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

Stephany , appreciate you joining us today. Do you feel you or your work has ever been misunderstood or mischaracterized? If so, tell us the story and how/why it happened and if there are any interesting learnings or insights you took from the experience?

I grew up in a country where success is viewed almost always in the job title that you have. If you’re a lawyer, doctor, surgeon etc you’re well respected. Photography was almost always viewed as a hobby; you can’t really be that smart if all you do is push a button all day, right? In a way this fueled my journey as a photographer because I wanted to make it in the industry and be more than just average. I wanted to show everyone who misunderstood what I do that you can be successful and photography can truly be a career, and a great one in fact!
It’s been a journey, but I was determined to make something great out of my life.
I moved to the US nine years ago and started my photography business again from scratch in a different country where I knew no one. I am so proud to say that after all these years I am still doing what I love. I specialize in Maternity and Newborn portraiture, and I have been a part of hundred’s of families’ most special moments in life. I am also teaching photographers all over the world how to make it in this industry and create a successful business.

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 grew up in Romania (Eastern Europe), and ever since I was a little kid I loved art. I loved to create, decorate things and make up all sorts of stories. In my senior year of high school I started taking my first drawing and painting classes. I managed to win first place at all art competitions I entered and with the money that I won I bought my first DSLR camera. I loved taking pictures but I never really thought about being a photographer. I remember looking at different photographers and all I could think in the back of my mind was, “I can do this too”. I started to create different sets for photoshoots and put together outfits, wigs, coordinate makeup and hair, and create something different and unique. I had no money nor was I making any money from all of those sessions. I had just finished high school and was trying to figure out what direction to take in life.
I remember everything changed when random people started messaging me and asking me how much I charge for a session. That’s when I knew I am onto something and actually make a living doing what I love.

It’s been a journey, and not an easy one at times. However, after many years later, I now specialize in maternity and newborn portraiture and have been in business for about 13 years. We offer an all-inclusive experience and all of our sessions are designed and personalized for each individual client. We provide a beautiful wardrobe collection of over 100 designer gowns and a variety of bodysuits and luxurious fabrics for studio sessions. We pamper our moms with hair and makeup and provide all the necessary props for the maternity and newborn sessions. After each session we meet with our clients to go through their gorgeous portraits and help them in making the best decisions on how to preserve their beautiful memories. We offer a variety of heirloom products from stunning albums, portfolio boxes to museum canvases and more.

I truly believe in the miracle of life and I love helping women see how beautiful and special they truly are during the most vulnerable season of their lives.

What do you find most rewarding about being a creative?

There is nothing more rewarding than seeing tears of joy on my clients’ faces when they see their images for the first time. It reminds me every time of how special and meaningful my job is.

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

Life. Life is special and it’s a gift. I love celebrating such a special time in people’s lives!

Contact Info:

• Website: www.stephanyficut.com
• Instagram: www.instagram.com/stephanyficutphotography
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/StephanyFicutPhotography
• Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@stephanyficutphotography8289/featured