Today we’d like to introduce you to Oleksandra Stelmah.
So, before we jump into specific questions about the business, why don’t you give us some details about you and your story.
I came to Newborn Photography unexpectedly. I was always in search for something that I am really passionate about and something that will motivate me to be better and always strive to grow, something that will give me a fulfilling feeling and a flexible schedule.
I always was crazy about kids and was always surrounded by them as I teach Ballroom Dancing but that special love to newborns came when I become a godmother and had to hold my goddaughters for the first time, it grows even stronger when I had my own child. I also admired the art of Newborn Photography and when I had my son I booked a session with a local newborn photographer.
I thoroughly observed the process and how passionate she was about her job and really loved the fact that her job allowed her to have a flexible schedule and build her schedule around her kid’s activities. Being a new mom it was my goal to spend as much with my child as I could but at the same continue to grow and develop as an individual.
So I started to play with my camera, read the manual, bought a backdrop and light and tried to do a Cake Smash Session for my child’s first birthday. I really enjoyed photographing him, so I signed up for few workshops and asked my expecting friends if I could photograph their newborn to get practice and build my portfolio, as well as did many model calls. Since then my love to the Newborn Photography grew even stronger and deeper and I never looked back.
I feel very honored and privileged to capture the most precious moment in New Parents life and I truly believe that photography is one of the most valuable ways to hold on to your memories.
Great, so let’s dig a little deeper into the story – has it been an easy path overall and if not, what were the challenges you’ve had to overcome?
It has been a roller coaster. Being very new to this industry the struggle was everywhere, It is very competitive and fast-paced industry, which always involves many aspects. You need to be Enterprise, photographer, marketing manager, photo editor and customer services representative all at the same time.
So at first it was very overwhelming but now the more I do it, the more I get to experience, the more I become more confident.
Stelmah Photography – what should we know? What do you guys do best? What sets you apart from the competition?
Specializing in Newborn, Maternity & Family Photography in NY and Chicago areas. I mostly knew for Newborn photography. What sets me apart from others is that I do not limit the time of my sessions, I work as long as I need in order to achieve the most satisfying result to the client possible. Also, each session I treat as It was my own one.
What moment in your career do you look back most fondly on?
My proudest moment of my career was when I got a booking inquiry and a client said she is a big fan of me and she was looking forward to meeting me and working with me! It feels very good and rewarding.
Another proud moment was to receive a Baby Photo Award in an International Baby Photography Contest, after only shooting for 6 months.
Pricing:
- My photo sessions including the digital files start at $225.
Contact Info:
- Website: www.stelmahphotography.com
- Phone: 347-934-1512
- Email: oleksandrastelmah@gmail.com
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/stelmahphotography/
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/stelmahphotography/
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