Stephanie:
In junior high, I became fascinated with taking pictures of lightning with my dad's 35mm slr camera. I wasted rolls and rolls of film and stood in the rain through many storms, hardly knowing what I was doing. Soon I was taking pictures of flowers, my dog, my family, and anything else that would stand still.
I always thought I would love to be a photographer, but I didn't think that I could make a career of it. Through college, I took photography classes and worked as the photographer for the school newspaper, but still didn't see this as my future. When I was halfway through my professional internship at Disney, I began praying Psalm 90:16 ("Let Your work be shown to Your servants and Your glorious power to their children. Let the favor of the Lord our God be upon us, and establish the work of our hands upon us, yes, establish the work of our hands.") as I would pray about my future and the next step in my career. I needed a job soon, but photography was the only job that I could really see myself happily doing. I applied for several jobs that I didn't want and hoped that something great would come along. A few weeks later, I was surprised when a full-time job was created for me as a photographer for the Disney Event Group. The dream that seemed impractical and out of reach to me didn't seem so crazy to God. It still amazes me to look back and see what God did for me.
During my time at Disney, I learned so much in such a concentrated time. I worked with some amazing photographers shooting weddings, conventions, and portrait sessions. We fondly referred to our job as "combat photography" because we were thrown into so many different situations every day. I loved my time there and miss Disney a lot, but I was away from home and family for too long. In October 2007, I decided to move back to the mountains and step out into the photography world on my own.
I believe that my career is a a God-given gift. 1 Peter 3:10-11 says it best: "As each has received a gift, use it to serve one another as good stewards of God's varied grace...in order that in everything God may be glorified through Jesus Christ." I am completely relying on God for my success. How far Sutton Photography goes is completely in His hands. I'm excited to see where God is going to take me!
I'm so blessed to have a job that I love so much! I really can't imagine doing anything else - I've tried! I get to capture the most important moments and milestones in peoples' lives. God is good!
Pete:
Stephanie's passion and love for photography is hereditary. Pete, her father, has always supported and taught her everything he knows. Shooting with Stephanie has also given him a great excuse to buy a lot of fun new equipment! Stephanie definitely couldn't do this without him!
Pete serves as the sound man at Oakwood Baptist Church and for the gospel group "Rejoice!". His technical expertise translates well into the world of photography.
As a retired trooper, Pete finally has time to further develop his hobby! He has always enjoyed photography and had the opportunity to shoot for the Charleston Sternwheel Regatta from a hot air balloon in the 1990s - you know, back when pictures were taken on film. He's come a long way from a 35mm Minolta!
Contact Us
For pricing, questions, or comments contact us here.
If email isn't fast enough for you, please call Stephanie at (304) 541-1634.
I'd love to talk to you!
