Today we’d like to introduce you to Maggie Karanja.
Alright, so thank you so much for sharing your story and insight with our readers. To kick things off, can you tell us a bit about how you got started?
My story began when I joined an art class in high school. I quickly realized I wasn’t very talented at drawing (that gene skipped me) so I took up photography. In college, I decided to study visual communications, and during my freshman year a friend gave me a camera which I took everywhere I went. The passion flamed and I began documenting the life around me. I had many opportunities to work in a studio with videographers and photograph several events including football games.
While in college, I also started offering sessions on the side to people. Family sessions, graduation sessions, you name it, I did it all. After graduation, I moved to Atlanta to start my career as a photographer and graphic designer. Although I was photographing people for their headshots or events, I missed the interaction, relationship building, and creativity of working with clients, so I officially started my photography business!
I began designing my brand and launched Stepping Stones Photography in 2020. Earlier this year, Stepping Stones Photography evolved into Maggie Karanja Photography. I’m offering my clients a more curated experience so I rebranded my business to reflect that.
Can you talk to us a bit about the challenges and lessons you’ve learned along the way. Looking back would you say it’s been easy or smooth in retrospect?
As with any business, there have been peaks and valleys. Startup costs are no joke! Since moving to a new city, I had to find clientele. You get paid for a job, and then the money vanishes for new equipment, advertising, client software, and other business expenses. There will always be hurdles to jump through, but the excitement of getting to meet a client and photographing their next step in life makes those hurdles seem like pebbles. I’m truly blessed to do what I do!
Great, so let’s talk business. Can you tell our readers more about what you do and what you think sets you apart from others?
I am a full time wedding photographer serving the southeast and beyond. I love what I do and am truly grateful to have worked with some amazing clients! I approach each celebration as a witness to your commitment, capturing not just how your day looked, but how it felt. My editing style remains true to light, creating images that are both timeless and genuine!
My hope for each client is to be joyfully present and deeply connected on their wedding day. I believe the best photographs happen when you’re fully present in your moment—laughing with your grandmother, sharing a quiet glance with your spouse, or dancing like no one’s watching.
My approach is refined yet relaxed. I work seamlessly with your wedding planner to ensure your day unfolds beautifully while capturing every genuine emotion and elegant detail.
What sets me apart? In ten minutes, I can connect with anyone. My couples often say I feel like a friend who happens to create stunning photographs. This connection allows me to capture the real you—joyful, elegant, and authentically in love.
What do you like best about our city? What do you like least?
I love living in Atlanta! There is always something to do, great restaurants, and plenty of networking opportunities which is important in my line of work.
My least favorite thing is the traffic but I have gotten used to it over the years.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.maggiekaranja.com
- Instagram: @maggiekaranjaphoto
Image Credits
All images are my own.
