Inspired, A Very Special Project | Princeton House Photography

This week we are bringing Stephanie Lewis of Princeton House Photography to our Inspired Project. Her work is classic and timeless. From her beautiful clean imagery to her ability to make the everyday life look so warm and magical her work just embodies pure happiness.

You can find the Prince House Photography Website HERE and Stephanie’s Facebook Fan page HERE.

Let’s get Started
Hi Stephanie!

Lets get to know you! How would you describe yourself in three sentences? 

Let’s see… I’m a simple girl for the most part, I have simple tastes, I’m pretty predictable, loyal, and cautious, but I have ambitious dreams.   Awkward, shy, a little sensitive, and a bit of a comedian (I use humor as my “go-to” when things get exceptionally awkward.)

What sparked your passion for Photography?

I credit a lot of my creativity to my Mom.  I remember being little and sitting in the basement watching her make beautiful stained glass pieces, or sewing at her sewing machine.   I took up scrapbooking after my daughter was born at the encouragement of a good friend, and from there stemmed the passion of documenting our lives, the good, the bad, the everything… And of course, a large part of the credit goes to my husband, who bought me a new camera several years ago when I didn’t even realize I wanted one, and has believed in this little dream of mine all along…

Stephanie was kind enough to share one of her starting out images!

Whats in your camera bag?

A Nikon D700 and a Nikon D300s, a speedlight, various lenses, but the three most used are a 35mm 1.8, 50mm 1.4 and a 105mm 2.8 macro.
What Camera/Equipment did you start out with? 

I’ve had a few different point & shoot cameras over the early years, but my very first DSLR was a Nikon D50, which I used for about 5 years before upgrading.  To this day I can’t bring myself to part with that camera.
If you could only use one lens an entire session which one would you choose and why? 

Probably the 50mm.  It’s just the lens I am the most comfortable with since I’ve had it the longest.

What advice would go give to someone just beginning in photography and hoping to have a business of their own?

Take it slow, and “just keep swimming.”  There are going to be times where you feel like quitting…  Don’t.  🙂
What was your first official Photographer crush if you had one?

I have so many…  Tara Whitney is definitely one of my first loves, because she was also a scrapbooking photographer way back when and she really inspired me, her “perfectly imperfect” motto was one I could easily connect with…

What kind of photos do you like to take for just yourself when not working with clients? 

Macro shots of plants/bugs/other interesting things…
If you could photograph absolutely anyone who would it be dead or alive? 

My Grandmother.  She passed away 15 years ago, and I have very few photographs of her, and none of us together… It’s a crippling reality, yet an important lesson learned as well…

Describe your style in 3 words.

vibrant, fun, and simple
Most embarrassing moment on a session would be?

Backing into a spider web, and absolutely LOSING IT in front of my clients (I’m terrified of spiders.)

Any challenges you have had to overcome to be where you are today? 

My biggest challenge is always myself.  I am my own worst enemy.

Favorite time of day to shoot is?

Of course, the golden hour…  And also first thing in the morning!  I actually prefer sunrise, but sometimes it’s just too hard to get out of bed!

If you had to stop taking photos right now, what would you do instead? 

Wow.  What a crazy thought!  I’d probably spend a lot more time reading and knitting (I’m such a grandma) or I would just waste time on pinterest.

Have you attended college or had any formal education in Photography? 

I’ve got a couple degrees under my belt, but neither of them are in photography…  No formal training up to this point…

What do you do to get your clients to relax with you? 

I am just my big ol’ dorky self.  That’s usually enough to make them feel comfortable, or at least get them laughing.  Sometimes I tell people to “shake it off” if they are looking too stiff or uncomfortable.
What are your photography related goals for 2013?

Because I also work a full time “day job” I have to keep my photography goals somewhat realistic…  One big goal I have for 2013 is to open an online art shop, and attempt to sell some of my macro work.

Biggest Photography related insecurity? 

Being brave enough to start taking on weddings…  I am still not sure if I am cut out for it!
Digital or Prints? 

I sell both, but I’ve seen a trend toward digital files lately, so I’ve switched to offering primarily digitals with prints as an “add on” option.

How do you set yourself apart from other local photographers?

Well…  While I think it’s really important to network and establish friendships with other local photographers (and I do!), I do really try not to dwell on what other’s are doing.  It’s so easy to get pulled into the comparison game, but doing that only puts you on their path, not your own.  I try to set myself apart by offering something that I would really LOVE to invest in, and by doing that I think I attract the exact kind of people I love to work with!

What do you think your next photography related investment will be? 

A new strap (or a couple.)  I am rocking the straps that came with the cameras (LOL!)  After second-shooting a wedding, when I had cut marks in my neck, I realized something a bit more comfortable was probably a good idea…

If you had to recommend ONE thing that a photographer needs in their camera bag what would that be? 

Well…  Uh…  a camera?  I mean, otherwise a regular purse would do just fine.  😉  JUST KIDDING…  If you don’t already have one – get a 50mm prime lens.  They’re so versatile!

What would you say your biggest muse is?

Love.  I love love.  And I love photographing love.  When I’m not feeling the love, I find a bug or a flower to focus on.

Fun stuff:
 
Favorite Color:  I never really outgrew rainbows…
Favorite Season:  Spring
Biggest Guilty Pleasure:  Obnoxious reality TV shows, or Cadbury Mini Eggs…
Pet Peeve:  People who don’t hold doors for others.
Favorite Pandora Station:  This is a very non-committal answer, but I am such a music junkie, it’s hard to pick just one!  
Studio or On location: On location
What did you want to be when you grew up?  A vetranarian, or a marine biologist.
One thing no one knows about you is:  This is actually really hard, because I rarely keep secrets.  Im pretty much an open book, and it sometimes gets me in trouble…     
Pc or Mac:  Mac!
Lightroom Or Photoshop:  Photoshop
Film or Digital:  Digital
Props or No Props: Props only when they add something to the image.
If you could travel anywhere it would be: Having just returned from a trip to Maui, I’m gonna say back to Maui!!  It was so amazing.
Glass Half Empty or Half Full: I’d love to be the person who could say half full, but I am a pessimist at heart, so half empty all the way.
Favorite photo ever taken: 

A silhouette shot of my best friend, her husband, and their dog, just after they had gotten engaged.
Raw or Jpeg:  Raw
Favorite Music to Edit to: Chris Cornell (or any band he has been part of.)  Random, I know.
Favorite Quote: A quote from the musical the musical The Fantastiks  “…we all must die a bit so we can grow again.”  (the whole quote is really awesome!)
Most valued material possession:  My engagement/wedding rings.
Processing Style:  vibrant and clean, with a matte finish
Coffee or Tea:  Coffee!
If you could photograph a Celebrity who would it be? Jimmy Fallon, mostly because I just love him, and I think it would be hilarious!
What kind of Camera bag do you rock? An original Epiphanie Belle bag in teal…  She’s looking quite weathered these days, but I love her so!