Alright – so today we’ve got the honor of introducing you to Danae Stephens. We think you’ll enjoy our conversation, we’ve shared it below.

Danae, thanks for joining us, excited to have you contributing your stories and insights. Are you able to earn a full-time living from your creative work? If so, can you walk us through your journey and how you made it happen?

I have been extremely lucky to be able to earn a full-time living off of what I do – being a photographer. I went from being a stay-at-home mom to a business owner making six figures a year. I still can’t believe that I get to do this every single day. I was in the middle of a divorce; I had just started getting into taking pictures, trying to start a business. I threw myself into it 100% knowing I was about to be a single mom of two kids. I offered free sessions on craigslist at a local park to learn – so at first I was only getting some tips here and there. Now here I am, 8 years in – and I’ve got a studio as well downtown that I share with a florist. It’s not easy getting to this point and you are always having to change and pivot. You are always learning and growing – but being able to be your creative self and finally working with clients who are your ideal clients, makes it all worth it.

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’m a mom of two and I’m a lifestyle photographer in Florida. I was born in Michigan and even when I was younger I dabbled in photography. I loved art and being creative. Once I had my kids I decided I wanted to work for myself. I picked up a camera and started shooting and just kept shooting. I said yes to everything and anything I could – I loved learning and being pushed to do something I hadn’t before. I take a raw lifestyle approach to the way I shoot. I love branding/content sessions – creating a unique brand and content for other businesses. I also shoot weddings, families, maternity, headshots, products, real estate, interiors and more. I feel like if you can dabble in a little bit of everything it teaches you even more about photography and light. And then there is always a demand for you in some category as well. I also specialize in boudoir sessions, which I love empowering women to be themselves and love themselves.

Any insights you can share with us about how you built up your social media presence?

I have a love/hate relationship with social media. But, we all have to do it – so I just put myself out there and remember that no matter what you do – you can’t make everyone happy. Be you, the real you, and people love that. That’s what they want to see, they want to relate to you.
Posting when you don’t feel like it, planning out your posts in advance – it’s all about showing up. Not a photographer? Hire one to create amazing content for your business so you can start having more of a presence on social media.

What’s worked well for you in terms of a source for new clients?

WORD OF MOUTH! All of my clients have been pretty much word of mouth – I have never paid a dime for ads or marketing in the 8 years I have been doing this. Creating client relationships is what’s most important.

Contact Info:

• Website: www.winshipphotography.net
• Instagram: @winshipphotography @winshipphotographyboudoir @heyitsdanaenae
• Facebook: Winship Photography

Image Credits
Winship Photography – myself!