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

Hi Stephanie, what do you want people to remember about you?
When anyone interacts with me — whether that be through my social media presence, in person, or as a client, I want them to walk away feeling seen, heard, and loved. I work hard to get to know each of my clients because I think that’s the best way I can serve them. But I also try to bring that same strategy into my daily life. I only work with so many couples but the amount of people each of us interacts with over the course of our lives is what will really make a difference. Being a photographer is so much more than taking beautiful photos. It’s documenting people. Their personalities, their quirks, what makes them unique. In order to do what I do and succeed, I need to care about people. That’s true in ANY job. I want everyone I interact with to feel loved, valuable, and seen. Ultimately, I want everyone I meet to feel the love of God through me. I want to live my life freely loving and living with abandon. At the end of my life, I hope I can look back knowing I lived my life to the fullest. YOLO, amiright??

Alright, so let’s move onto what keeps you busy professionally?
Your wedding photographer is so much more than the photos they deliver. They’re an integral part of your entire wedding experience. Couples have so many options when choosing a wedding photographer so why me? Because you’re more than a number for me. I care about YOU and what you want from your wedding and your experience with me. I want to tell your story authentically and it’s my greatest joy to capture you as a couple being your most real selves. I want you to look back at your wedding photos and feel truly represented and loved by me, your photographer. Your photographer is the only person with you your ENTIRE WEDDING DAY! Do you want a stranger with you on the most important day of your life? HECK NO TECHNO! You want someone you love and trust to trot around behind you! I don’t even know how to be a stranger soooo… we’re already friends. My photography style is a mix of beautiful real colors and film-inspired tones and textures. My photos are both documentary style storytelling and art in the form of photos. I’m here for the laughs, the in-between moments, and the real emotion. I’m here to tell your uncensored story above all else. Finding my brand voice and understanding that clients and people in general want to hear from THE REAL HUMAN ME has been a huge journey in my business. I’ve found my voice and I’m here to PARTY!

Any great local spots you’d like to shoutout?
Ok so a friend comes to visit me — I gotta start in my home city: Encinitas. We’d hit Beacons Beach, Nectarine Grove, Lofty Coffee, and ride our bikes down Neptune in Leucadia. When the sun goes down, we’d grab a delicious margarita at Death By Tequila. After a few days at the beach, I’d probably be sunburnt so it would be time to explore a different part of San Diego. So I’d take my friend to Little Italy Farmer’s Market on Saturday morning — We’d grab some Thai food at the food stand, pick up some produce, maybe sample some Bitchin Sauce, and grab a bouquet of sunflowers. We’d then head to North Park for a day walking around and exploring Pigment and waving at my friends that live down there. We’d end our day at Cantina Mayahuel for a tequila tasting flight and a few tacos.

Who else deserves some credit and recognition?
NO ONE CAN MAKE IT TO THE TOP ON THEIR OWN!! I believe this wholeheartedly which is why I’m all about seeking mentors in business and life to help push you and grow you! In my photography business specifically, Lindsey Roman (@mrslindseyroman) has been the biggest influence for me so far. I’ve been personally mentored by her, taken the photography course she puts on with Evie Rupp (@theheartuniversity) and I consistently listen to the podcast they put on (The Heart & Hustle Podcast.) Not only is she a marketing and branding guru, she also is the most encouraging and supportive person I’ve met. She’s helped me overcome mental blocks keeping me from moving forward in my business and given me inspiration and business direction when I felt stuck. The mentoring session and photography course have been two of the biggest catalysts in my business and I’m so happy to have found her.

Website: www.stephsousaphoto.com
Instagram: @thestephsousa