We recently connected with Stephanie Luth and have shared our conversation below.

Stephanie , thanks for joining us, excited to have you contributing your stories and insights. It’s always helpful to hear about times when someone’s had to take a risk – how did they think through the decision, why did they take the risk, and what ended up happening. We’d love to hear about a risk you’ve taken.

My adventures started before I even left college.

My professor was great at making connections and networking. We worked closely with the rugby team, creating their team poster. I noticed they weren’t getting much coverage from the college and knew they were about to travel out of state for games. I asked the coach if he would like additional coverage and whether I could join them. A few days later, I was up at 4 a.m., boarding a bus headed to Texas. A few weeks after that, I was in Philadelphia photographing the team as they competed in the finals.
A few weeks after graduating college, I received an Instagram DM from a former classmate asking if I would be interested in filling a photography position at a prestigious summer camp across the country.
I quit my job and was on a plane to Maine two days later, with all my belongings stuffed into a backpack and my camera equipment in another bag.
Through that camp, I discovered Summit County, a ski region in Colorado, where I moved and lived in dorm-style housing.
During this time, I was able to photograph Olympians preparing to qualify for competitions, document kids learning to build confidence, and I was introduced to Woodward.
I used my time in Colorado to build my portfolio, joining groups like Denver Creates and local model communities. I worked with clients and photographed mountainside elopements.
Now I live in Mason City, using every skill I’ve acquired—along with my personality—to wander around town, meet business owners, and bring attention to local shops, events, and parks.
Recently, I attended and photographed a concert where John Daly performed with an Iowa band. I am beyond proud of myself for opening my mouth and asking to be part of any event I can. More importantly, I’ve learned to listen to my environment, pay attention to opportunities, and follow where I feel pulled.

Stephanie , 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 grew up in the midwest, in the same house and town for 20 years. Graduating with my Associates in Professional Photography I didn’t know exactly what I wanted to do with it, I just knew it made me happy. I never have asked anyone to be anything but themselves and only asked that they show up. Like most photographers posing wasn’t my thing, but I have always enjoyed people watching. I think that is where my style has stayed strongest across my 15 years, I only want to capture someone how their loved one would see them. I am patient enough to wait for the shot, fast enough to keep up with players on a field, energetic enough to get kids smiling, and disciplined enough to make sure the world will see my photos.

Are there any resources you wish you knew about earlier in your creative journey?

I grew up in the Midwest, living in the same house and town for 20 years. After graduating with my Associate’s degree in Professional Photography, I didn’t know exactly what I wanted to do with it—I just knew it made me happy.
I’ve never asked anyone to be anything but themselves; I only ask that they show up. Like many photographers, posing was never really my thing, but I have always enjoyed people-watching. I think that’s where my style has remained strongest throughout the last 15 years.
I don’t want to create a version of someone—I want to capture them the way their loved ones see them.
I’m patient enough to wait for the right shot, fast enough to keep up with players on a field, energetic enough to get kids smiling, and disciplined enough to make sure the world gets to see my photos.

Let’s talk about resilience next – do you have a story you can share with us?

In 2017, while living in employee housing, I had a roommate steal all of my photography equipment. I went six months without a camera before finally breaking down and ordering a new one.
It was an incredibly difficult time. I felt like I had lost six months of momentum and opportunities while I was without my equipment. It also taught me a valuable lesson about the importance of renter’s insurance.
Over the years, I’ve faced other setbacks as well, including broken laptops that left me without a computer for months at a time. When that happened, I adapted the best I could. At one point, I edited entire client galleries—including a full wedding—on my phone.
Those experiences taught me that photography isn’t just about the gear you have. It’s about persistence, problem-solving, and finding a way forward, even when things don’t go according to plan.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://luthphotos.mypixieset.com
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/luth_photos/
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/Luthphotos/
• Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/stephanie-luth-36ab46143?trk=people-guest_people_search-card
• Yelp: https://www.yelp.com/biz/luth-photos-mason-city