Expose Me!
It’s all about romance. Stephanie Uptmor with Imagine It Photography has an eye for capturing love at it’s best. Here is her story…All Eyes are on Stephanie!
{Why and when did you become a photographer?}
Photography wasn’t something that I ever saw myself involved with, but shortly out of high school, I began a summer job with a local photographer, watching her children and working in the studio office. It didn’t take long till the photographer starting teaching me to help at weddings. I found myself all through college coming home on weekends to photograph weddings. After graduating with a degree in Consumer Affairs, I went on to marry and move to Germany. There I ran a photography studio that catered to military weddings, families and children. After returning to the United States, I worked in several different types of photography, took about 10 years off and recently returned to doing my favorite, weddings and engagements. Though I had been encouraged to start my own business for years, the use of internet made it so much more possible now!
{How would you describe your style of photography?}
My photography is very casual, spontaneous and above all fun. I strive to capture the real relationship between the people I am photographing, while encouraging them to be a bit carefree and uninhibited. I love getting to know and having a relationship with our clients. I think this really shows in the their portraits.
{What is your most difficult challenge in the business?}
Time management for personal direction! Because I’m like most photographers, in that I love creating and the challenge of making something beautiful, it’s hard to turn down work, even when I know it means several late nights to complete the editing. There just doesn’t seem to be enough time! It’s important to keep up on the latest styles, trends, software etc., but exhausting when trying to slip it in after all the computer work is done! It’s hard to separate work and play when they seem to be one in the same for me!
{ Who or what is your biggest source of inspiration?}
After living and working in Europe for a few years, I tend to gravitate to European styles with a bit of Southern charm (coming from my Virginia background) added in for cuteness. I find I’m often drawn to little things for inspiration. The way light falls or creeps through to touch some one’s face or the way people show their affection for one another. I’m often jotting down ideas as I see things going through the city or country side or looking through foreign travel magazines! Everyday I see something and think, “wow that would make a cool image, now how to I get a bride over there?!”
{Where would you like your talents to take you?} I love where we ALMOST are! This winter I plan to be working on finalizing new marketing, prices and all the details that I have envisioned for the business. Once I get all those designs completed, I feel like we can continue pushing ourselves to get published more and put more into the community projects that we have pursued and have a passion for!
Visit the Imagine It Photography Links to view more of Stephanie’s work.
