We were lucky to catch up with Grace Stockdale recently and have shared our conversation below.

Grace, thanks for taking the time to share your stories with us today Alright, let’s jump into one of the most exciting parts of starting a new venture – how did you get your first client who was not a friend or family?

Oh, I got my first client while I was on the road with the first national tour of Kinky Boots—I was playing the principal role of Nicola. I had this burning desire to try my hand at photography, so I bought my first professional camera with some of that sweet tour cash (IYKYK) – I started taking photos of my fellow actors while we were traveling around the country. People always needed updated headshots for their agencies, and suddenly, I became the go-to photographer on the tour. My shots kept getting better and better, and before I knew it, I was charging for them.

But the real moment that stands out is when I made my first dollar doing a shoot for a pregnancy announcement for one of my castmates. I remember that moment so vividly. It was thrilling! I had no idea that this creative journey would become such a huge part of my life. Nearly 10 years later, here I am, having lived in both New York and LA, experiencing both of these mega cities as a creative—and I couldn’t be prouder of how far I’ve come.

My roots are in performing, and I will always be an actor and artist, but this love for photography? It just couldn’t go ignored. It’s like a natural extension of my acting. I have a way with people—thanks to my training as a performer—that lets me bring out this raw, authentic emotion in my subjects. Everyone I shoot is unique, and I’m so proud to help them shine through my lens.

Awesome – so before we get into the rest of our questions, can you briefly introduce yourself to our readers.

I got into photography through my background as a performer. In the Broadway world, I was surrounded by a network of incredible artists—Tony Award winners, nominees, and influencers—and I had the privilege of photographing many of them. That experience sparked my love for capturing authentic moments.

As a predominantly studio photographer, I focus on headshots, editorial images for creatives and professionals, and lifestyle shots that celebrate love, family, and unity. What sets me apart is my versatility and my ability to connect with my subjects on a real, human level. I photograph all kinds of people, from performers to professionals to families, and my goal is always to bring out their authentic selves.

What I’m most proud of is how far I’ve come in this business. I started with just a camera and a dream, and now I get to work with incredible people from all walks of life. My work is about showcasing the true essence of who you are—no filter, no facade. It’s all about celebrating you, and that’s what I want my clients and community to know: I’m here to capture the real you.

What do you find most rewarding about being a creative?

For me, the most rewarding aspect of being an artist/creative is the deep personal connection I get to build with people through my work. I have the privilege of seeing the beauty in others and offering a way to reflect that back to them and to the world. One of the most fulfilling experiences in my photography career was working with families impacted by the Eaton Canyon/Altadena fire in Los Angeles. As a Pasadena local, this tragedy hit incredibly close to home, and many of my friends and clients lost their homes.

I offered my photography services to help document their properties for insurance claims. Proper documentation is critical, and as a professional photographer, I was able to contribute in a meaningful way. It was emotionally labor-intensive, but knowing I could help these families through such a devastating loss was incredibly fulfilling. Having professional photos to show the insurance company what was lost is something so many people overlook, but it’s a huge part of rebuilding. To be able to advocate for these families in this way, offering something that could make a difference, was one of the best things I could have done.

Is there mission driving your creative journey?

The driving force behind my creative journey is my desire to make a global impact by showing the beauty that shines from within my subjects, rather than just focusing on the exterior. I truly believe that the essence of a person—what they radiate from the inside—is where the real beauty lies, and that’s what I aim to capture.

I’m also deeply moved by the ability of photography to freeze a moment in time—something so precious and valuable. Photographs are one of those things people hold onto when everything else feels uncertain. They’re timeless, and because they preserve a piece of life that would otherwise slip away, they carry immense meaning. Giving someone a tangible memory to look back on is one of the deepest gifts I can offer as an artist. When everything else fades, that captured moment remains—an important, cherished keepsake. That’s what drives me in this work.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://GSPHOTO.as.me/
• Instagram: @Grace.Stockdale.Photography
• Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/grace-stockdale-995062349/
• Other: Portfolio: https://SongbirdStudio.pixieset.com/gracestockdalephotographysamples/