We recently connected with Stephanie Parsley and have shared our conversation below.

Stephanie, appreciate you joining us today. Are you happier as a creative? Do you sometimes think about what it would be like to just have a regular job? Can you talk to us about how you think through these emotions?

I am 100% positive all my central source of happiness comes from photography. I look at it like this centralized super nova type energy that’s inside of me just plugged in all the wires of my body controlling everything. Sometimes I fear anything even happening to me that would prevent me from not being able to work, shoot, create, etc. because I know how important being an artist is to my mental health. I’ve thought about the security of a regular job: reoccurring income, benefits, a promised schedule, etc. All those things definitely sound nice especially since my career is completely reliant on other people booking me, all benefits come out of my own pocket, and I have to work hard every day on so many forms of social media just for my art to be seen by the public anymore. But the idea of working for someone else, not having my own schedule. not getting paid what I want, and doing the same type of job every day really makes me uncomfortable. I’ve always considered that I have a bit of mental claustrophobia which means the idea of being in a tight box like that gives me so much anxiety.

As always, we appreciate you sharing your insights and we’ve got a few more questions for you, but before we get to all of that can you take a minute to introduce yourself and give our readers some of your back background and context?

I started my photography journey 13 years ago and I think what made me stand out is that back then photographers were really into studio lighting, even outside, and natural light photography wasn’t really that much of a thing. So when my dad bought a $200 camera from Walmart (that I eventually used so much I had to hold it together with rubber bands). I couldn’t afford studio lights and I ended up doing natural light photo shoots. Also, the term “boho” was really about to pop off. so all my friends were in this “hippie era” and when I would take their photos and share them.. the people in my town loved it and started hiring me. I guess it was just something new for them to see and a classic situation of starting something during the right time in life.

The types of shoots I do are, well, everything. I don’t like to be classified as one type of photographer. I am a wedding, boudoir, family, kids, engagement, pet, senior, maternity, head shot, and newborn photographer. Honestly the list goes on.

The thing that I am the most proud of recently is that I have had a lot of people tell me that when they look at my portfolio that I am not a “photographer” to them and that I am an “artist.” That’s been super impactful for me to hear because I think it takes a special amount of work in your craft to be seen as an actual artist in what you love to do.

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

Being able to explore and learn who I am in this way. Challenging yourself every day as an artist is such a beautiful and unique way to learn who you are as a person and I am so thankful I get to experience life like this.

Is there a particular goal or mission driving your creative journey?

I have a lot of goals and missions driving my creative journey but one in particular has to do with boudoir. Over the past few years and continuing forward, I really am trying my best to change everyones concept of what boudoir photography is or what it should look like. To me, boudoir photography has to be so intentional. It’s more than a woman on a bed in sexy clothing. It’s more than “You look so hot!” Boudoir is about creating this space that has multiple dimensions for not only you but the woman you’re photographing. It’s about representing and celebrating women in an artistic and unique way. My goal is to have everyone look at my boudoir work and see art and sexuality cohesively because when the two come together it’s absolutely beautiful

Contact Info:

• Website: www.stephanieparsley.com
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/stephanieparsley/
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/StephanieParsleyPhotography
• Twitter: https://twitter.com/steph_parsley
• Other: Presets (editing tools): https://www.instagram.com/parsleypresets/ www.shop.stephanieparsley.com

Image Credits
Photos all taken by me