Stephanie and I have known each other on the on-line community for several years…I think going on 4 years now. And over the past year or so I have had the chance to meet and hang out with her 3 times. I just adore Stephanie. One of the nicest people I know and extremely talented.
So it is with great pleasure to introduce to you Stephanie Fisher of Stephanie Fisher Photography for this month’s Photographer Spotlight. You can become a Fan on Facebook by clicking here.
1. Tell us about yourself… Hi! I’m Stephanie Fisher and I live in Birmingham, Alabama with my husband, 3 year old little girl, Hannah. I grew up in Enterprise, Alabama with my great grandparents and we actually go down there to visit just about every other weekend!
What type of photography do you specialize in? I specialize in newborn and child photography though I have been known to shoot a couple of weddings per year.
How long have you been in business? I have been in business for 2 and a half years now and full-time for almost a year now!
What’s in your camera bag? I’m a Nikon girl… my Nikon D700, Sigma 50mm 1.4, Nikon 28-70 2.8 and 85mm 1.8
What lens could you not live without? Hands down my 50! I use it 95% of the time! I looooove it.
Are you self taught or did you take classes? Self taught. Well, I did take a darkroom class a few years ago but that was to learn how to develop film and unfortunately that doesn’t help me since I’m 100% digital now! I did love the experience though. I’ve just read tons online and practiced, practiced, practiced!! (heck, and still practicing!)
Mac or PC? Mac! Love my MacbookPro. I’m a total convert to Mac now and will never ever go back!
How do you find balance between a successful business and home/family, without one taking over the other? Now that I am able to do photography full-time it is easier for me. I was balancing my full-time job as well as my photography for quite a while and it was a huge struggle. Now I try to schedule my time during the day for sessions/proofing while Hannah is in school and do most of my proofing and paperwork at night after she goes to bed.
(This is her beautiful daughter, Hannah)
What advice would you give to someone wanting to start their own business in photography? I believe someone else had mentioned the business aspect of it and I have to agree. Don’t think it’s just taking pictures and handing them over and you’re done. There is so much more- the taxes, the licenses, the tons of paperwork you handle every day… be sure you are ready and willing to take on this responsibility to have a full legitimate business.
Appreciate the art. Yes, your friends are telling you that you take great pictures but make sure you know how to consistently handle any situation before jumping into business.
Be original. Yes, you’re inspired by other photographers- I am too- but don’t just blatantly copy their work… add your own twist and style to it!
What is your favorite product you offer? Gosh, this is a hard one. I guess right now I’m in love with my client keepsake proof boxes. When a client purchases the digital files from their session, they receive a custom designed keepsake box filled with 5×7 prints from their session! They are goooorgeous!
How many sessions do you average per week? I’d say I average around 3 sessions per week. Some more, some less. It’s especially busy right now with the holiday rush so at this particular time I could say I’m averaging 4-5 sessions per week!
What has been your best form of marketing? Facebook! I have been able to network with so many fabulous people through Facebook.
List your top 5 favorite blogs you stalk
Carrie Sandoval http://capturedbycarrie.com/blog/
Audrey Woulard http://www.audreywoulardblog.com/
Kelley Ryden http://kelleyryden.com/blog/
Jasmine Star http://www.jasminestarblog.com/
Tara Whitney http://tarawhitney.com/justbeblogged/
When you are not at a session and/or editing a session, what are you most likely doing? For me time: catching up on my favorite shows! (thank you DVR!) My current faves are Grey’s Anatomy, Private Practice, Modern Family and The Office.
Thanks so much for having me! It’s truly an honor!
Thank you so much, Stephanie!!!
by Jaidean
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