Today we’d like to introduce you to Stacy Markow.
Hi Stacy, we’re thrilled to have a chance to learn your story today. So, before we get into specifics, maybe you can briefly walk us through how you got to where you are today.
I’m a commercial photographer who specializes in Interior Design and Commercial Architecture photography. I’ve loved taking pictures for as long as I can remember, and I launched my business in January of this year.
This new business is truly my encore career. Prior to becoming a photographer, I spent the first two decades of my professional life working in the hospitality industry. Once I graduated from college, I enrolled in culinary school, followed by taking classes to become a certified sommelier. I love the food and wine world and thrived on the buzzy, frenetic energy found in beautiful restaurants and hotels. Once I passed the sommelier Diploma exam through the International Sommelier Guild, I took a sales position with a Houston-based French and Italian wine importer. What I found was my obsession with connecting with not just the food and the wine, but really to the people, their environments, and the way it all comes together to create incredible moments and memorable experiences.
I found myself with a very successful wine sales career, but it lacked the creativity I craved. Photography was such a natural evolution, and it has always been a passion, I am excited to now have the opportunity to bring my experience from the world of hospitality and travel to my clients as a commercial photographer.
Would you say it’s been a smooth road, and if not, what are some of the biggest challenges you’ve faced along the way?
Yes and no. I think in order to make it as an entrepreneur you have to be intrinsically motivated, and possess this utter blind optimism that everything’s going to work out if you stay the course. Building this business has truly stretched me to grow in ways I didn’t know were possible. My prior sales career taught me in life you meet everyone twice, patience is a virtue, and to always play the long game. Those lessons have really served me well here. I absolutely love learning new things, so that part of the process has been utterly thrilling.
My biggest struggle as a creative is the period when my taste didn’t match my skill set. That was the hardest part, and was really uncomfortable for a while. I knew what I wanted my photography to look like, but I didn’t know how to get it there. In order to ensure I found alignment with my clients early on in the working relationship, I spent a large part of the past year investing in educational courses, lighting workshops, and networking with other photographers as much as possible. Those investments in building my skills have really accelerated my learning curve.
Can you tell our readers more about what you do and what you think sets you apart from others?
I’m an Interior & Architecture photographer. I help create beautiful photography for interior designers, architects, custom home builders, and home decor brands so they can build their portfolios and attract new clients. My goal with my work is for it to be vibrant and color accurate. My clients choose their design materials and paint colors with intention, and I want the camera to capture that as accurately as possible. I love photographing colorful spaces and shooting for designers with a unique and distinct point of view.
I believe what sets me apart from others is my background in service and hospitality. So much of my inspiration for my work comes from my love of renovating my own home, trekking through vineyards in France, Spain, and Oregon visiting wine producers, and traveling the world with my spouse. I live to capture the beauty that can be found in all things while providing a first rate client experience.
Can you talk to us a bit about happiness and what makes you happy?
Great question. I find happiness in the small, beautiful moments, the peaceful act of cooking dinner with my husband while sipping a glass of rosé and listening to music, and firing up the pizza oven in the backyard for a gathering with friends while plucking fresh herbs and vegetables from the garden.
Happiness for me is not compromising my integrity, trusting my intuition, and following my instincts.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.stacymarkow.com
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/stacymarkowphotography/
Image Credits
Monika Normand Creative
