Today we’d like to introduce you to Alicia Stepp.
So, before we jump into specific questions about the business, why don’t you give us some details about you and your story.
My interest in photography started when I was very young. My father was a photographer and I remember him projecting slides onto the wall above our front door.
My sister and I would sit at the top of the stairs, transfixed by all the images he had taken on various trips and special moments throughout his life. When the instant film Polaroid cameras became available I was hooked. I experimented with photography throughout my childhood, joined the yearbook club in high school where I had my first opportunity to work in a darkroom and then took a few classes in college. It remained a hobby until the early to mid-2000s, right before the big digital revolution. I bought my first SLR film camera and replaced it a short time later with my first DSLR, a Canon Rebel. That summer (2007) I was unstoppable. The moment I got off work I would be off shooting. Soon after I was on the hunt for models and makeup artists, begging friends to collaborate with me on whatever crazy idea I had. In 2010, I left my job as a graphic artist to pursue photography full-time. It was at this time that I also enrolled at the Art Institute, where they had just announced a BFA program in photography. I spent several years alternating between wedding, portrait and fashion photography but kept returning to fashion and lifestyle, which had always been my passion. I spent a few years working for photo rep agencies in Dallas while continuing to build and expand my portfolio and have recently signed on with Trove agency in Austin. After years of shared studio space and primarily working on location, I finally added a custom studio to my house. Construction completed a few weeks ago, so I am recently settled into the new space and couldn’t be more excited!
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?
The road to where I am now has definitely had its challenges. Photography is a HIGHLY competitive field. It has always been competitive but with the surge in digital cameras, specifically phone cameras, and more recently, the huge popularity of sites like Instagram, the market is even more saturated. I think because everyone has a camera now, it has taken away some of the seriousness of the trade and especially within the consumer market there is less of an appreciation for the art of photography and what is actually involved in creating an image and the process of taking an idea from concept to execution. I think many people think you can pick up a camera and immediately become a “professional photographer” but this does a great disservice to the client. There are many elements involved in creating a good product for the customer and to do anything less than this devalues the industry as a whole. I would say that my biggest struggles have been navigating the business-end of things (I am right-brained!) and the new young social media market, which is where things are now heading.
I would definitely not be where I am now without the help of others. First and foremost, I have to thank my parents who have always been my biggest cheerleaders and have constantly supported me through all of my career changes and hair-brained ideas in life. Without their love and support, I would definitely not be where I am today. My fiancé is also one of my biggest supporters. His confidence in me is one of the things that really does keep me going, especially when I experience hurdles or frustrations with my work.
While at Collin College and the Art Institute, I met so many amazing people – both industry professionals and aspiring photographers, alike. Two people that left an indelible mark on me who are sadly no longer with us are Charlie Freeman and Larry Travis. They were amazing men and photographers who pushed me to step outside my comfort zone and made me trust and believe in myself and my abilities. I am so thankful for my network of photographer friends. It is really nice to be able to learn from each other, lift each other up and grow together to make our industry even stronger.
Alright – so let’s talk business. Tell us about Alicia Stepp Photography – what should we know?
Alicia Stepp Photography offers a wide range of photographic services. While fashion and lifestyle is my primary focus, I am also available for pictures of kiddos, headshots and events!
One of the things I love most about my job is helping people feel good about themselves and helping a brand best define themselves!
Is there a characteristic or quality that you feel is essential to success?
To succeed in this business I think there are several essential qualities: adaptation, perseverance, flexibility and a sense of adventure. Photography is a constantly changing field so you have to be willing to change with the tide and stay the course. One of the most exciting aspects of the job to me is that the projects are always different, different personalities and different desired outcomes – so flexibility and a willingness to try something new is definitely appreciated by the client and can take the final image to a whole other level.
Contact Info:
- Website: http://www.aliciastepp.com
- Phone: 817-946-5429
- Email: alicia@aliciastepp.com
- Instagram: http://www.instagram.com/aliciastepptx
- Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/aliciasteppphotography
- Twitter: http://www.twitter.com/aliciastepptx
- Other: http://www.vsco.co/aliciastepp
Image Credit:
Headshots of Alicia © Nicollette Mollet
All other images © Alicia Stepp
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