Today we’d like to introduce you to Stephanie Olsen.
So, before we jump into specific questions about the business, why don’t you give us some details about you and your story.
Like a lot of us, I had a great interest in photography in my junior high and high school years. Mine was such that when I graduated high school, I didn’t want to stop.
I attended the New England School of Photography’s 2 Year-Full Time program right out of high school in 1989. After graduation, I assisted for commercial studios in Boston and photographed families on the weekends offering them darkroom printed, hand colored black and white portraits of their children. Around 1998, I left the assisting world and began to photograph weddings.
I have been a wedding and portrait photographer since. Then, and about 5 years ago, I added Beauty & Boudoir portraits to my services. I”m so glad I offer these sessions now. It’s been an amazing experience.
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?
I don’t think the life of a creative running a business is ever smooth. When I started, there were hardly any female photographers in the industry shooting weddings or portraits. It was very much a man’s world and very few of them were willing to help. There was no community back then. Only competition. The few women I do remember reaching out to cut me off or just plain shut me out from helping me along in the industry.
For any women starting their journey now, you are all so lucky! You can easily find like minded women that will support you and encourage you. Be sure to do so. Take advantage of all the online resources the internet and social media has to offer.
The most important advice I feel I can give is to stick to your vision and just keep at it. Know that things do not happen overnight. That there are no true sudden success stories. It’s so true what they say about hard work and determination. But equally as important is, don’t compare yourself to others that you feel are doing better than you. Have a belief in yourself and what you have to offer people. Hold that the highest and use that as your compass.
Alright – so let’s talk business. Tell us about Stephanie C. Olsen Photography & Lust Love Boudoir | A Portrait Experience – what should we know?
Most of my portrait sessions are photographed in my studio, which is right behind my home, in Rockland.
I offer all types of portrait sessions from Newborn, Maternity, High School Seniors, Professional Headshots and Kids and Families. I do truly enjoy the variety of sessions.
It’s a cozy yet elegant space. It’s also quiet and private and helps my clients settle right in. I have professional hair and makeup artists available for all types of sessions as well as professional barber services.
I think it’s really important to take care of my clients at all levels. Along with offering the highest quality products in my portrait collections, there are always drinks and snacks, their favorite music is playing and I do all I can to make sure they are physically and emotionally comfortable.
I am a true people person and have the ability to make people feel at ease and good about themselves.
What I am most proud of in recent years is what I have provided to my Beauty & Boudoir clients. Aside from the beautiful albums and prints leave here with, they gain something so much more valuable. It’s a true sense of empowerment. It’s a newly gained confidence in themselves. A feeling of accomplishment. A sense of pride. A new belief in who they truly are. That to me is better than any album I can offer them.
Do you recommend any apps, books or podcasts that have been helpful to you?
Books:
The Secret
You are a Badass at Making Money
Worth Every Penny
The Purple Cow
Via FB Videos:
Marie Forleo Life Coach
PodCasts:
Goal Digger
Contact Info:
- Address: 195 North Ave, Rockland
- Website: http://blog.stephoto.com
- Phone: 781-871-5153
- Email: steph@stephanieolsen.com
- Instagram: @stephaniecolsenphoto
- Facebook: Stephanie C. Olsen Photography
Image Credit:
Stephanie C. Olsen Photography or her Lust & Love | A Portrait Experience brand
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