We were lucky to catch up with Beth Sternbaum recently and have shared our conversation below.

Beth , appreciate you joining us today. Earning a full time living from one’s creative career can be incredibly difficult. Have you been able to do so and if so, can you share some of the key parts of your journey and any important advice or lessons that might help creatives who haven’t been able to yet?

I knew that being a make up artist was not going to be a forever career for me. I begin to explore other creative avenues to see where I felt fulfilled. Growing up with an interior designer for a mother, I always had a passion for design. I began working as a vintage furniture dealer as a side hustle. Part of selling my furniture was photographing it, so a photographer friend of mine gave me a set of lights to photograph my furniture. I found that I was having more fun arranging the lights, than managing a budding furniture business. I soon started to explore if photography was right for me.

I was very nervous to pursue photography. So much of my business as a make up artist came by referral from photographers that I worked with, and the last thing that I wanted to do was step on anyone’s toes. I purchased a professional camera and began quietly shooting models in my apartment. I spent a few years developing my portfolio and my style before going public. Coming out as a photographer in an industry, where everyone knew me has a make up artist was very intimidating. There was a chance that people might only ever see me as a make up artist, and not trust my vision as a photographer. I was out to prove them wrong.

As my photography clients begin to increase my make up artist clients dwindled. It made for a smooth transition to full-time photography.

Great, appreciate you sharing that with us. Before we ask you to share more of your insights, can you take a moment to introduce yourself and how you got to where you are today to our readers.

I am a Los Angeles-based beauty photographer. I begin my career in the photo industry as a make up artist, working primarily in advertising. I’ve worked with countless photographers, and had the opportunity to quietly observe their techniques, their client relations, and how they direct to their subjects. It was such valuable education for me to see incredible photographers working on their craft and it’s served me in my own photography journey.

Working as a makeup artist also gave me a unique edge in the beauty industry. Coming from a makeup background, I speak the language of the glam team. I find that I often act as translator between the artistic team and the client to help make the clients vision come to pass. It’s been such a valuable asset as a photographer.

My style is crisp, clean, and fresh. I’ve now worked with a number a notable brands, including CVS, Thrive Causemetics, Beauty Counter, IGK Hair and many more. I love that I get to combine my passion for beauty and photography in my work day, and am excited to continue bringing more glamorous imagery to life!

For you, what’s the most rewarding aspect of being a creative?

The most rewarding thing about being a creative is getting to see my vision come to pass. There are so many ideas I have rolling around in my head, and when I have the opportunity to execute those ideas, it gives me a high like no other.

Any advice for managing a team?

One of the best things about my job is we get to have a lot of fun on set. But my mood often times sets the tone for the entire team. Part of having high morale is making sure I’m coming on to set well rested, in a great mood, and leaving any baggage at the door. If I don’t bring the energy, I can’t expect that from the people I shoot or from my team.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://bethsternbaum.com
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/bethsternbaum/
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/bethsternbaum/
• Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/beth-sternbaum-b037a910b/

Image Credits
Studio Wvrk Studio @wvrkstudio Photographer Beth Sternbaum @bethsternbaum Photo Assistant Kurt Lindner @kurtlindnerphoto Choreographer Olivia Mia Orozco @miaorozco Wardrobe Stylist Jonika Kelso @joni_liz Makeup Artist Hayley Kassel @hkassel Jasmin Winnie Stephen @jasminws Hair Stylists Zeik Stevens @zeik_makeup_stylist Tammy Yi @tammyyi Talent Stella Tran @stellabvtran Gabriella R @gabriella.rubbo Phoenix Calderon @phoenix.calderon Maya N @maya.nazarae Ezenwa @ezenwailabor Hannah Donker @hannahdonker Ria Prince @riaprince Annie Escandon @annieescandon