Nothing says “American” like family photos taken to preserve memories we hope to carry in our minds and hearts forever. And with these pandemic days encouraging physical distancing and staying home, family photos and newborn photo sessions offer safe havens for fresh-air photo fun. Photographers who would typically be quite busy capturing family milestones at spring and summer celebrations have found their professional lives on hold, too.

When you are searching for a vetted, skilled photographer to help you achieve special pictures, look no further than Stephanie Renee Photography, a dedicated FWMoM Silver Sponsor. Stephanie is a fine art photographer specializing in portrait, family, and maternity photography. I remain deeply impressed by her talent, inspiration, and unique work commemorating special occasions so I thought it would be fun to get to know her a little more intimately. Read along to get a glimpse behind her lens.

Fort Worth Mothers of Multiples: How did you decide to become a successful female entrepreneur?

Stephanie Renee Photography: It took me a while to get to this place. In high school and college I took photography courses and loved them. I loved the idea of majoring in Photography in college but I could not see how it could be a real career. Years later, after I had my girls, I was my sister's photography assistant. (Yes, my sister and I share the same passion.) In 2015, after watching her, I had the courage to step out on my own. My sister and I now share a photography studio in Fort Worth and we are each others’ biggest cheerleaders.

FWMoM: What is your favorite part of being a photographer?

SRP: I love so much about being a newborn and family photographer in the Fort Worth area. I love creating art, watching little return clients grow, and I loves seeing the reactions of a mom and dad viewing their images from their session for the first time. Oh and the newborn sessions! There is nothing better than snuggling a brand new baby and posing them in the most adorable outfits. The quick little baby fix helps to keep away my baby fever.

FWMoM: How has your business been impacted by COVID-19?

SRP: Sadly, COVID-19 has negatively impacted Stephanie Renee Photography. The hardest part for me was that the shut down happened during the time the Texas bluebonnets were blooming. Typically spring is a busy time of year for my business. The weather is warming up and all of the flowers are out. But this year I only photographed my own children in the bluebonnets. Also, photography is a luxury service. If my clients are not in a good place financially, they will not be able to purchase photography.

FWMoM: Have you planned any front porch sessions or other creative ways to engage with your clients during this trying time?

SRP: Yes, I did a few different things to engage with my clients during the shut down. I have offered free "Basic Camera Class" videos to all of my clients in my Facebook group, I sent my 2019 clients color pages from their last photo session, and I sold digitally created portraits for people to purchase in time for Mother's Day. I did not offer front porch sessions. I thought the idea was clever but was worried that it was not following the "stay home" order that was put in place for all of the "non essential workers". So for a month and a half my girls and I stayed home and did their distance learning. Now that the orders have been lifted and business owners have been told that they are able to operate again I am willing to offer these sessions. Contact me to schedule!

FWMoM: Why do you sponsor FWMoMS?

I am not a mother of multiples but I am a mommy to two girls. I quickly learned the need of mommy friends and I joined a local MOPS group. This helped me through the rough times. Any kind of group that builds relationships and supports mothers is a group worth working with.

FWMoM: What is your favorite thing about the Fort Worth area?

SRP: I love that Fort Worth is a little bit country and a little bit city. I have every store I need nice and close to me but I do not have to go far to find beautiful nature. Outside in nature is my happy place.

Stephanie would be thrilled to serve as your photographer. She will consult with you before your session to ensure you know every detail and have an opportunity to ask questions. Contact her today! www.stephaniereneephotography.com