Mandy Stephenson is the owner of Des Moines-based April + August Photography, named after the birth months of her two children. “My goal is to create photos that are standalone art as well as a collection of vibrant and joyful images. I realize it’s not fully ‘real life’ but in our rocking chair years, it is how we will fondly look back to our past with forever-lasting photos.” Learn about Mandy Stephenson…
Follow at: aprilaugustphotos
Hometown: Central Connecticut
First job: Ice cream/burger server at a small chain called Friendly’s
Favorite ways to spend your free time in IA: I love spending time with my family and friends at festivals, concerts and any form of live music we can attend as much as possible.
Your biggest accomplishment and why: Besides my children, I would have to say my biggest accomplishment is learning Lightroom and Photoshop. I studied YouTube for hours, as well as online blogs, free online courses and some smaller coursework I’ve purchased through amazing photographers who were so generous to share.
The biggest obstacle you overcame: Learning how to shoot manual mode on a DSLR camera. There was a lot of trial and error figuring out all the bells and whistles that come with full creative control of creating a photo.
Someone who inspires you and why: Sarah Cornish of My Four Hens Photography has always been someone I look up to in the photography world. She is incredibly talented and has been a huge inspiration to me in the lifestyle family photography world. She’s so open on her social media in a way I can only dream to be. She’s got a servant heart which I truly admire.
Advice to someone pursuing a career path in what you do: Don’t be afraid to make mistakes. Try a shot out and the worst case scenario it gets deleted. Like the saying goes, you only regret the shots you didn’t take.
Favorite quote: Anything written by Brian Andreas. One example I love is: “You may not remember the time you let me go first. Or the time you dropped back to tell me it wasn’t that far to go. Or the time you waited at the crossroads for me to catch up. You may not remember any of those, but I do and this is what I have to say to you: Today, no matter what it takes, we ride home together.”
Something someone would be surprised to learn about you: I get really nervous before a session with a family I don’t already know. It’s like it’s recital time and I’m about to go on stage. I have to “fake it til I make it,” and it wears off as soon as I start taking photos.
What makes someone fabulous: A willingness to be vulnerable and passion for emotional connections.