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

Alright, Stephanie thanks for taking the time to share your stories and insights with us today. Alright, let’s jump into one of the most exciting parts of starting a new venture – how did you get your first client who was not a friend or family?

The first real clients I booked that weren’t friends or family came from posting about my Valentine’s Day Mini Sessions in a local Facebook moms group. I offered a very low price because, at that stage, I was focused on getting experience and starting to build my portfolio. I still remember how nervous and excited I felt when the first booking came through — it suddenly felt real.

Those sessions taught me so much. I learned how to set up lighting, choose backdrops and props, manage my camera settings under pressure, and most importantly, work with children in a fast-paced mini session environment. It was a lot of fun, even though I was incredibly anxious beforehand.

Looking back at those first photos now, I can clearly see how much I’ve grown. My understanding of lighting, composition, posing, and technical settings has evolved so much since then. But that first experience gave me the confidence and motivation to keep going. It was the moment that made me realize this wasn’t just a hobby anymore — it was the start of something real.

Stephanie, love having you share your insights with us. Before we ask you more questions, maybe you can take a moment to introduce yourself to our readers who might have missed our earlier conversations?

My love for photography started long before it became a business idea. In the beginning, it was just me, my camera, and the world around me. I loved shooting landscapes, architecture, and any little details that caught my eye. Photography was how I slowed down and saw beauty in everyday life.

It wasn’t until I was planning my own wedding that everything shifted. As I searched for a photographer, I realized for the first time that people actually built entire careers around this art form, capturing moments that would be cherished for years. That realization lit a spark. I knew immediately that this was what I wanted to do, but I also knew weddings weren’t the direction my heart wanted to go. I was drawn to quieter moments: families laughing together, mothers-to-be glowing with anticipation, and tiny newborns in their first days of life.

So I started with family photography. It felt natural, and it gave me the space to connect with people in a meaningful way. Over time, I added maternity and newborn photography, and that’s where my passion truly deepened. There’s something so intimate about being invited into these private spaces — the calm, the love, the joy.

I knew this was a worthwhile path because it combined everything I love: creativity, connection, and storytelling. I’m not just taking photos; I’m preserving memories for people who will look back on them years from now and feel something. That emotional impact is what drives me. And as I’ve continued to grow, I’ve seen the proof that it works — families coming back year after year, referring friends, and trusting me to document their most important milestones.

What sets me apart is my focus on creating an experience that feels calm, genuine, and personal. My sessions are relaxed and centered around connection rather than perfection. I want my clients to feel seen and at ease so their real personalities and relationships shine through.

I’m most proud of the trust my clients place in me and the relationships that have grown from that. Many families I photographed in their first year now return for every milestone — and being part of their story like that is the greatest honor.

This business started from a place of curiosity, but it’s been built on passion, consistency, and the belief that something created with heart will always find its place.

Is there mission driving your creative journey?

Yes! My biggest motivation is building my photography business to the point where I can pursue it full time. My dream is to have the freedom and flexibility to shape my own schedule and to do work that truly fulfills me. I want to build a life where I make the rules, follow my own creative vision, and pour my energy into something I genuinely love.

Having the autonomy to plan my days, connect with clients who value my work, and run my business in a way that feels aligned with my values is what drives me every single day. Photography gives me that sense of purpose and independence that I’ve always wanted, and every step forward brings me closer to making that dream my reality.

What’s been the best source of new clients for you?

Google and really dialing in my SEO have been the best sources of new clients for my business. I’ve spent a lot of time optimizing my website so that families searching for photographers in my area can easily find me. Most of my inquiries now come from people who discovered me through Google and connected with my portfolio, style, and client reviews.

Word of mouth has also played a role in my growth. Many of my clients share their experience with friends and family, which is always so rewarding and something I’m grateful for. But overall, building a strong online presence through SEO has made the biggest impact in attracting new clients consistently.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://www.stephspirouphotography.com
• Instagram: @stephspirouphoto
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/share/1Ggxpcm8Ah/?mibextid=wwXIfr
• Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/stephanie-spirou-ab6609383
• Twitter: @StephSPhotoNJ
• Youtube: @StephSpirouPhotoNewJersey