Meet Stephanie Folk

Today we’d like to introduce you to Stephanie Folk.

Hi Stephanie, please kick things off for us with an introduction to yourself and your story. 
At sixteen years old, I took my first darkroom class, where I learned to develop and print my own photos. I used an old Canon film camera that had been my dad’s in the 70’s. I fell in love with the whole process: taking photos, the smell of the dark room, and the magic of seeing an image come to life. 

Fast forward many years, I majored in photography in college but went on to get my child development units and became a preschool teacher. While teaching, I decided to bring out my camera. There, I began photographing the children in my class, and soon, I had parents asking me if I did family photos. “Fake it till you make it” became my motto, and now, 11 years later, I have a successful business. 

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?
I can’t say it hasn’t been hard at times, but when you love what you do, the challenges are worth it. 

Building a business takes time, it’s definitely not something that tends to happen overnight, and it does feel like it took a long time to get to where I am today. 

I’d say some of the harder things for me have been a lot of the business side of things. I know I’m good in person and with people, but learning how to operate a business can at times, still be challenging. 

As you know, we’re big fans of you and your work. For our readers who might not be as familiar what can you tell them about what you do?
I am a natural light photographer specializing in family photos, weddings, events, and branding. 

I work with hundreds of families a year, but also work with those same families for their special events. 

Something I am most proud of is the friendships and relationships I have made along the way. The people I photograph are so special to me, and some have been coming back to me since day one. 

I was recently told that my images evoke so much emotion to a viewers that they are able to look at my photos and feel the emotions that are being captured. 

Have you learned any interesting or important lessons due to the COVID-19 crisis?
Covid, for many, was a very hard time when it came to small businesses. I, however, really blossomed during covid. I wasn’t happy not being creative, so I reached out to many clients to offer porch sessions. They were 15 minutes long and 6ft away. Families sat/stood in their front windows or on their porch, and I captured the essence of being home during covid. With so much word of mouth, I was driving from the valley to the city and back almost every weekend for months. 

Contact Info:

• Website: www.stephanielorenphotography.com
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/stephanielorenphotography/
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/stephanielorenphotography/

Image Credits
Stephanie Loren photography