Stephanie’s newest project is the bundle of joy (at least, that’s how we make them look
) that she brought home recently. Congrats Stephanie!
There isn’t a doubt in my mind that this means her camera will be taking a rest.
Luckily for us, she still managed to send in this great interview and some beautiful images for us to admire. Here’s a link to her website.
How long have you been a photographer?
1.5 years
What inspired you to become a photographer?
My children. After I first became a mom, I started to obsessively visit photography sites online
and hired a photographer a few times a year to capture my little one. When my son came along
and I realized how much I was investing in photography both financially and personally, I
decided to purchase my first DSLR and started playing around.
What do you like the most about photography?
The connections you make with your clients and their babies. I absolutely love hearing from my
clients and am shocked how many of them have become friends through this wonderful process.
What do you like about baby images?
The fact that they capture something so fleeting. The newborn stage is so special and so very
short lived. I’ve seen how quickly babies change with my own three and am so thankful that I
have images I can enjoy that help me reminisce about those tiny details that become so fuzzy
years down the line.
Are you a studio or natural light photographer?
Currently exclusively natural light
Why?
I love the complement of the soft lighting for newborns and the beautiful modeling and gradation
of shadows you get with natural window light.
Who inspires you now?
Many of the top photographers inspire me although I am particularly attracted to Brittany
Woodall’s work. I find her compositions and eye for detail incredibly appealing.
When you see a picture, what is the first thing you notice?
The subject’s expression.
What do you try to capture in your baby images?
Peace and innocence. It’s important to me that the babies look comfortable. You can tell a lot
from the expression in an image and babies at peace look innocent, comfortable and comforting.
What has been your favourite moment as a photographer?
Most definitely capturing my own newborn through imagery. I first became interested in
photography to document my own sweet children. Getting to do this in the newly born phase has
been incredibly rewarding for me.
What has been your greatest learning experience?
Learning to value myself and my craft and coming to know that business policies and industry
standards are there for the benefit of the profession as a whole and should be respected, not
undermined.
How are you different from other photographers?
I hope to be creatively different. Although this has personally been the most difficult challenge of
my career thus far. I guess I would say my knowledge of the body and it’s limitations secondary
to my education and work as a physiotherapist. It’s definitely given me confidence in working
with and posing newborns.
What was your childhood nickname? Does anyone still call you by it?
My mom used to call me Chicky Pop. Every once in a while it still slips out.
Favorite movie?
Amelie
What was your best vacation ever?
My husband and I travelled to Cuba early on in our relationship. Afterwards, I knew we would
someday get married and have a family.
Favorite TV show?
SYTYCD
What songs are on your playlist?
I rarely listen to music anymore… do the Backyardigans count?
What’s your facebook game addiction?
Don’t have one.
What is something most people would be surprised to know about you?
I trained professionally as a modern dancer at the School of Toronto Dance Theatre in my
twenties.
Nikon or Canon?
Canon
Do you have a favorite lens?
50mm 1.2
Any tricks for fussy babies?
Step back and calm yourself and the parents first. Don’t focus so much on getting pictures.
Actually, don’t focus on it at all. Just give the babe time to settle in, in as soothing an
environment as possible.
Who is your favorite etsy seller?
Currently http://www.etsy.com/shop/handmadebyharlan. I used her headbands with my daughter
and just loved them.
Do you have any pictures of your studio space- it doesn’t need to be fancy- just show us where you work your magic! :0)
I don’t currently have any! Wow… that’s sad. And definitely something to work on!
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