We recently connected with STEPH LAMAR and have shared our conversation below.

STEPH, appreciate you joining us today. Can you talk to us about how you learned to do what you do?

Landscape photography was actually my first love, not portraits! I think developing an eye for landscape composition is what led to my ability to succeed in outdoor elopement photography. When you combine the art of posing and observing couples with the art of landscape photography the results are truly magical.

Any time I traveled or went anywhere remotely scenic, I brought my camera. You just never know what gorgeous lighting you might stumble upon. I think it was important that I practiced for the sheer love of the craft, not because I had a business or financial goal in mind. I really just love photography, and the process of reviewing images, having that internal discussion with myself about what I could have done better. Then, the next time I go out, I do it differently.

Over time the practice adds up. Now, it feels like second nature and even when I don’t have my camera on me I find myself observing the surroundings and the lighting and imagining the shot I would take if I could.

The most essential skills are patience and a willingness to suck in the beginning. It’s a steep learning curve!

I wish I had started watching YouTube tutorials or listening to podcasts earlier on, and invested in online learning platforms like Skillshare. There is so much free or nearly-free knowledge out there on the internet. Get out there and take it.

As always, we appreciate you sharing your insights and we’ve got a few more questions for you, but before we get to all of that can you take a minute to introduce yourself and give our readers some of your back background and context?

I’m an elopement photographer based in Death Valley National Park, California. If you want your wedding to be laid back, elegant, and close to nature, then we might be a good fit! Around here we like to say “less tradition, more joy!” because eloping is all about what the couple truly wants on their day.

When I was planning my own wedding in 2021, I was stressed out of my mind. The mile-long to-do list, the family dynamics, the pressure to make it a perfect day… Eventually, we scrapped it all and decided to elope outdoors in the Southwest with just our immediate family present. It was heartfelt, laid back, beautiful, full of laughter and love and great food. I don’t regret a single thing.

The photographs from that day are now my most prized possessions. When I look at them, I am transported back to a moment in time when I felt so loved and so free. And let me tell you, that is priceless. This is what I want to give to my clients!

I love it when couples realize they can have a day that’s even more meaningful and less stressful than they ever imagined. Documenting the joy on a day like that lights my soul on fire. But I’m not just there for them day-of… I’m there for them starting on Day One. From location guidance to packing lists, they have help each step of the way.

What do you think is the goal or mission that drives your creative journey?

Both of my parents passed away too young. The photographs I have of them are so important to me. THOSE are what I would grab in a fire. I want to give people this level of keepsake.

Sometimes I feel like I’m working for the descendants of my couples! Imagining their grandchildren looking back on these pictures in 50 years is just the coolest thing.

This is also why I encourage everyone to PRINT YOUR PHOTOS! No one is going to bother to dig up a thumb drive in a couple decades, and the technology to read them is going to evolve. Prints are the only guaranteed way your photos will be passed down.

We’d love to hear about how you keep in touch with clients.

Instagram is really the best tool for this. I love that app. It lets prospective clients get to know me, and keeps past clients in touch. It’s just such a great tool for letting your personality shine through, and I believe that’s what really separates photographers from each other. A lot of people can take a pretty picture, but do you LIKE them? You’re going to hang out with this person on one of the most important days of your life, so you want to make sure your personalities jibe.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://www.stephlamarphoto.com/
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/stephlamarphoto

Image Credits
All photos by Stephanie Lamar Photography