Today we’d like to introduce you to Stephanie Bannon
Alright, so thank you so much for sharing your story and insight with our readers. To kick things off, can you tell us a bit about how you got started?
I’ve always had an interest in photography. When I was in my teens I would dress up my sister and her friends, create killer back drops and “direct” them into the perfect pose. I loved reviewing my work and then telling my subjects how amazing the pictures were. It was something I enjoyed, but I never thought it could be a actual real job.
Years later, when I was a mom of three, I chose to stay home. I dressed up my three young children and attempted to “direct” them at the park and at home with my made up back grounds. One thing I had was unscheduled free time and a decent camera. My friend was writing a book and needed a picture for the back of it. Since I had time and a camera she asked me to take it. I told her I could try but I couldn’t guarantee anything. The pictures turned out decent for my skill level. She was able to use a few of them for marketing purposes and I decided to post a few on a blog, because obviously that is what everyone did in 2010.
A few months a friend of a friend contacted me to photograph her wedding. I had no idea what I was doing and I that is exactly what I told her. She insisted I do it. She liked the head shots on the blog and she thought it would be a good thing for both of us. I had booked my own wedding and had nine months to figure out what I was doing. I knew a wedding couldn’t be redone and I had one chance.
It turns out that, that that one booking and the belief and trust from someone else was just what I needed to start a business I was made to do. I forced me to problem solve, develop my gifts and interests and start a legit business. I had to take it seriously, Someone’s wedding was on the line.
Can you talk to us a bit about the challenges and lessons you’ve learned along the way. Looking back would you say it’s been easy or smooth in retrospect?
Overall, my business has run smoothly and has been a gift. I have focused on service and building relationships with clients and in turn that has created a relaxed trusting environment. I strive to solve problems before they occur and I try to create realistic expectations.
It seems like everyone is a “photographer” now. It is easy to start comparing work or feeling not good enough. There are so many trends, filters, AI edits and false marketing in the photography business. I try to just focus on what I like to do and how I like to do it and realize this is a business. Some people are going to love it and some are not and thats ok. My goal is to make sure the people who love what I offer REALLY love it and I’m going to love and serve them right back.
Photography isn’t cheap. It is difficult to keep up with the latest equipment and the changing technology. I think it was the most difficult in the early days because equipment makes a difference in the final product. Thankfully, I had parents who believed in me and helped me upgrade my camera in the very beginning.
Thanks – so what else should our readers know about Stephanie Bannon Photography?
My business is relational. I create pictures but in order to get those pictures I must connect with the family or subject. If I don’t connect with my subject the pictures will be stiff. I want people to look at their pictures and not only think it’s a pretty picture but also think, “wow, those were really fun to do.” I want them to remember the feeling they had with their family when they took the pictures.
I specialize in families and weddings. I’m fun and strive to create an experience. I can manage people like no other. I’m a master problem solver and always relaxed. I can get a two year old to cooperate just enough to get what I need and I can smooth over conflict and stress a wedding day to make it a success.
I believe my job is to serve, create, manage and learn about a subject. The more I truly know and love my subject the better my pictures are.
In terms of your work and the industry, what are some of the changes you are expecting to see over the next five to ten years?
The photography industry is always changing. Technology, trends, and styles are the most obvious.
Despite the changes I think its important to have the most up to date equipment to get the highest quality image and to not be swayed by trends. I don’t want people to look at my editing style or images and say “wow, that was 2015 when sepia was in.” I want to stay classic and timeless. Remember the 80s glammer shots?!?
Pricing:
- Family Session $449
- Weddings Start at $3400
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.stephaniebannonphotography.com
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/stephaniebannonphotography/
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/StephanieBannonPhoto/
