It is very easy for us to believe that our phone cameras can capture all the photos we might ever need. Sure, our phones can take decent pictures for social media, maybe even photos to print and frame of our families. However, when it comes to our professional image, our business, or even an online presence, there are just some things that phone cameras cannot capture.
I have to admit, I was one of those people. I would find a pretty background or go out to a park to take photos whenever I needed to update my website or get some fresh photos for social media. When I’m not the editor of Mesa City Lifestyle, I’m an author. When I needed author headshots, website photos, or a social media refresh, I would find a friend to take photos of me at walls with pretty paintings or anywhere outside. The photos came out okay, good enough, maybe, but they weren’t photos that showed I was putting my best foot forward.
That was years ago. This year, I’m looking at publishing again. I needed updated photos for my website, my social media, and for the author page in my books. I wanted photos that would wow. Photos that would make me feel like an author. Photos I would want to showcase time and time again and feel confident using. Thankfully, I knew exactly who to go to to get exactly what I wanted.
Sonja Stafford is a local photographer with a studio in Downtown Mesa. While I’ve been able to work with her for this magazine (most of the gorgeous photos on these pages are her photos), I knew I wanted to work with her on my author photos. I knew she offered branding photography so I worked with her to create the perfect branding shoot for my author photos.
Working with Sonja is significantly more than just getting some pictures taken. Branding sessions with Sonja starts with consultations and inspiration photos. She asks specific questions about you, who you are, and what you are looking for in your photos. She took my inspiration photos of other photos I liked, combining everything to create the perfect set. Putting our working relationship aside, she asked personal questions to help learn more about me as a person. It helped Sonja create the perfect sets, the perfect lighting, and the perfect backdrop colors. I didn’t have to ask her to change anything because she knew what worked for me.
After the consultation conversation, the photoshoot is booked, which includes Sonja bringing in a hair and makeup artist. Sonja also gives you a helpful guide with instructions on outfit ideas, colors to wear, and how to handle jewelry. Props are also discussed so you know what to bring to your shoot.
The day of the shoot, I arrived with my outfits in a garment bag wearing a t-shirt and joggers. My nerves were all over the place but I was also excited. I knew I picked the right person to guide me in everything I was about to experience. Sonja puts thought into everything, even having a letter board that welcomes you into the studio, making you feel comfortable and at home—even when you’ve never done something like this before.
Nicole, my hair and makeup artist, immediately got to work, applying creams to my face while talking with Sonja about the photos, what the photos were for and the type of images we were hoping to create out of this photoshoot. As someone who had never had her hair or makeup professionally done before, I was afraid the whole situation would be awkward. Nicole and I quickly bonded over our kiddos and all the fun parts of motherhood. By the time I was done in Nicole’s chair I felt gorgeous and completely confident to get in front of Sonja’s camera, which is a new feeling for me. I usually get nervous when cameras come out.
Sonja had put my outfits together from the pieces I brought in my garment bag. Sonja also has clothing racks full of clothes for her photoshoots, allowing her clients multiple changes or tweaks to ramp up an outfit.
Sonja guided me throughout the whole process, telling me how to pose, how to smile, when to laugh, when to look serious, the whole range of emotions. At one point, she pulled out her adorable vintage fan that made me feel like I was on America’s Top Model once it was turned on me.
Sonja puts her whole heart into all her clients, ensuring that she is getting the perfect shot for them. She cared about these photos as much as I did, determined to get the shots I desired and make them look amazing.
The sneak peak photos I got made me so excited to see the full gallery of proofs, almost making me count down the days until I could see them all. Sonja is not only an expert photographer, she is the expert you want in your corner to create the most beautiful images for you and your brand. The whole experience was seamless from start to finish and one that is completely worth the investment.
Sonja Stafford Photography
Specializing in branding, maternity, glamour photoshoots, Sonja is going to create photos you are guaranteed to love. Sonja also does senior photos.
Sonja is also working on a 40 over 40 project, where she is looking for inspiring women over the age of 40 to capture and tell their story.
Sonja Stafford is a luxury, full-service photographer—she is a one stop shop and has the experience and studio to make your dream photos happen.
Sonja has been published in Vigour Magazine, Shutter Magazine, Alaska Bride & Groom. She has received a bronze merit from The Portrait Masters Image Awards in 2024.
You can find Sonja online at her website sonjastafford.com or on Instagram: @sonjastaffordphotographer
Sonja puts her whole heart into all her clients—getting the perfect shot for them