Interview: Stephanie Vargas - Professional Lifestyle Photographer
Photographer: Stephanie Vargas
Based: Tokyo/Yokohama Japan
Instagram: @stephvphotographer
Portfolio: www.stephv.com
Quick-Fire Questions
Favorite lens? 85 mm always!
Presets or manual editing? Manual editing, based on my personal presets
Sunrise or sunset? Sunset!
Favorite snack while shooting/travelling? Protein bars! Also a chocolate bar too.
The #1 photo location you’ll always recommend or return to: The riverbank in Tokyo with a line of cherry blossom trees.
Photographic Journey
1. How did you first get into photography? What saw you steer towards lifestyle and portrait photography?
I always liked looking at photographs, I could say my favorite pass time at my grandma's house was to spend hours looking into family photo albums. My mom was an amateur photographer and therefore there are a lot of printed photos of me at home.
But it wasn’t until I did my first solo trip, for work I was sent to Switzerland, and from there I spent a week in Italy. This time I just had my point and shoot digital camera. Here, I started to notice the lights and shadows, and details. Until my now husband got us an entry level DSLR, I kept using the auto and just for fun, took photos.
The moment that put me on the path to photographing seriously was moving to Japan. I started using the camera more and more, and I liked to share what my eyes were seeing. I learned how light changes not only during the day, but that each season also has the sun positioned differently.
So I kept practicing, I even paid for an online course because I wanted to really understand how my camera worked, and at the same time I went out and every opportunity I got to take someone's portrait I did it.
What really pushed me towards lifestyle and portraits was the ability to document and capture moments around the seasons and different locations, and most importantly the sentimental value these photos have for each person.
2. Are there any photographers, destinations, or personal experiences that influence or inspire your photography style?
I can say my photography style is inspired by romantic movies and the cinematic look, whether it’s a garden or the city.
I always want to keep a dreamy look, perhaps whimsical. I have in my mind places where there's green and sometimes there's fog, and when the sun is there and the sun rays fall. I always want to recreate it.
And Japan, is my playground, you can capture just about anything.
And I believe my inspiration or where I feel more creative is when I'm surrounded my nature, lakes, mountains, trees, flowers.
“I like to document love stories from laughter to tender moments. I strive to make moments natural, where my subjects can openly be themselves, and for that reason the 85 mm is my go to.”
3. What cameras and lenses do you usually pack for your travels? Are there any accessories you never leave home without?
My workhorse is Canon R5 and my favorite lens is the 85 mm. For my lifestyle and portrait work I mostly pack the 85 mm, 50 mm and 24-70 mm.
I always bring the prism, even though I don't use it so much. Always, always, extra SD cards, I have nightmares thinking about getting to a job or destination and having a bad SD card and no replacement.
4. Working as a portrait photographer in Tokyo must be so diverse and creatively inspiring in terms of clients and shoot locations, can you share any insights about your standard day or how you scout locations?
Yes, my client base comes from all over the world and most of my sessions are conducted in English and some in Spanish.
I know most of my clients are looking to get something that says "I was in Japan" and I try to find places with nice features but also have good lighting conditions. I have visited a fair amount of parks and gardens, at different times of the year to get familiarized with what’s available and how the lighting behaves throughout the year, so I can confidently suggest a location.
But, I do have a few requests and that require online research first, check the google maps, google earth and use the app SunSeeker to have an idea how the sun will look like in a particular date, time and location.
My typical day when I have more than one shoot in a day, starts the night before, leaving the batteries charged and the SD cards ready. The camera and lenses in my backpack.
I ride the train, meet my clients and have fun strolling around the location, adding steps to the day and head home, back up the sessions.
But all starts when I first exchange emails and learn about them, this helps me to suggest locations and the approach for the session.
5. Can you share one of your most memorable photography moments while traveling? What made it so special?
I remember a beautiful elopement in Tokyo, right in time for the cherry blossoms in full bloom.
We had the spot almost entirely for ourselves and shooting all the way from golden hour to blue hour, and were blessed with Mt. Fuji far in the distance, making the perfect moment for the couple.
I guess, living and working in Japan feels like I'm traveling, even going to the same locations I can always find interesting angles to add to my compositions.
Also, when I had the chance to visit Thailand, I brought only one lens, the 100 mm macro. And I love the travel moments I capture from the airplane, to the temple areas.
6. Which destination (city, country, or region) surprised you the most or left the greatest impact on your photography? Why?
I like to travel to Hakone, which is about 2.5h from Tokyo, and if we get away from the main touristic spots we can feel the the calmness of this place, and get great shots both with the forest, the lake and if we are lucky, even part of Mt. Fuji.
Being in nature brings out my creativity and I feel the freedom of being surrounded by trees, flowers and water.
And outside of Japan, waking up at the crack of dawn in Rome to photograph the great Colosseum it will remain in my mind for years as a great experience to capture it with the sunrise colors.
7. Have you pursued any photography studies?
I study photography on my own, first just reading blogs and watching videos, and then I got an online course to be able to organize my learning, but at the same time I took the time to go out and photograph everything.
And along the way I've read some photography magazines and books that have expended my knowledge to other photography fields.
8. What are some challenges you’ve encountered as a photographer, and how do you overcome them?
The first challenge I faced early on was focusing more about the background rather than the light it self. Once, I kept reading and doing more portraits, I was able to find better light the photos started to look better even as Raw files.
And the other challenge that comes and goes, is the imposter syndrome. And when this happens, I try to study the skill I believe needs improvement, and work on my confidence when I speak to my clients.
When I'm about to compare myself to another photographer, I remind myself that everyone has their own journey and goals.
9. What one piece of advice would you give to someone who is considering working as a destination portrait photographer?
First, learn about your camera, the photography rules and settings. Work on having a base knowledge and go out and shoot in any lighting scenario.
Third, know the laws around the area you are working. And be respectful with your surroundings and the people you are working with.
10. Do you have any exciting trips or photography projects planned? What are you looking forward to capturing next or working towards with your business?
I have a couple of trips around Asia, where I want to capture not only portraits but landscape as well. My dream location is Scotland, I also want to go back to Costa Rica, and capture different areas that are not often shown in photos. I forgot to mention, I'm originally from Costa Rica.
I want to get more into adventure elopements and commercial assignments. I'm in the hunt for a mentor and workshops. I also want to grow as a business and reach more people.
A little note from Stephanie + how to get in contact…
I just want to share that I feel lucky because along my journey to have met talented photographers who have given me encouragement and great advice.
You can view her work and even book a session via www.stephv.com or say hello on Instagram @stephvphotographer
