Today we’d like to introduce you to Stephani Dennis.
Stephani, let’s start with your story. We’d love to hear how you got started and how the journey has been so far.
I’ve have worked since I was fifteen years old, so I have spent the majority of my adult life looking for a career that would make me feel alive and not just provide a living. Mine is a long story, so I will give you the short version while mentioning some profound events that have shaped me into the person I am today. When I was eighteen, I found out that I was adopted by my stepfather and met my biological father, stepmother and four siblings. Transitioning into this new reality was difficult, to say the least. Five years later, I was a single mom (at 23) trying to navigate life while being responsible for this tiny human that I loved more than life. I moved from San Diego to Imperial Valley, I went back to school. Later, I landed a job as a Case Manager for Imperial County Mental health. I loved what I was doing and while my job was stressful at times, I felt as though I was making a difference in peoples lives. I met my now husband of 26 years while on a family trip to the Colorado River. A few years later, I was married & I made the move back to San Diego. We became pregnant with our youngest daughter and our family was complete. A job opportunity in sales came along, so I was back in the workforce, doing something completely different, however, loving it all the while.
On March 22, 2001, I received a call notifying me that there had been a shooting at my oldest daughters high school (Granite Hills High School). The next few days were a blur. The day I returned to work, I gave my notice (after seven years). I left a corporate executive position, traded my business suits & sales pitches for jeans, cowboy boots and classroom time. Both of my daughters were competitive cheerleaders, so my days were now filled with all things cheer. A few years later, my best friend was diagnosed with cancer. We were basically attached at the hip. She always pushed me to be a better version of myself. I was with her for her treatments and following a two year & two-month fierce fight, she was called home. This is where all of these life events come full circle. I realized that this life while fragile, is so worth living. Worth documenting. Looking back, there weren’t many times that I didn’t have a camera in my hand. After the loss of my friend and with no real training, I poured my heart and soul into learning everything I could about photography. I shadowed a local photographer & her husband (Thomas Photography). I would photograph family and friends every chance I got.
Remember, my family became much larger when I was eighteen, so I had plenty to choose from! Online classes & life experience was my only real training. Fast forward a decade and I have a thriving photography business that I created from scratch so to speak. My high school seniors were getting married, having babies and I soon became integrated into their families. I am invited into the most intimate moments of peoples lives. When I stop and think about the places I have been fortunate enough to photograph, it’s mind-blowing. From cathedrals in Israel to delivery rooms in San Diego, it is beyond anything I could have imagined for myself. For my life. While being a mom will always be my grandest accomplishment, this little photo gig comes pretty close.
Overall, has it been relatively smooth? If not, what were some of the struggles along the way?
Technology is constantly evolving and keeping up with the change while staying true to your art can be difficult at best. While my business has grown more on a “word of mouth” basis, I am not the best at social media. When I get super busy, blogging & posting takes a back burner. Building & cultivating relationships has always taken priority with me. If we are being honest, social media can also be a HUGE comparison game, so I try not to spend a lot of time worrying about that end of things. I had my Instagram account hacked and deleted a few years ago, so I had to start from scratch. That kind of gave things a different perspective for me.
Stephani Dennis Photography – what should we know? What do you guys do best? What sets you apart from the competition?
I am a woman-owned editorial, portrait & lifestyle photography business. While the majority of my business is comprised of weddings, high school Seniors & families, I also photograph births, newborns, kiddos & events. I hope that the fact that I do not treat this as a job, your experience will be different. I strive to capture a person from within. That’s the part worth really seeing.
My style is a mixture of images that remain timeless yet have an innovative flair. I also believe that your images should fill your home, so I offer a combination of digital images along with print options.
What is “success” or “successful” for you?
I recently attended a walk through with one of my brides at her wedding venue (she was forced to change venues at the last minute because her original spot had burned during the West fires here in Alpine). At the end of our meeting, the coordinator said: “I thought this was your photographer, is she your family member?” My bride responded, “she is pretty much family, she has photographed me & most of my family since I was in high school.” At the end of the day, I want to have cultivated relationships and made a difference. I will cry happy tears with you as your baby enters the world and weep with you during a great loss. I am fulfilled the most when serving. Giving back to my community is the best way to achieve that goal. I met a beautiful little angel Kylie Rowand during a simple one year cake smash session. Her & I became dear friends and I have volunteered for her foundation since Kylie’s passing. I am on the media team at my church (Journey Community Church) and do missions work in Tecate, Mexico for H.I.S Ministries daycare.
Pricing:
- My portrait sessions begin at $499 and include a variety of print and digital image options
- Wedding collections begin at $3,000
- I offer mini sessions several times throughout the year. $250/families & $350/Seniors
- In addition, there are many specialty items available to showcase your images. Prints on sheet meta, canvas, wood & albums to name a few.
Contact Info:
- Address: 2098 Snapdragon Lane
- Website: www.stephanidennis.com
- Phone: 619-977-6804
- Email: [email protected]
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/stephanidennis/
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/Stephani-Dennis-Photography-252096884254/
Image Credit:
Chara Photography
Getting in touch: SDVoyager is built on recommendations from the community; it’s how we uncover hidden gems, so if you know someone who deserves recognition please let us know here.
