Today we’d like to introduce you to Stephen Dement
Stephen, we appreciate you taking the time to share your story with us today. Where does your story begin?
It all started back in 2005. I had hit two years of sobriety, and my parents offered to pay for me to take a vacation as a reward. I ended up going to San Diego Comic-Con, which had been something I always wanted to do. My mom gave me a little Sony Cybershot digital camera to take pictures with while I was out there. I had so much fun taking photos that I decided to take a camera class. At the time, UT had an Informal Classes program for adults. They had a bunch of photography classes in that program, and they were very affordable. They included 12 classroom sessions over six weeks and a field trip for about $150. I took every class they offered but wanted to continue taking more advanced coursework, so my teacher encouraged me to register at ACC and take classes there. ACC had a robust and well-respected photography program, and I found teachers and mentors there who helped me develop my talent and hone my skills. They were the first ones to encourage me when I decided to go full-time, and they gave me the confidence and ability to work as a professional instead of just doing it as a hobby.
I had been working a corporate job but was laid off at the end of 2011. While I looked for a new job, I decided to take the opportunity to see if I could make it as a professional full-time photographer. I kept telling myself that I had one more month to make it work, and if it wasn’t happening, then I would continue to apply for jobs. Months turned into years, and I’ve worked as a photographer ever since.
I had a mentor who helped me hone my skills and taught me a lot about the business of photography. He helped me get a few early gigs that turned into more significant assignments, and I eventually began shooting for publications online and in print. I continue to do that, but my focus today has shifted more to weddings, portraits, and headshots. I love doing editorial and lifestyle looks – focusing on people in their element and telling stories about who they are and their relationships through the images I take. I find it infinitely rewarding, and I don’t know if I could ever return to that corporate grind. I work harder and more faithfully for myself than I ever did for anyone else.
Would you say it’s been a smooth road, and if not what are some of the biggest challenges you’ve faced along the way?
The beginning was especially difficult. You get used to a hand-to-mouth mindset. I found myself taking any job offered for whatever budget or price they were willing to give me. I nearly went bankrupt because I could barely make ends meet, and I was constantly working. There’s a James Brown song called “You Got To Have a Job (If You Don’t Work, You Don’t Eat).” It became my theme song. Then, one day, I sat down and did a cost analysis to see how much I was making compared to how hard I was working. The answer was shocking to me. I was making less than minimum wage, and it wasn’t sustainable. I had to give myself permission to say no and spend the time working on the tools to get me better jobs.
I had the great fortune to have quite a few people willing to help me and who saw something in me and believed in my talent. They took the time to mentor me, to advise me, and, when necessary, to tell me I was being an idiot, which was a lot of the time. I think it’s very important to have these people in your life. They advocated for me in a way that I couldn’t do for myself, and they gave me encouragement to keep going. The lessons they taught me have been invaluable.
Appreciate you sharing that. What else should we know about what you do?
I specialize in photographing people. I love photographing weddings and editorial portraits. I love taking photos of people in their element – the CEO at the business she’s built, the attorney in his boardroom, the engineer at the construction site, the bride in the dressing room, the groom looking nervous in the chapel, that sort of thing. I love telling stories through my photos about the people I am photographing.
I am most proud of the legacy of photos I’ve taken. The photos I took of that happy couple will be treasured not just by them but also by their children and grandchildren. I can’t tell you how many times I walk into a reception, and the memorial table is filled with wedding photos of their grandparents and great-grandparents. I love that my photos will be on that table someday.
What’s next?
I am looking to build the portrait and headshot side of the business. I’m working on some ideas and have some big plans I’m not quite ready to discuss yet. But I want to get back to taking more creative photos that are fun and exciting. I want to build on the portrait business and expand my offerings there.
Pricing:
- Contact me for details
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.stevedementphotography.com
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/stevedementphotography
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/SteveDeMentPhoto/
Image Credits
Steve DeMent Photography
