We caught up with the brilliant and insightful Debbie Steele a few weeks ago and have shared our conversation below.

Debbie, looking forward to hearing all of your stories today. Can you tell us the backstory behind how you came up with the idea?

The story of how my creative services business began is very personal and heartfelt. It all started with my first granddaughter, Camryn. When she was born, I was completely captivated by her—from her tiny fingers to her bright eyes. I wanted to capture every moment, every smile, every milestone. So, I bought my very first camera and began taking hundreds of pictures of her. What started as simple snapshots quickly grew into something much deeper.

As I spent more time behind the lens, I realized photography wasn’t just about capturing images—it was about preserving emotions, stories, and memories that families would cherish forever. Every photo session with Camryn was filled with joy, love, and discovery. The process gave me a new creative outlet and a sense of purpose I hadn’t experienced before.

Friends and family began to notice my passion and asked me to take pictures for their special moments. That’s when the idea of turning this passion into a business truly took shape. I knew this was more than just a hobby—it was a calling.

The logic behind starting my business was simple but powerful. I understood that every family wants to preserve their precious memories, and I wanted to help make that happen with quality, heartfelt photography. My experience photographing Camryn gave me confidence that I could capture those genuine moments for others, too. I combined this passion with a strong work ethic and dedication to learning my craft, and that’s what laid the foundation for my success.

In the end, it’s about more than just pictures—it’s about telling stories, connecting with people, and celebrating life’s beautiful moments.

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 Debbie Steele, a professional photographer whose journey began with a simple but powerful inspiration—my first granddaughter, Camryn. Wanting to capture every precious moment of her early life, I bought my first camera and discovered a deep passion for photography. This led to the launch of my photography business, where I focus on helping families preserve their most meaningful memories.

My work centers on candid, heartfelt photography that tells real stories—whether it’s weddings, family portraits, or special events. I aim to create images that not only look beautiful but also evoke genuine emotion and connection. What sets me apart is my dedication to making every client feel comfortable and valued, so their true personalities shine through in every shot.

I take pride in building lasting relationships with clients and delivering timeless photos they will treasure for generations. My goal is to capture life’s moments in a way that feels authentic and personal.

Potential clients should know that when they choose my brand, they’re getting more than just a photographer—they’re partnering with someone who cares deeply about preserving their unique stories with care, creativity, and professionalism.

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

The most rewarding part of being a professional photographer is hands down those “aha” moments—when a client sees their photos for the first time and their eyes light up. It’s like witnessing pure magic, knowing I’ve captured a moment they’ll cherish forever. Plus, I get to be part of some of the happiest, most memorable days in people’s lives. Not a bad gig, right?

Of course, there’s the fun side, too—like trying to get toddlers to smile without chasing them around like a ninja or convincing grown adults to relax and act natural when their “serious face” looks more like a grumpy cat. If laughter and a few silly outtakes aren’t part of the session, did it even happen?

But really, beyond the laughs and the perfect shots, it’s the connection I build with people that makes this job priceless. Knowing that my photos become family heirlooms, passed down through generations, is incredibly humbling and rewarding. So yeah, I get to make people smile, capture memories, and occasionally perfect my skills as a toddler-whisperer—all in a day’s work!

How did you build your audience on social media?

Building my audience on social media has been quite the journey—one that I definitely didn’t take alone. Enter David Steele: DJ extraordinaire, marketing wizard, and social media tenacity personified. If you think getting followers is easy, just watch David in action. He treats social media like a championship game—strategizing, hustling, and sometimes even trash-talking the algorithms. I’ve learned so much from watching him work his magic.

Before teaming up, my social media was like a quiet gallery—nice, but not exactly a bustling art show. David’s energy turned things around. He’s the brains behind our online buzz, always coming up with creative ways to connect with our audience, run contests, and keep people engaged. Meanwhile, I focus on creating stunning visuals and authentic content. Together, we’re a promotional machine—kind of like peanut butter and jelly but way cooler.

My advice to anyone just starting out? First, don’t be afraid to dive in and be yourself. People connect with authenticity far more than polished perfection. Second, consistency is key—show up regularly and engage with your followers like they’re old friends (because they kind of are). And third, find your “David”—whether that’s a partner, mentor, or social media guru—who can push you to think bigger and keep the momentum going.

Social media isn’t just about numbers; it’s about building real relationships and sharing your story. And with a little help and a lot of hustle, your audience will grow faster than you thought possible.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://www.solidsteelesounds.com
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/search/top?q=debbie%20steele%20photography

Image Credits

Images by: Debbie Herring Photography