Check out Stacy Golden’s Artwork

Today we’d like to introduce you to Stacy Golden.

Stacy, we’d love to hear your story and how you got to where you are today both personally and as an artist.
My story began in high school, believe it or not. I fell in love with the darkroom and the process behind developing film and photos. Fast forward to college, I majored in art education with a focus on photography. After a few years in the teaching field the economy took a hit and art teachers and programs were cut like crazy. I was one of the casualties. Since I literally could not get another teaching job at that point, I did what any normal person would do and started my own business in a down economy! Haha. It’s had its ups and downs, but I seriously love what I do and am honored each time a family chooses me to create something for them.

We’d love to hear more about your art. What do you do you do and why and what do you hope others will take away from your work?
I focus on emotion. For my family and child sessions, it’s the connection I want to capture. The crinkled nose and dimples a child may have when they giggle. The squinty eyes when they smile. The look a mom gives her child when they snuggle in close. That is the connection I love to see. True, genuine emotion which means that people aren’t staring at the camera for all of their photos. Oh, and beautiful light, of course. I’m a sucker for an amazing golden sunset for my outdoor sessions.

When it comes to newborns, I aim for peaceful, organic photos. I pose my babies, but I want them to be comfortable and relaxed. I work with earthy colors and organic textures and rustic props. Mainly these are things that will be timeless for the decades to come. Newborn safety is also a huge component of what I do, so anything I do will not and cannot hurt a baby. I always have hands nearby (or on) the baby and I composite them out. I couldn’t begin to tell you how many workshops I have taken strictly on safe posing. It’s wild!

Another huge thing I do that’s different – I offer product! Anymore, most photographers are strictly digital. However, growing up and learning in the darkroom makes me appreciate what photography can do. I design wall galleries for home and offices, believe it or not. For me, a digital file is as good as a film negative. And how often do you look at those? Digital changes SO fast. I mean, most computers don’t even have CD drives anymore! And remember the floppy disk? When your files become corrupt, what will you do if those photos can’t be recovered? Once a digital file is gone, you can never get that file back and that’s a nightmare to consider. However, with printed photos you can always make another digital file. All the more reason to print!

Artists face many challenges, but what do you feel is the most pressing among them?
For my industry, everyone is a photographer anymore. Everyone has a camera. So as artists, it’s up to us to find our niche and our style that sets us apart from anyone that owns a camera. Even cellphones are getting decent! Anyone can push a button to create a photo, but not everyone understands how to use a camera. Not everyone has a good eye for posing, either. Or understand how to edit a photo. Or styling. Or location selection. Or composition. The list goes on and on.

I think you see where I am going. There’s a multitude of things that separates a professional from a hobbiest. (That’s not a knock on anyone of their skill level. We all start somewhere)!

Do you have any events or exhibitions coming up? Where would one go to see more of your work? How can people support you and your artwork?
My website & Facebook are my two main places to find me. golden-photography.net and facebook.com/GoldenPhotog. I am also occasionally on Instagram, instagram.com/Goldenphotog

The best way to support me is by booking a session with me. Another humbling way is to refer me to a friend. My booked work is mostly word of mouth, and someone referring me is a huge honor. It means I did something right!

Contact Info:

• Address: 40 N. Old Rand Rd. Lake Zurich IL 60047
• Website: golden-photography.net
• Phone: 224-286-4286
• Email: stacy@golden-photography.net
• Instagram: instagram.com/GoldenPhotog
• Facebook: facebook.com/GoldenPhotog

Image Credit:
All photos by Golden Photography

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