Q: What would your elevator pitch be about yourself?
I’m Sonja Stafford, owner of Sonja Stafford Photography. I create timeless, magazine-inspired portraits that help everyday women, families and professionals feel confident, beautiful and seen.
Q: How long have you been a photographer? I’ve had the privilege of working as a professional photographer for the past 16 years.
Q: Tell us how you got started. What was the spark of inspiration?
Photography has been part of my life for as long as I can remember. As a child, I was constantly borrowing my parent’s camera, photographing everything from my stuffed animals to my little sister. Even then I was fascinated by the idea of capturing a moment and freezing it forever. The passion took on a deeper meaning when I lost my mother at the age of twelve. Photographs I have of her became my most treasured possessions—allowing me to revisit memories, emotions and moments that would otherwise be gone. It was through that experience I truly understood the power of photography.
Q: How do you find inspiration?
My greatest source of inspiration are my clients and the stories they carry with them. Every person has a unique journey, personality, and chapter of life they’re living, and I love finding creative ways to tell that story through portraits.
Beyond my clients, I draw inspiration from many forms of art and visual storytelling. Fashion editorials, magazine covers, film cinematography, music videos all influence my work. I am also inspired by texture, color, light, architecture, nature and the emotions certain moments evoke.
I believe inspiration is everywhere—my role as an artist is to recognize it, incorporate my client’s stories and create lovely portraits that are both meaningful and beautiful.
Q: What is your favorite part of photography?
The reaction when I show the subject the back of my camera after we are a few minutes into their photoshoot. It’s like a spark occurs and they certainly start to glow and take ownership of their photoshoot and that confidence shows through on film.
Q: How did you hone your skills?
I started as a self-taught photographer after finding an entry-level DSLR on Craigslist. Not long after, I attended a local photography class in Kenai, Alaska taught by photographer Joe Kashi. That class sparkled something in me, and I knew photography was what I wanted to pursue wholeheartedly.
I immersed myself in learning everything available. I spent time studying camera settings, lighting, posing, composition and took a local college course on post-processing. I immersed myself in education platforms for photographers on YouTube and CreativeLive, while continually practicing behind the camera. I refined my skills through hands-on experience.
Even after 16 years as a professional photographer, I am still inspired to grow, evolve and push my creativity and skills further. I attend conferences and workshops every year to keep my skills fresh and to grow my craft.
Q: What is your dream photoshoot?
A dream would be to photograph in a castle in Europe—I wouldn’t be picky on what genre. It could be a wedding, engagement, or brand, sign me up!
Q: What other “hats” do you wear? Tell us more about what you love.
I am a mother to four children and a fur baby. Recently, with my husband, we have opened Booch Haus Plant & Gift Lounge in Downtown Mesa. In my free time I love to enjoy my time with family by a body of water whether it be poolside, lakeside, oceanside or riverside.