Meet Stephanie Russo | Photographer

We had the good fortune of connecting with Stephanie Russo and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Stephanie, can you walk us through the thought-process of starting your business?
Ah it was a leap of faith more than it was a methodical process. I knew I loved photography, and knew I couldn’t keep wondering “what if it was my profession” much longer. After putting a two weeks notice in at my 9-5, I allowed myself six months to make a business plan and put words into action. I don’t think I made more than $5000 in those six months, but at age 24 I didn’t much care and felt more satisfied than I ever had prior to photography being my full time profession. I hoped that if I continued to put time and heart into what I loved, that making a true living would follow suit.

Please tell us more about your work. We’d love to hear what sets you apart from others, what you are most proud of or excited about. How did you get to where you are today professionally. Was it easy? If not, how did you overcome the challenges? What are the lessons you’ve learned along the way. What do you want the world to know about you or your brand and story?
Sometimes it feels as though I started this journey just yesterday, and then there are days it feels like I’ve been doing it a lifetime. Time is funny that way, I suppose. I did not study photography in school, I have no formal training, I am where I am today because I simply love picking up a camera and collaborating with others to create imagery. That’s not to say the journey has been easy – like any profession, I’ve overcome challenges along the way. I think the biggest challenges have been self-induced; imposter syndrome, not believing my work was “good enough”, comparing my work to the work of others, thinking I “should be” sitting at a desk from 9-5 because I so admired my parents growing up and that was their version of success. Every profession presents challenges, but being a sole-proprietor means you don’t necessarily have a built-in boss, mentor or peers to talk these issues out with. It’s easy to get stuck in your own head when you’re employee #1 of one. I’ve learned the importance of building a community where you can lean in for support, and vice versa – by allowing others to help you, and by helping others, you help yourself.

Any places to eat or things to do that you can share with our readers? If they have a friend visiting town, what are some spots they could take them to?
The best time ever!! That’s my kind of time. Let’s see, we’d start with a cup of joe at Temple Coffee, and then grab some pastries from Moonbelly Bakery. After that we’d head out for a little “hike” (walk) along the American River, and then hit Casino Mine Ranch in Amador for wine tasting with a view. If we had the energy, we’d end the day with dinner at Hawk’s, but if we lacked the energy we’d end it instead with pizza takeout from Masullo and a movie at home.

One of the things I constantly hear about Sacramento is how nice the people are – and it’s true, people here are just…nice. It’s fun to stay in the city and ride a bike through midtown to explore restaurants and coffee shops, but it’s also fun to escape since we’re close to so many great spots for day trips like Nevada City, Amador, Truckee or Sonoma.

Who else deserves some credit and recognition?
I am immensely grateful for the support, guidance, love and cheerleading my husband has given me on my journey. I don’t think I would have had the courage to leave my job, take a leap of faith, and start a business if he had not filled my cup with resounding affirmations every step of the way. Oh, he also taught me how to use a camera, so that helped, too 😉

Website: www.stephanierusso.com

Instagram: @stephaniecrusso

Image Credits
Photos are my own