We caught up with the brilliant and insightful Stevee Elchynski a few weeks ago and have shared our conversation below.

Stevee, thanks for joining us, excited to have you contributing your stories and insights. We love asking folks what they would do differently if they were starting today – how they would speed up the process, etc. We’d love to hear how you would set everything up if you were to start from step 1 today

If I were starting out as a new photographer in my area, I would definitely approach things differently. I’d dive into educational opportunities, seeking out in-person mentorships or enrolling in online courses to really hone my craft. I’d also make sure to have contracts in place early on to protect both my interests and my clients’ rights, ensuring a clear understanding from the start. Building local connections would be important to me, so I’d offer free sessions to get my name out there and let word of mouth do its magic. Most importantly, I’d make it a point to follow my gut and embrace what felt right for me, rather than trying to fit into the mold of other photographers around. I’d also be more selective about the types of sessions I took on; not every opportunity brought me joy or felt fulfilling, and I wanted to focus on what truly inspires me. I believe that by staying true to your unique vision and continuously learning, you can create something special that reflects who you are as an artist!

Stevee, before we move on to more of these sorts of questions, can you take some time to bring our readers up to speed on you and what you do?

I’m a 35-year-old mom of two lively boys, and I’ve been married to my best friend for almost 10 wonderful years. My photography journey began seven years ago, ignited by a pivotal moment when my first son was born prematurely. That experience led me to take a leap of faith and leave my teaching career in PreK to stay at home with him. It was a gut instinct I knew I had to follow, and it reignited my passion for photography—a love I first discovered in high school with film.

As a photographer, my mission is simple: I want to capture the “in-betweens” that I, as a mom, hold dear. You know those little moments that might seem mundane at the time? The way your child holds your hand, the sound of their laughter, or how perfectly they fit in your arms? Those are the feelings I strive to freeze in time, so you can look back and relish those beautiful memories.

In 2021, I opened my own studio, which has been such a blessing! It allows me to offer more indoor sessions, including newborn photography. I’ve also created a client closet filled with over 100 gorgeous dresses for moms and a variety of outfits for little ones, making the planning process much easier and more fun for my clients!

I also take on a limited number of weddings each year, and I genuinely look forward to each wedding season. I love being there to help my couples navigate their timelines and ensure their special day unfolds seamlessly.

What warms my heart the most is when clients choose to work with me year after year, inviting me back into their lives to document their beautiful journeys. It’s an incredible honor to capture these moments and be part of your family’s story!

Any thoughts, advice, or strategies you can share for fostering brand loyalty?

As a photographer, I truly believe in the importance of keeping in touch with my clients and building brand loyalty. Here’s how I try to make that happen:

1. Personalized Follow-Ups: After each session, I love sending a heartfelt thank-you email or even a handwritten note. It means a lot to me to mention specific moments we shared, so my clients feel appreciated and remembered.

2. Regular Newsletters: I send out a monthly or quarterly newsletter filled with recent work, photography tips, special promotions, and a few personal stories from my life. It’s a nice way to stay connected and share what’s going on in my world.

3. Social Media Engagement: I really enjoy interacting with my clients on social media! I share their photos (with their permission, of course), comment on their posts, and create fun interactive content like polls or Q&A sessions to keep the conversation going.

4. Client Portfolios: I love creating online galleries for my clients so they can easily access and share their images. It makes it convenient for them and keeps my work fresh in their minds.

5. Birthday and Anniversary Messages: I take joy in sending special messages or little discounts on my clients’ birthdays and anniversaries. It’s a small, thoughtful gesture that helps strengthen our bond.

6. Behind-the-Scenes Content: I enjoy sharing behind-the-scenes glimpses into my work and my life as a photographer. It adds a personal touch and helps my clients feel more connected to me and my process.

7. Educational Content: I love sharing tips on photography and posing, I even have hosted workshops to help Moms feel more confident taking photos!

Have any books or other resources had a big impact on you?

The book Practicing Presence by Joy Prouty was a huge game changer for me in the way I view photography. Prior to reading it, I often found myself caught up in the technical aspects of photography and the pressure to create the perfect shot. However, Prouty’s emphasis on being present in the moment shifted my perspective entirely. She encourages photographers to connect deeply with their subjects and to embrace the emotions and stories that unfold during a session. This resonated with me on a personal level, as I realized that capturing authentic moments is far more valuable than simply striving for perfection.

Through her insights, I learned to slow down, breathe, and truly engage with the families and individuals I photograph. This not only enhances my work but also fosters genuine connections with my clients. Prouty’s approach has inspired me to focus on the beauty of the everyday moments—the laughter, the quiet glances, and the little details that often go unnoticed. Practicing Presence has transformed my photography into a more meaningful and fulfilling experience, allowing me to create images that truly reflect the essence of my subjects and the stories they carry.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://www.steveeelchynskiphoto.com
• Instagram: @steveeelchynskiphoto