How an engagement photographer turned her passion into a full-time career

Getting laid off was the best thing that ever happened to Los Angeles photographer Stephanie Ip, because it meant she was finally able to start taking her life by the reins and creating a business for herself.

 

"I remember very clearly. The day I got laid off, I was so happy. All my colleagues were justifiably upset, and I was like, 'this is an opportunity.'"

 

Stephanie Ip was a corporate employee with a 1.5-hour daily commute in Los Angeles. She beat the time she was stuck in her car by learning about business from podcasts, and put what she learned into practice during the two tired hours she had left in her day after returning from the office.

 

 

She immediately got to work creating a portfolio website built up from years of her own photos captured at family gatherings and events. Ip took on all the new user advertising credit deals she could find and launched her business.

 

Her first photoshoot was a surprise proposal session, meaning the hopeful bride-to-be had no idea this was happening. She had one week to prepare, from barely knowing photography to showing up and being that seasoned professional. She and her husband Bryan teamed up and gave it their all.

 

"I remember I was just binge-watching all the YouTube surprise proposal videos I could find. At that time, there weren't that many," Stephanie explained. "I learned it all within one week, and the shoot came out really well, and we got our first review. Everything was so fresh and exciting, and that was a pushing force for me."

 

A scene from a surprise proposal session by Stephanie Ip Photography.

 

To this date, Ip still focuses on surprise proposal photoshoots. Her Instagram feed is filled with tear-jerking reels of couples on some of the happiest days of their lives, making the decision to journey through life together.

 

And targeting newly-engaged couples is one of the big secrets to her and her husband's success. Stephanie knows that if she can provide the couple with a stand out engagement photoshoot session at a reasonable price, not only are they going to get great reviews, but they're also going to create repeat clients that come back throughout life's milestones.

 

That includes the wedding, maternity shoots, baby shoots, and family photos thereafter.

 

A golden hour engagement photoshoot session by Stephanie Ip Photography

 

Stephanie and her husband, Bryan work together to make sure the photoshoots flow. When working with couples, Stephanie runs the cameras and directs the clients into the right clients without using any unnatural posing. Bryan helps with the flourishes that make Stephanie's clients look their absolute best by setting up the lighting and using reflectors to create breathtaking images.

 

Bryan is also the videographer on the scene, creating BTS videos that can be used on Instagram to reach new clients, as well as to set up audio, and capture the special moments just for the clients. Stephanie said the videos were at first just a free thing they gave to their clients, but over time, they've become a highly requested feature in their packages that they've been able to charge for.

 

"Pictures are great, but nothing is better than motion," Stephanie said.

 

 

Stephanie Ip Photography

 

Stephanie says her clients love their fuss-free approach to photography. She specializes in using motion to capture authentic looks and emotion in clients — especially when working with overly rambunctious children.

 

"Parents are always very concerned that kids won't stay still in the photoshoot, but we actually love the kids running around, because that's when we get to capture the most authentic shots of those kids having a good time," Stephanie explained.

 

"It's when the parents are restricting them, and saying 'you must do this, you must stand here, listen' when the kids start to get cranky and angry, and that's not what I want in my camera. So I'll tell the parents, 'why don't we start walking a bit.' In their mind, they don't know how this will turn out, but I trust the photographer is doing a good job, but when they finally see the photos, they're in awe."

 

Stephanie Ip Photography also gets some of their clients through online advertising. Stephanie said one of the big turnarounds for her company was when she started using Google ads to target more affluent communities with targeted keywords. Even if clients aren't booking her directly through the ad, she has received more inquiries as clients come back to her site and book her on a second visit.

 

Stephanie Ip Photography

 

When giving advice for new photographers, Ip said it's important to start with a portfolio that shows you know how to take a good photo. Even if it's just photos of your family from gatherings and events, putting them all together will help build confidence with your clients.

 

But it doesn't have to be anything extravagant. As long as you're open with your clients about your experience, many people will be willing to give you a chance.

 

"If you're honest with people, they will be willing to work with you," she said. "And that first shot could be your breakout, or the next one, or the next one. But people are willing to work with you on that."