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In this feature, we will share information and images from photographers who are on our Professional Photographer Registry. That means that you can be sure that each photographer showcased here has been in business (legally!) for a minimum of three years, has a portfolio of professional level work that is technically sound, and is operating a business designed to be sustainable and profitable. In short, the photographers in our articles are operating their businesses with integrity, and dedication to preserving artistry in the photographic industry. If you are on our registry and would like to be featured, please email takeoffyourmommygoggles@gmail.com!
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Carrie Steffe is one busy lady.
She runs a successful photography studio, EMA Photography, in Southern New Jersey. Her newborn work attracts clients from surrounding states, who are willing to travel hours to have her work her magic with their babies. Carrie is also an accomplished children’s commercial and modeling photographer, and has worked with many national and independent children’s clothing lines. Her work was featured on TLC’s “A Baby Story” and in Celebrity Parents Magazine.
But that’s not all. Carrie also operates PropBaby, a fantastic resource for photographers. (I’m personally addicted to her Baby Stretch Wraps! Must.have.all.colors!)
Oh, *and* she also offers small group and one-on-one mentoring for aspiring photographers.
But that’s not all, either. Carrie also has four children! As a woman with many irons in the fire myself, I know how hard the balancing act can be when you’re passionate about many things and want to be involved – and successful – at several of them simultaneously. I’d like to say we sat back and enjoyed a leisurely cup of coffee while we conducted this interview, but come on, neither of us has time for that! (Plus, we live 1500 miles apart
) Regardless, I’m glad I got to catch up with Carrie, and I think you will be too.
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NAME: Carrie
NICKNAMES: None… unless “mom” or should I say “moooommmmmyyyyyyy” counts
TELL US ABOUT YOUR STUDIO: I shoot mainly Newborns, Babies and Small Children. My studio is in New Jersey but clients travel from New York, Pennsylvania and Delaware for their sessions.
TELL US ABOUT THE STYLE OF PORTRAITS YOU PRODUCE FOR YOUR CLIENTS: I would say simple and timeless. The baby/child is always the focus of the image and I try to keep it simple. I want my clients to look back on those images and not regret a certain backdrop or processing style.
WHAT PRODUCTS THAT YOU PRODUCE COMPLETELY KNOCK YOUR CLIENT’S SOCKS OFF? My clients love the session albums. I try to provide a huge variety and most want them all. The leather session album is a great way to get them all.
TELL ME 5 RANDOM FACTS ABOUT CARRIE
• I haven’t bought a purse in years… just not a huge fan of them.
• I love making lists. I often put things on my to-do lists that I’ve already done just so I can cross them off.
• I love ramen noodles. Thats right, at 10 cents a pack I could eat them all day too.
• I hate cooking.
• I don’t think I’ve ever read a book aside from my college text books. But if it comes out in the movies, I’ll be there watching!
WHAT COLOR SOCKS ARE YOU WEARING: None… wearing my lucky brand flip flops that I wear every day. Most comfy things ever and I will cry when they break as I can’t find anywhere to buy them.
WHAT’S YOUR FAVORITE THING ABOUT BEING A PHOTOGRAPHER? Knowing that while my clients value their images today… I know that in 10-20 years they will be the best investment they made. I truly love that I can capture these memories for them.
LEAST FAVORITE THING? The business aspect… honestly, it sucks the fun out of this career. From the outside, it looks like a fun, cool job. People see that I take pictures of really beautiful babies. I get to dress them up and put cute little hats on them. What they don’t see that I’m up until 1:00 am editing, or putting together orders, etc. I could shoot every day but the reality is that it’s such a small part of the business. Shooting is only 20% of the business.
NAME SOME THINGS THAT INSPIRE YOU? My kids…. While I love what I do, my kids inspire me to be the best I can be so that I can give them a good lifestyle and good values for their future.
WHAT’S IN YOUR CAMERA BAG? What camera bag?
WHAT IS YOUR FAVORITE INDULGENCE? I’m pretty low maintenance… not a big spender when it comes to food, shoes, purses. My husband would say I go through a lot of coffee and I will admit I’m picky about what kind I drink. My current coffee splurge (which isn’t a big $ splurge) is Dunkin Donuts Iced Mocha Latte.
WHO DO YOU WISH YOU COULD PHOTOGRAPH – AND WHY? I would to have photographed my other 2 as newborns. Looking back I wish I was doing this 10 years ago.