Meet Steph Powell | Wedding Photographer

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

Hi Steph, how has your perspective on work-life balance evolved over time?
Over the years, how I approach work-life balance has shifted immensely. When I first started my business, I definitely was operating from a scarcity mindset – taking on every little thing that was sent my way which left very little room for personal life interests and events. I was very burned out and work felt heavy and sometimes all consuming rather than exciting and motivating.

These days, I try and create boundaries and leave lots of space for the things that matter a lot to me – like my health, my family, and my faith. I do this by pre-scheduling my workouts for the week, blocking off Sundays for work, and finding small ways to show up for my family throughout the week. I make work decisions based off of what I have going on in my personal life, rather than the opposite.

This wasn’t an easy shift, and I’m still not perfect at setting these boundaries, but I knew that if I kept on that same routine of taking on too much work and leaving little to no room for life outside of work, I would continue to pour from a lukewarm, near-empty cup.

Since making that shift, I feel more excited in my work! I show up with more energy and creativity because I’ve allowed space in my life for things outside of work.

Alright, so for those in our community who might not be familiar with your business, can you tell us more?
I’ve been a full-time wedding photographer for around 6 years now and it’s been a journey. I started my business as a side-gig in college, which then followed me down to Savannah. I was still working part-time during my first years in Savannah but then the business started to grow and I was able to take photography full time and began capturing weddings all along the coast. Now, I’ve moved back up the Atlanta area and my work takes me all across the Southeast – Georgia, South Carolina, Florida, and Tennessee.

It definitely wasn’t easy. Lots of long nights – figuring out the business side of photography, working on creating a true brand, publishing a website.

The biggest lesson I’ve learned is patience. It’s so easy to think that people have businesses flourish overnight, especially with social media, but staying true to your work, your processes, your creativity will get you so much further than virality. It may not come as quickly, but the wait is worth it.

My entire business is rooted in true, authentic relationship and connection. My couples know that when they work with me, no idea is too crazy or too big. They know they have someone who is rooting for them wholeheartedly and who will show up excited to capture their unique story. Creating beautiful art starts with connection and comfortability between not only the couple themselves, but between me and my couples.

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?
Atlanta is special in that you can kind of choose your own journey when you’re in the city. For me, I’d start with pilates at Peche or The Daily and swing for coffee nearby at Foxtail, Brash, or East Pole.

Of course we couldn’t miss some of my favorite dinner spots like Yebo, Le Colonial, and Delbar.

We’d definitely take some time to shop – making stops at Buckhead Village and wandering through Ponce City Market and popping into spots along the BeltLine. Maybe stopping over by FORTH Hotel for some afternoon drinks!

I haven’t made it over to Serenbe quite yet, but it’s high on my list for a quiet, weekend staycation!

And depending on the season and how much time we have, I’d definitely recommend a day trip to some of the North Georgia wineries or even a ball game at Truist Park!

Who else deserves some credit and recognition?
As a whole, the Societe Privee Atlanta Chapter has been a breath of fresh air for me in my work. This group of luxury wedding and event professionals continues to challenge me to show up boldy and and honestly in my work. They’ve encouraged me to stop playing small, charge my worth, and make my business work for me and my lifestyle.

Website: https://stephpowellcreative.com

Instagram: @stephpowellcreative

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/stephpowellcreative

Image Credits
All Photos Taken by Me, Steph Powell of Steph Powell Creative