we are ending the 2009 year featuring an amazing photographer!! i've been itching for wedding season to begin again and her photos are making me melt!! they are absolutely stunning. so pure, so beautiful....just gorgeous! there are moments in life that people only dream of having captured on film and stephanie has nailed it!! her interview comes with lots of pictures :)!
i'm happy to introduce to you...stephanie williams
Name: Stephanie Williams
Business name: Stephanie Williams Photography/This Modern Romance
Location: Orange County, California
Website/blog: www.stephaniewilliamsphotography.com / www.stephaniewilliamsphotography.com/blog
Tell us one sentence to describe your photography: We're a husband + wife team inspired by love and life, and our work has been described as undeniably romantic, warm, timeless, and whimsical.
How long have you been doing photography and how did you get started: We've been shooting weddings for almost four years, but I've been into photography for a long time - I would always have a camera on me for trips or hanging out with friends - I was on a first name basis with the guy at the film lab across from my high school. I started shooting weddings, when my friend in college talked me into shooting her wedding, and I dove in head first shortly after that.
What did you want to be or think you would be when you grew up?: I've always been artistic - ever since I was a little kid you wouldn't find me without my sketch book - but I had very practical parents who tried to push me to be a doctor or lawyer or something like that, so I never really thought you could make a living being "artistic." I went to college as a Biology major, then switched to Psychology, then to Sociology.... The year before I graduated, I thought I was going straight to grad school for Psychology, however, once I picked up a camera again, I knew I had to take a different direction.
If you were given $500 today, what would be the first thing you would do?: Invest it back into my business by buying a new lens or something of that nature...hey, I'm pretty practical with my money....however...if someone was twisting my arm and telling me to splurge on something I would like, then I'd waltz right into the Anthropologie store.
Where do you go to find inspiration?: I find most of my inspiration in nature - we try our best to constantly explore new places and be outdoors - I feel at home in nature and it's my favorite thing to shoot in - outdoors with lots of natural light. I also love flea markets, anything weathered and worn, French country antiques, and Anthropologie window displays.
What type of sessions are your favorite (children, e-sessions, weddings, newborns....) and why?: I love engagement sessions the most, because I still get to photograph amazing, in love couples without all the stress and time constraints of the wedding day. Also, many of my couples are up for anything and bring fun props and are up for some really creative images.
What equipment do you use and if you had only one lens to use...what would it be?:
I shoot with Canon 5D mark II and a variety of lenses, but if I had to use just one for a portrait/fashion/engagement type shoot, it would be the Canon 85mm 1.2 You can't beat the gorgeous color and quality from this lens! Also, you can read about all of our equipment on my "For Photographers" page on my blog http://stephaniewilliamsphotography.com/blog/for-photographers/
What moment in your life makes you smile every single time you think about it?: Hmm, besides my wedding day (although that definitely makes me smile, but I feel it would be too cliche to say that). One moment that comes to mind was when Isaac and I were traveling in Peru. We watched the mist lift over Machu Picchu at sunrise, and it was breathtakingly beautiful and nothing short of magical!
What is at the top of your wish list right now?: for my business: a brand new shiny website, for my personal life: making more down time for myself
Tell us the best advice that you have ever received (photography related or life in general): The best business advice I've received is to stop looking at what everyone is currently doing, and focus on what you love and want to do. Once I stopped looking at other photographer's work, it was easier to find my own style and creative voice. It's also very important to find a balance between work and personal life, especially when you work from your home.
If we surprised you at your house today, what would be the first thing we would notice? my three dogs tackling you! Oh, and probably music - we always have music playing in our home.
And lastly.....when we started the maternal lens, all of us filled out this questionnaire and shared our answers....now it's your turn :)
What is your favorite word? ephemeral
What is your least favorite word? nuptials (I don't like the sound of it)
What turns you on creatively, spiritually or emotionally? taking a long walk in nature and talking with my husband - always gets the creative/brainstorming process going and relaxes me
What turns you off creatively, spiritually or emotionally? being stuck in LA traffic - it will slowly crush your soul
What sound or noise do you love? waves crashing
What sound or noise do you hate? freakin' loud motorcycles
What is your favorite thing to say when you get mad? hmmm...I would probably have a Charlie Brown "argh!!!" moment
What profession other than your own would you like to attempt? professional glass blower or feltmaker or sheephearder.....
What profession would you not like to do? anything that involves dangling from high places - I guess a skyscraper window cleaner
If Heaven exists, what would you like to hear God say when you arrive at the Pearly Gates? EVERYONE you love is here with you....
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