We caught up with the brilliant and insightful Connor Stehr a few weeks ago and have shared our conversation below.
Connor, thanks for joining us, excited to have you contributing your stories and insights. 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?
For years I have had a passion for cocktails and started a small cocktail blog. To make my blog better, I started learning photography. Soon my passion for photography outpaced the cocktails and I began moonlighting as an amateur photography.
For a couple years I would take on small clients and small jobs just for the joy of shooting. Come early 2022 and I realize that I’m making enough money as a photographer to quit my day job. Luckily I had enough clients and work that my first days/weeks going full time were not slow by any means. Instead of doing all my work at night after work or on the weekends, I just begin treating it like a 9-5.
Looking back, I could have probably made the jump earlier to full time and I could have been more aggressive in seeking out work. I took a cautious and slow route to get here and while I don’t regret that at all, I probably could’ve been more assertive.
Connor, 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 am a food & beverage photographer based in Denver, CO. My main clients are cocktail bars, coffee shops, restaurants, distilleries, and global liquor brands.
In all my photos I try to create drama that is eye catching. Whether that’s moody lighting that draws in the viewer or freezing action moments, I try to make my clients stand out. As a cocktail fan myself, I also try to create photos that create desire. I want people who view my photos to say “dang, that looks absolutely delicious and I have to have that.”
For potential followers or clients, the main thing I want them to know is that I absolutely love doing what I do. This is my dream job and I consider myself so lucky that I get to follow my passion for a living. So if someone is thinking of hiring me or following me, I genuinely love this stuff and can’t get enough of it.
Any resources you can share with us that might be helpful to other creatives?
Yes, and it’s a simple one but it’s been my best resource – the fellow photography community. Photographers are a tight-knit group and we look out for each other. If it’s questions about pricing, how to shoot something, struggles we’ve shared, my photographer friends have been so helpful that I absolutely wouldn’t be here without them.
There are some photographers who like to keep information close to the vest and that’s totally cool, but more often that not I feel like people are willing to share with you.
For you, what’s the most rewarding aspect of being a creative?
There’s a couple things that come to mind. One is being your own boss. It’s a really cool feeling knowing that I’ve created a living out of my favorite hobby (other than playing video games).
Another is having clients being thrilled with the work you provide for them.
But for me, the most rewarding aspect of being a photographer is the feeling after a fun/successful shoot. It could be a 4hr shoot and I’ll be mentally/physically tired, but I just cannot wait to upload the pictures and start editing. It’s great being my own boss and having clients love my work, but there’s nothing better than being excited to edit and share work that I’m proud of.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://shakeandstehr.com/
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/shake_and_stehr/
Image Credits
All photos are mine