautiful nature shine through. It’s when this happens that the magic happens as I can capture something really spectacular! I feel I can really understand how people feel when they are in front of a camera because I know how I felt all those years being a model for my mom’s work. The camera can feel quite intrusive, but when you have a photographer who can put you at ease and work with you in a way that brings out your best self, that’s true magic. I draw on my own personal experiences combined with deep understanding of people to ensure that my clients enjoy their time, process and ultimately, LOVE their photos. Ultimately, hopefully what sets my work apart is that the view can really “feel” what I was feeling when I captured the moment. What I continue to learn as a creative is that I never stop creating. Photography for me is rooted deep in who I am. It’s how I see and share the world around me. I’ll always be pushing myself to do more and continue to think outside the box. It’s just who I am.

Any places to eat or things to do that you can share with our readers? If they have a friend visiting town, what are some spots they could take them to?
If my best friend was visiting, I would take them anywhere in nature (the beach, mountains, desert). Connecting with nature and getting away from the busy city is a great way to connect not only with nature, but ourselves. Taking a road trip to explore these environments, stopping at undiscovered places to eat, trying new things would be so much fun! Just spending time with out all the other interruptions would be a great way to focus on what’s important (friendship, good conversation, quality time, etc.). Having a shared exploration of something new is always fun. Of course, documenting the trip in photos, telling the story of the journey would be a blast as well.

Who else deserves some credit and recognition?
I dedicate this to my mother. She’s been the strong influence in my life and the one who really passed on the “photography gene” to me. She was in her 40’s when my dad bought her a professional camera and encouraged her to explore and learn more about photography. You see, my mom, for as long as I can remember has always documents every aspect of our family life. My dad, recognizing her talents, really encouraged her to explore it more. When she did, she began to perfect her abilities, began working for a wedding photographer and discovered her love for wedding photography. This then led to a 23 year long wedding photography business that she built from the ground up. She was usually booked two years in advance! She had an incredibly long and successful career in wedding photography and was well sought after. During this time, I often assisted her with many weddings, helping carry camera bags and equipment, setting up shots, etc. This was an incredible time not only to learn, but to have wonderful quality time together. It was years later when she retired that she recognized my abilities and strongly encouraged me to take my “hobby” and turn it into something more. She’s always believed in me and I truly credit her for encouraging me to take my skills to the next level. I guess the apple doesn’t fall far from the tree. It’s important to also note that my father, after my mom retired began picking up the camera as well. He’s also become a professional photographer in his retirement and has the photography bug as well. He and I shoot quite a bit together which is wonderful father daughter time. We both encourage and support each other and challenge one another to keep growing our skills. The passion for photography certainly runs in the family and I’m forever grateful for my incredible family.

Website: www.stephaniemariephotographyco.com
Instagram: @stephaniemariephotographyco
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/StephanieMariePhotographyCo
Other: In 2017, myself and a filmmaker traveled to Africa to document work I have been doing there on my own and to document my story of sponsoring a young Maasai girl, helping her go to school, etc. All still images in the film are mine and the collaboration was an incredible journey. Documentary: “It Takes A Village” FB: https://www.facebook.com/itavdocumentary Instagram: @ittakesavillage_doc

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