Today we’d like to introduce you to Stephanie Hatton.
Stephanie, can you briefly walk us through your story – how you started and how you got to where you are today.
My start as a photographer is the same as many photographers. First, I loved photography as a hobby. I took courses in high school and college to learn all I could about this hobby. I started out with film in the darkroom and wish I could go back to that sometimes. While in college, I did not think a business in photography was practical. I did not pursue business in photography until much later. I got married, had my two children and then had the opportunity to quit my full-time job. I was able to be a stay at home mommy with my littles while being a part-time photography assistant for my sister’s photography business. After that, I was able to see the flexibility photography would bring me and my family. So, I jumped into newborn photography. My sister and I now share a photography studio in Haslet Texas.
Has it been a smooth road?
I can not say that the road has always been smooth. There are many struggles that come with owning a business. I opened a photography business because I wanted to bring in an income to my family by taking beautiful pictures of babies. But with that comes everything else that comes with the business. I have had to learn a lot by trial and error. I can not only take beautiful pictures but I have to excel in marketing, accounting, advertising, customer service, and competitive pricing. These are not things I am naturally talented in so I have been taking courses to help improve and continue to grow my business.
Please tell us more about your work, what you are currently focused on and most proud of.
I specialize in newborn photography but also really enjoy child milestone sessions, family sessions, and maternity. I love working with new moms, young families and capturing their big family moments. Newborn sessions take place in my natural light studio. At a Newborn session, you can expect simple, classic and most of all, safe poses and setups for your baby. I have taken courses in Newborn Photography and Newborn safety. I will watch your babies cues and ensure that your babies needs are most important during the session. I think the babies themselves are the art so I use fewer props and focus more on the beautiful new baby.
My studio is product and art work based. In a digital world, I would hate for my client’s beautiful images to only live on a computer. That’s why we go back to the studio for a ‘reveal session’ and they can choose the type of keepsake photo that can live at home with them. Clients can leave this experience with wall art, albums or printed images.
I am most proud that these mommies and daddies trust me to document their precious memories. Newborn babies grow so fast and will not be this small even next week. I am happy to partner with these young families and give them beautiful art work that will last a life time.
During a family session, we will do posed pictures as well as candid pictures. We will do pictures of the family walking together, having tickle fights and playing ring around the roses. I love to capture the love, joy and natural smiles that playtime together can bring.
Often it feels as if the media, by and large, is only focused on the obstacles faced by women, but we feel it’s important to also look for the opportunities. In your view, are there opportunities that you see that women are particularly well positioned for?
I do feel that photography is a great and growing field for women, especially newborn photography. I believe that a mother is more comfortable trusting her newborn baby to another mother to photograph. Also, owning your own photography business brings a lot of flexibility. This flexibility gives women the freedom to be the mommies they want to be as well as helping with family income.
Contact Info:
- Website: www.stephaniereneephotography.co
- Phone: 8172396345
- Email: info@stephaniereneephotography.co
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/stephanierenee.photo/
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/stephaniereneephotographystudio/
Image Credit:
Headshot taken by Jennifer Braly with Braly Studios, Stephanie Renee Photography
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