Today we’d like to introduce you to Stephanie Weekes.
So, before we jump into specific questions about the business, why don’t you give us some details about you and your story.
Stephanie Briana Photography started from a gift that God blessed me with when I was at a low point. In high school, I was introduced to photography when my family couldn’t afford dance classes or other extracurricular activities due to financial struggles. My parents were in the middle of a divorce and I just needed an outlet. I finished majority of my credits and it was my senior year and there was an arts program in my high school that you could choose different classes from including photography, music, etc. I chose Photography and it forced me to be creative with where and when I took photos because at the time, I didn’t have a car like most students at the time. I couldn’t just drive to Atlanta or different locations. I started out just taking photos in my backyard of flowers and of friends who would be willing to help me out for my class. I was able to challenge myself because I knew some of my classmates had the ability to travel more to get photos, but I simply had to use my surroundings for the most part. You learn to observe and see things in a different perspective that way.
Once I graduated and went into college and I would take opportunities here and there to take photos for people or events. After I graduated in 2016, I decided I wanted to create a business. I work an 8-5 in Finance as well, but this is a major part of my heart and passion. It gives me the opportunity to bring light to people and make them feel confident in who they are. I think it’s a precious gift to be able to take photos of people and capture moments for them. It’s special, and those photos mean a lot especially when they are building a brand for themselves or just want a memory from a moment. That’s what Stephanie Briana Photography is about. Making my clients feel great because I knew a time where I was going through so much and this become a blessing to me. My clients are a blessing to me. I’m just overall grateful for my business.
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?
There has been a lot of challenges along the way. Like most people I’ve faced the challenge of questioning whether this is for me. I just put a lot of pressure on myself sometimes to make sure I am providing great service and photos for anyone who books me. In the beginning, I was really discouraged because I have an older model camera and didn’t really have a lot of the gear that most photographers in my market have. Then having to get over the initial worry if someone will book me. There is a lot of photographers out there and booking clients is essential to a business especially when you are just starting out. I was battling with all of this and still trying to grow in the craft.
While doing all of this I had a full-time job which I was just unhappy with the environment that I was in. I didn’t let all of this deter me, I pushed through and started out doing photoshoots for free to get my portfolio updated. I signed up for a wedding photography workshop by LaJoy Photography and from there she became a mentor to me and has helped me in so many ways. And after posting photos from that workshop I started to get the momentum I needed as far as booking clients. I eventually got a new full-time job as well. Patience is key, I just kept putting in work in the background. I know I am always going to face challenges especially in this business, but I have a better appreciation for what I’ve been through. It is also a reminder that I can overcome anything that comes my way.
Stephanie Briana Photography – what should we know? What do you do best? What sets you apart from the competition?
Stephanie Briana Photography is a photography business that specialized in portraits, lifestyle and branding photoshoots. I also do events. I am a natural light photographer. I am most proud of the work that I produce for my clients and the connections I have made with them. What sets me apart from others is my personality. I can be very professional with my background being in business and finance, but I love being goofy and ultimately just being bubbly. I am my clients biggest hype man. When they book a shoot with me, they will know when the photos are coming out great because I am not afraid to yell out “YASSS” when getting their best angles. I’ve really been running this business on my own and even having to edit photos on my phone because my laptop isn’t always equipped for Adobe Photoshop and Lightroom. I am determined because I am passionate about what I do, and I believe I do it well and can be even better.
What moment in your career do you look back most fondly on?
The proudest moment of my career so far is being recognized for my talent from photographers who I look up too. It’s one thing to think you are good at what you do but to have someone that has been doing this for a long time look at your work and tell you that you are doing a great job is a major accomplishment. I believe in always improving and I do know I am going in the right direction. That’s a major highlight for me as I am still growing as a photographer. My goal is to be able to collaborate more with other photographers and just be able to be a mentor for others looking to get into this business. Getting that recognition helped me with my confidence as a female photographer.
Contact Info:
- Email: stephaniebrianaphotography@gmail.com
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/stephaniebrianaphotography/
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/stephaniebrianaphotography/
Image Credit:
Image Credits go to Stephanie Briana Photography. Client images: Ben Armstrong, Norbert Ferrell Jr., Dae Rogers, Jessica Bailey
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