May 8, 2017

Meet Stephen Narens of Narens Photography in North Suburbs

Local Stories

Today we’d like to introduce you to Stephen Narens.

Stephen, can you briefly walk us through your story – how you started and how you got to where you are today.
People say we’re born into our future. I don’t disagree. I’ve been hooked on photography since I held my first Kodak Brownie camera at age 10, and years earlier watching my grandfather at his art of filming the family. My uncle and brother are also still photography enthusiasts. I began working as a photographer at 14, shooting weddings & Mitzvahs, and my business has expanded over the last 38 years to a wide range of events, family portraits, Head shots, new born sessions, commercial assignments including architecture, scenery, food and other products.

From the beginning, photography as a business and an art drew out my personality and it continues to do so. I was very shy as a child, but with a camera in hand I was able to talk to anyone and as an expert, people came to me. Eventually, I didn’t need the camera any more.

For years, I trained under some of Chicago’s premier photographers. From all of them I’ve developed my technique and learned the ins, outs, do’s and don’ts of photography and business. To this day, I educate myself on technique, style and technology through my colleagues, industry journals, workshops, and tradeshows.

On location or in the studio, focused on creating artistic images, I connect instantly with my clients. They feel the connection, too, and our images are, indeed, art. I am passionate about creating outstanding photos and love the relationships developed with people – the trust, instant feedback while shooting, and satisfaction of clients cherishing the experience together and the final product they hold in their hands. I’ve won many awards for the technical merits of my work, but the long-lasting client relationships last much longer than the medals.

My wife, children, family, and friends – these are what mean the most to me, and they make my career even more meaningful. I’ve always been passionate in life, about my art and business, but today these mean so much more because they represent the pride I take every day in making my family proud and setting an outstanding example for them. That pride drives me to find even better angles, see the perfect light, smile after the 11th hour, and please my clients.

I know your feelings, emotions and future memories, and the importance of your family and special moments, and your business, product and service. I now have been photographing for over 38 years. I have the expertise and the intuitive ability to quickly develop relationships, engage my subjects, and capture emotion. It would be an honor to record your great moments and serve your family or business.

Overall, has it been relatively smooth? If not, what were some of the struggles along the way?
Smooth, no not all and continues to be that way. Early on I realized I had to lie about my age as no one wanted to hire a 14 year old photographer to shoot their event. But I slowly got work, paid work. I worked for many photographers during my time that would not allow me to keep my work to show others. I decided it was time to quit. With very little work to show I had to count on my ability to sell myself anyways, Booked 17 weddings that way my first year out. During that time I faced issues such as my lab destroyed rolls of film due to power failure. Biggest mistake was not getting any type of formal business education. During my 38 years, I worked and continue to work for myself and any studio willing to pay my rates.

Biggest payoff of my career was when I became a father and my wife and I decided that it was best for to be the stay at home parent. My wife had the corporate job with all the benefits and I was working from home. I now have two boys 9 & 10 that I can proudly say that I have been part their lives every day since.

I am still shooting to this day, but smooth has nothing to do with what I do :).

Alright – so let’s talk business. Tell us about Narens Photography – what should we know?
Business wise, I offer weddings and events. Extended Family portraits, Headshots, portfolio’s along with corporate group shots. I am known for quick turn-around times and having a personality that will engage you immediately, Most proud of, I would have to say, that I am amazed how many professional photographers I have had the pleasure to photograph their own weddings, and or their children’s milestone.

I am the photographers’ photographer.

What sets me apart? Other than what I already mentioned, I am experienced. I am 50 I shot my first wedding at the age of 14. I have seen it all, including last summer I shot a wedding outdoors, by the time the reception started the lost power. DJ had a small generator to run his equipment (that’s what experience brings to the table). The wedding went on by candle lite, most other photographers would have gone home. Most others have no idea how to use a camera in the manual mode. I am not most other photographers, I normally shoot this way as I control the camera and tell it what to do, not the other way around, and I know my camera and was literally shooting blind. I know how to prefocus, what lens to us for the right look or situation, and I know how to paint with light. I finished the event with nothing but beautiful images. I am a pro.

Any shoutouts? Who else deserves credit in this story – who has played a meaningful role?
First off, my Grandfather Walter. He amazed me with his old films and photos of their travels. I felt like he froze time and now was showing me the past. I got such a high from that. Business-wise, my hero was my Dad, he took an idea with no formal education and turned it into a business that supported much of my family and extended family over the years. To this Day I go to him for advice, 82 years old and I am still learning from him.

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