Life & Work with Caroline Stephens

Today we’d like to introduce you to Caroline Stephens.

Hi Caroline, we’re thrilled to have a chance to learn your story today. So, before we get into specifics, maybe you can briefly walk us through how you got to where you are today?
I started my journey as a small business owner and wedding/elopement photographer almost by accident. I knew I loved photographing special moments, but I had no idea I could turn it into my career. When I was a sophomore in college, I took a chance and bought a camera on Black Friday 2019. I instantly fell in love. While I had a lot of learning to do, I started my business from scratch with little to no formal training in the photography industry. Over the course of the past 2.5 years, I have worked on establishing my brand and perfecting my craft as a photographer and creator. I have been blessed with the most amazing clients who have uplifted and supported me throughout the various stages in my journey. While I may have started off with no knowledge of how to operate a business full-time, I am proud to say I have been a professional photographer with a legal business since January of 2021!

Would you say it’s been a smooth road, and if not what are some of the biggest challenges you’ve faced along the way?
My journey to this point has been challenging but in the most rewarding way. Seeing my progress from when I first began capturing photographs for people to now is truly inspiring. And that is why I tell everyone that if you put your mind to something- you can be successful. There will be many times where you second guess your skills, or if you will be successful financially and socially – but a commitment to authenticity and hard work will prevail. Success looks different to everyone, but for me – I struggled with imposter syndrome as my brand and business grew. Many photographers and creators alike struggle with this, however, I am a firm believer that the market is not oversaturated and each unique photographer brings their own skillset and personality to their work and in turn – their imagery. Since I began capturing photos in the early stages of the pandemic, there was a sense of uncertainty in the air – however, I am confident that this made me stronger as a business owner and individual. In a season of darkness, I was able to find my passion and turn it into my reality.

Thanks for sharing that. So, maybe next you can tell us a bit more about your work?
I specialize in elopements and intimate weddings, along with couples and seniors! I like to describe my artistic style as authentic, intimate, and adventurous. I prioritize capturing the intimate details of your day that reveal the raw and real emotions you felt. Since expanding my brand to elopements in early 2022, I also focus heavily on documentary-styled photography. This means I focus more on the movements of an elopement or wedding day and all the candid, unposed moments I want to preserve in photographs. I have a moodier, clean editing style that focuses on warm, film-like touches. I also am very passionate about black-and-white images and the timeless aesthetic they provide. I am also known for my work with senior photography, as that is what I first started my business with! I love photographing seniors because much like every elopement or an intimate wedding – each session is different and leaves room to tell a story. What sets me apart from others is a great question. One of my favorite answers is that I value authenticity and flexibility with all of my clients. I truly want their day or their session to reflect their own story and their personal vision. This means sometimes we don’t follow a strict timeline and that we break away from some of the traditional, societal norms of wedding photography. While I always value structure on my wedding days, I try to prioritize a stress-free environment and follow a timeline that flows with the couple’s wants and needs.

Any advice for finding a mentor or networking in general?
My biggest piece of advice for networking is to be unapologetically yourself and unashamed of your brand image. Do not be afraid to make connections and reach out to potential clients, the worst thing they can say is no! When I was first beginning my career, I did not realize all of the immense resources at my fingertips! Facebook groups for photographers and creators are so resourceful and full of industry veterans who want to help! Highly recommend joining a few Facebook groups. Georgia Wedding Resources, Adventure Elopement Photographers, and Cassidy Lynne Education are all wonderful groups that have benefited me and my knowledge greatly. Also, do not be scared to offer model sessions based on future goals you have or sessions you want to shoot! While I did not have a photography mentor, I am going to release my own mentorship sessions in Fall 2022, which I am incredibly proud and excited about!

Contact Info:

• Website: carolinestephensphoto.com
• Instagram: instagram.com/carolinestephensphoto
• Other: https://pin.it/6k5149v

Image Credits
All images were taken by Caroline Stephens Photography