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

Hi Stacy, what was your thought process behind starting your own business?
The thought process behind starting my own business as a photographer was based on personal inspiration that grew into something bigger than I could imagine. My journey began with my dad, a passionate hobbyist who loved taking photos for me and my friends. After he passed away, I looked at his collection of camera equipment and thought, “Why not give photography a shot?” So, I decided to pick up his treasured camera and lenses and see what I could do to honor his memory!

While I had dabbled in a few classes, it was the pandemic that provided the perfect time to delve deep into the technical intricacies of cameras—ISO, speed, aperture, and the nuances of different lenses. I watched a lot of online tutorials and practiced portrait photography with my husband, who was very supportive and a very patient model!

In 2021, I finally decided to start an Instagram account, initially offering free sessions to friends. Leveraging my background in PR and communications, I strategically built a client base, eventually securing my first paying client—and Stacy Lan Photography was born!

Since then, I’ve slowly grown my client base through referrals, social media, blogging, and other marketing tactics. Now, I’m consistently booking clients, and I can’t help but think of how proud my dad would be of me for carrying on his love for photography and turning it into a thriving business.

Alright, so let’s move onto what keeps you busy professionally?
I am a Dallas portrait photographer who’s passionate about documenting beautiful, genuine, and vibrant moments that you will cherish forever. From capturing seniors who are graduating to those who are proposing to their significant other, I find so much joy in preserving celebratory memories.

What sets my work apart is my deep commitment to creating fun and memorable experiences for my clients, helping them feel comfortable and confident in front of the camera. I am incredibly thankful for the clients who entrust me to capture their milestones. It’s an honor to be part of these significant moments in their lives. Along the way, I’ve had the pleasure of making some amazing new friends who come back again and again for their photography needs!

I’ve learned that persistence and continuous learning are key. Each session is also an opportunity for me to play with different lighting and angles to bring out the unique aspects of each shoot. Experimenting with composition and finding fun poses allow me to also add an extra layer of creativity to my work, ensuring that each photo is as distinctive as the moment it captures.

As I reflect back, I see how much growth I’ve experienced along this journey. I want the world to know that my brand is not just about taking pictures; it’s about celebrating life’s precious moments and creating lasting memories. For me, it’s all about enjoying the photography process, having fun with it, and focusing on learning something new every day!

If you had a friend visiting you, what are some of the local spots you’d want to take them around to?
If my best friend was visiting the area, I’d start with shopping and lunch at Legacy West in Plano or Northpark in Dallas, followed by an afternoon walk around the Dallas Arboretum if the weather is nice. We’d then enjoy dinner at the Bishop Arts District for some Texas BBQ. We could also eat delicious Korean food and sing our hearts out at karaoke in Carrollton!

Who else deserves some credit and recognition?
I’d like to dedicate my shoutout to a few incredibly important people and resources in my journey. First and foremost, my dad, whose passion for photography sparked my own interest and inspired me to pursue this path. His love for capturing moments has always been a guiding light for me. Secondly, my husband, who has been my biggest cheerleader and supporter throughout the entire process. His unwavering encouragement has been invaluable. Lastly, I want to acknowledge the countless photography educators on YouTube and online. Their generous sharing of knowledge has been instrumental in helping me develop my craft and build my business. Thank you all for being such an integral part of my story.

Website: https://www.stacylanphotography.com

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/stacylanphotography

Image Credits
Stacy Lan Photography

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