Today we’d like to introduce you to Stephanie Lynn Warga.
Hi Stephanie, so excited to have you on the platform. So before we get into questions about your work life, maybe you can bring our readers up to speed on your story and how you got to where you are today.
In high school, I sort of fell into photography by accident. Originally, I wanted to be a writer for my high school newspaper but there were no spots open, so the advisor handed me a roll of film to try out as a photographer instead.
The rest is history. Photography became such a huge part of my life from yearbook to newspaper, working for the Sun-Sentinel Next Generation and working part time for a local Professional Wedding Photographer all during high school. People were hiring me to photograph sweet 16 parties and bar/bat mitzvahs. Graduated with an AA in Journalism and a BFA in Religious Studies with a minor in Photography. I fell in love with the darkroom in College. The process of making an image in the camera, developing the negatives, and then printing the pictures in the darkroom was just another world and I was hooked.
In 2008, I purchased my first professional digital camera because my best friend was pregnant and was going to need some newborn photos. I had taken a bit of a hiatus from photography by then and was rusty for sure and starting a new medium of digital took some practice. I started several self-portrait projects to figure out this new era of photography and fell in love.
My first photography business was Stephanie Lynn Photography back in 2010 in Oakland, California. Steph Lynn Photo in 2012 when I moved back to my home in South Florida. This is also when I dived into Wedding Photography. A rebrand to Tiny House Photo happened in 2018. Tiny House Photo is an affirmation to fulfill my dream of living in the mountains in a Tiny Home.
Can you talk to us about the challenges and lessons you’ve learned along the way? Looking back, would you say it’s been easy or smooth in retrospect?
Work-life balance is a constant struggle for me. You leave the 9-5 world thinking you’re free and instead, end up working a hundred times harder. Honestly, owning a business is wild sometimes. I am lucky to have so much experience working for several larger businesses as an Office Manager so I already knew the ins and outs of running a business behind the scenes. I’m definitely “married to my job” and consider it “my baby” and I am totally okay with that because I really do love what I do.
Thanks – so what else should our readers know about your work and what you’re currently focused on?
Tiny House Photo specializes in Weddings, Elopements, and Couples Photography. Since 2012, I have been working with Couples to create an unforgettable experience and timeless photos from their extraordinary day. My style is very much a mixture of Fine Art and Photojournalism which we in the industry like to call “Documentary”.
My approach is to let couples enjoy their day, and simply document the moments with as little disruption from me as possible. A Wedding Day is not a photo shoot, it’s a sacred day for a couple to enjoy with their loved ones. In 2015 when LGBTQ+ Marriage became legal, I made it my mission to focus my business on LGBTQ+ Couples. I love serving my Community and being a diverse and inclusive member of the Wedding Industry.
Merging my love for travel with my Wedding Photography brand has been my biggest accomplishment. I love documenting love stories all over the country. New landscapes inspire me so much more than visiting the same old wedding venue every weekend. Nature is also a huge inspiration for me. Putting a Couple in nature and documenting their connection is just so inspiring. I prefer mountains to palm trees but I work with what we’ve got here in South Florida.
I also offer Personal and Business Branding Sessions, Day in Life Experiences, and Lifestyle Sessions. Having variety in what I photograph keeps me feeling creative and it brings me joy to work with so many amazing people.
Branding photography is super fun and I love getting creative with fellow business owners and creatives. Helping business owners create content for their Website and Social Media is actually super fun for me.
Day in the Life Experiences are full or half days where I document a family with ZERO POSING. These experiences are seriously amazing and I wish more Families would book these sessions. THESE are the memories your family will want to have once the kids are off to start their own lives. Day in the Life Experiences are hands down my favorite thing to photograph. I’m even creating one-of-a-kind Timelapse films with Every Day in the Life. It’s such a cool way to experience your photos.
Lifestyle Sessions are gently posed and very laid back. Pregnancy, in-home newborns, pets, high school seniors, and extended family sessions are all included under the Lifestyle umbrella. My favorite Lifestyle sessions are celebrations like a birthday shoot or celebrating a new home purchase or adopting a new kitten or puppy!
My unique style and creativity as well as my ability to create a comfortable experience sets me apart from all of the other photographers out there. I am truly invested in all of my couples and clients’ experiences.
We love surprises, fun facts, and unexpected stories. Is there something you can share that might surprise us?
Fun Fact: I am a total introvert, empath and use ADHD as a superpower. I’m also certified in Reiki healing. A Witchy Wedding Photographer that can talk about Astrology for hours.
Pricing:
- Branding Sessions start at $600
- Lifestyle Sessions start at $600
- Day in the Life Experiences start at $800
- Weddings start at $3,000
- Food Photography starts at $600
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.tinyhousephoto.com
- Instagram: http://www.instagram.com/tinyhousephoto
- Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/tinyhousephoto
- Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCWPafwfkCd3bWMN8LBX-Vhg
Image Credits
Tiny House Photo (2018-2023)
