Meet Spencer Stanton | Photography Director

We had the good fortune of connecting with Spencer Stanton and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Spencer, what do you want people to remember about you?
If I had to say what I’d like my legacy to be, it would be that I cared more about the people and the experience than I care about the money or the job. I’d like to be remembered for making people feel comfortable. I know full well how uncomfortable and intimidating it can be to be in front of a camera. I LOVE when people say, “I’m going to warn you that I HATE having my photo taken”, outwardly I just smile but in my head I’m thinking “challenge accepted!”. Taking someone from dreading being in front of a camera to being so excited that they book another session is something that brings me a lot of joy.

Can you open up a bit about your work and career? We’re big fans and we’d love for our community to learn more about your work.
I like to say that my work is if commercial advertising and fine art portraits had a baby, that’s what I do. What sets me apart from others is my use of lighting in the shot. I try my best to create the finished shot in camera. I don’t like to sit in front of the computer editing SO, I try to get the shot as close to “finished” as I can in camera. Meaning that I spend more time adding lights, or setting up things to shape, block or reflect light so that when we take the shot, it’s 95% finished before it even hits the editing software. It’s taken me a very long time to figure out how I like to shoot and I am still constantly learning it everyday. If you talk to anyone who knows me they will tell you I’m a total “light nerd”. Meaning I geek out over how to light a subject. In my former life I was a wedding photographer for close to 20 years. I realized that I was becoming more interested in the bridal portrait than anything else. That led me to leaving the wedding side of photography and move toward the commercial arena. It was NOT an easy switch. I had to relearn the business side, equipment needed, travel, pretty much everything needed an overhaul. Through studying shots, talking with seasoned photographers, and being on set for some large scale shoots, I learned what I liked and what I didn’t. I think the best way to find out what you enjoy doing or creating is simply go and do. Try something you THINK you like and see how it goes. You may hate it, you may love it. For me I learned that I don’t enjoy photographing weddings, babies, couples, pets and that sort of thing. I LOVE chatting with the client to find out what idea is swirling around in their brain, pulling it out, and creating images from that idea. Turning ideas into visuals is something I can’t live without. My newest mission is to try and give back as much as I can. In November of 2022, I launched my coaching business called Photo Lions. This is where I host workshops, mentor, and coach other photographers. I really want to create impact so I have created a BRAND NEW offering called, BE THE HERO. This campaign turns the client into what or whoever they look up to or always wanted to be. Want to be a superhero?… ok, we get the outfit/costume, find the right venue, backdrop or props, and photograph you to look JUST like the hero you look up to. Through this service we donate a large portion of the sale to charity. So because you booked a BE THE HERO session, you actually become a hero to someone in need.

Let’s say your best friend was visiting the area and you wanted to show them the best time ever. Where would you take them? Give us a little itinerary – say it was a week long trip, where would you eat, drink, visit, hang out, etc.
I love where I live. Greenville, SC is really close to the mountains, lakes, and ocean. If someone were to come stay with me, we could go down to Falls Park, sit by the waterfall and enjoy the sunshine. Then go grab some fresh hand made Italian pasta. We’d HAVE to go to Spill the Beans after though for some custom ice cream and coffee. If my guest stayed for a few days, we could always do a day trip hiking, go to the beach, or have a nice stay-cation at the Grand Bohemian hotel and take in a show at the Peace Center.

Who else deserves some credit and recognition?
Jesus, for just about everything! Chris for always being a sound of reason and giving me honest feedback. My Parents and Grandparents for being relentlessly encouraging. PPA and WPPI for new friends and inspirations. The other Chris for showing me that MORE was possible. Jason for jumping in without question.

Website: www.stantonphotos.com

Instagram: @stantophoto

Other: www.photolions.com