Today we’d like to introduce you to Savanna Sturkie.
Savanna, let’s start with your story. We’d love to hear how you got started and how the journey has been so far.
I grew up in Columbus, GA, just a little south of here. I have two incredible (like, seriously, the BEST) parents, and a fantastic older brother. We are extremely close, and I am lucky to have the family that I do.
I studied photojournalism and art history at the University of Georgia, and while those may not be the most “marketable” skills to everyone, they are full of value to me. I also, as I said, have very supportive parents. They were always okay with me being creative. Probably because of the balance it adds to the family, what with my brother being a successful engineer (and my polar opposite).
Following college, I was a little lost. I knew I wanted to be in the photography field; I just wasn’t sure how. It’s a little intimidating! After a few months, I got what I truly thought was my dream job: working in the art departments at Food & Wine and Cooking Light magazines. If photography is my number one passion, food culture is probably number two. I love cooking, talking to chefs, food photography and styling, all of it. I think it is an art form that everyone participates in, whether they realize it or not.
I moved to Birmingham to accept the job. I was scared but excited. Hitting fast forward a little bit, the job was nothing I expected. I was heartbroken. I won’t get into the nitty-gritty, as those are both brands I still adore, but the magazines were going through a lot of changes. My boss was busy. I was bored, alone, and felt trapped.
Ultimately, I decided to quit after only six months. I felt like a failure but made the choice that I would rather figure it out as I go in a city I love (Atlanta), than waste away at a desk job I hated. I actually laid pretty low upon moving to the city. I was embarrassed and didn’t want people to think I had failed. It took me a while, but I have since realized I didn’t fail, and that removing yourself from a painful situation, albeit difficult, is an act full of strength.
I cold emailed every photographer I had ever heard of in Atlanta, desperate to find anything to allow me to follow my dreams. Eventually, I found Heidi. Fate is funny, and to me, a very real thing. Just at the time I was trying to move, she needed some help too.
We now work together as I build my own business, which is taking off much faster than I could have ever imagined. Moving here was terrifying and relieving at the same time. I am happier than I have ever been in my life, and I am thankful to every single person that allows me to tell their story through my lens. I am 100% freelance years earlier than anticipated, but I wouldn’t have it any other way. Every day is new, an adventure, and I love this city.
Great, so let’s dig a little deeper into the story – has it been an easy path overall and if not, what were the challenges you’ve had to overcome?
Ha, no! As I talked about in my “story,” Birmingham was a rough ride. But it brought me here, and I learned a ton.
We’d love to hear more about what you do.
I am a multi-purpose photographer, you could say. Since I studied photojournalism, emphasis on journalism, my specialty is actually in telling stories. A camera is just a tool that allows me to do that.
My background in storytelling is also what I would say sets me apart from others — because of that; I am very versatile to each client. I can shoot portraits, food, weddings, events, products, etc. all according to the situation at hand and the story that needs to be told.
Specifically, I’d say the things I enjoy capturing the most are people, love, and food (AKA portraits, weddings and engagements, and food/restaurant life).
What moment in your career do you look back most fondly on?
I think every time someone says they are happy with the photos I deliver, that they had fun during our shoot, or they felt at ease with me, I consider what I do a success.
There’s something about hearing people say, “Oh my gosh, you made me look so PRETTY!” that brings a huge smile to my face. Being in front of the camera is NOT easy, and we (myself included) tend to judge our appearances too harshly.
I love being able to help people realize how beautiful they are.
Contact Info:
- Website: www.savannasturkie.com
- Phone: 7067182941
- Email: savsturkie@gmail.com
- Instagram: savannasturkie
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