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

Hi Staci, thanks for joining us today. What’s something you believe that most people in your industry (or in general) disagree with?

I think one of the biggest things people in the photography industry don’t agree with is your equipment. While I do agree that for certain things like sports, or something fast paced you want to make sure you have a good lens and a camera that can capture clear movements; I personally feel for anything other than that; the equipment doesn’t matter. Photography for me is an art form, art looks and feels different to everyone. So someone might have a $50 camera, or even a Polaroid camera and take some great shots. Someone might have a $10,000 set up and also take amazing shots. For me, I find that it’s more about editing, finding flattering posing for your subjects, lighting, and the energy at a session. People will remember the moments they had with you, not the equipment you brought!

Awesome – so before we get into the rest of our questions, can you briefly introduce yourself to our readers.

Yes, absolutely! I started photography about 3 years ago and it took me forever to build up the courage to actually start taking photos of people. I started with my daughter, photos of pretty flowers and scenes at the local parks, and some of the interesting architecture in Scotland and after that people started asking me if I could do their senior photos, and that was the leap. After that it was history, and I don’t think I’ve put my camera down since then!

Not only am I a photographer with my people, I am a location scout, a set designer, and I always help with coordinating outfits if needed or requested. I love finding the perfect location for my graduates, and family sessions. I love designing the studio sets for indoor sessions, I even enjoy helping other venues set up their spaces for other photographers to use!

When people show up at a session, we all show up as strangers but we leave as friends, and sometimes family! I try to make sure sessions run as smoothly as possible and that everyone has a great time. Even if I’m taking photos of mom and dad with little kids, I’ll actually have the kids press buttons on my camera, or look on the screen and have them help me take photos, they love it! So I really try to incorporate literally everyone during a session, we all pitch in and at the end of it, we all have a great time!

We’d love to hear a story of resilience from your journey.

Yes! Before I started on my own, I had worked for a few photography companies in our area that made me feel like I was stuck in a box or that I had to be a certain way, or that I needed to be faster and not take my time to get the perfect shot. Working within those companies made me feel less-than, and it made me second guess photography in general but the very minute I branched out on my own, I found a totally different world and it’s been more amazing than anything I’ve ever done, I feel like I’ve found where I belong, and the community that comes along with it welcomed me with open arms.

Do you think there is something that non-creatives might struggle to understand about your journey as a creative? Maybe you can shed some light?

To be honest, I’ve lived 1000 lives since I turned 18. I have been everywhere and no where all at once, found myself in situations I didn’t need to be in, and pulled myself out. So I think creating, for me in general, is about a release of emotions. Whether I’m on stage during theatre performance, writing in my note pad, making a leaf crown with my daughter, painting, or even taking photos and editing them, I’m creating something. They say that art imitates life, and I think that’s true for a lot of creatives. Art in all its forms can be messy, but it’s also beautiful. My sister will tell you that ‘she’s just trying photography’, but my creatives will tell you ‘creation is where she lives’. I’m happy creating, no matter what.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://srphotographyy.mypixieset.com
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/sr.photographyyy/profilecard/?igsh=ZWZocno1bDlkaGF2
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/share/a1dkqxspEBSSc1tj/?mibextid=wwXIfr

Image Credits

@SR.Photography