Meet Faith Stephenson | picture Jenny Faith | Photographer
We had the good fortune of connecting with Faith Stephenson and we’ve shared our conversation below.
Hi Faith, how do you think about risk?
Every life decision carries the weight of risk; that weight is determined by our individual perspectives. For the better part of my life, I aspired to join the medical field where I would be a nurse and impact lives daily. But then…COVID. Personally, the pandemic engulfed my life, but it forced me to take a moment and reevaluate my path. Amidst the chaos going on in the world during this time, I discovered a strong passion for storytelling through photography. I was still pursing nursing, but had lots of time to figure out who I am. I discovered that I have a true passion for story telling though photography. Initially, I thought to myself “that’s so unrealistic and unattainable to live off of. You can’t choose that for a career. That’s a hobby not a job.” Dismissing my dream, I continued on the path to become a nurse. I found myself so incredibly unhappy and unsatisfied. Staying true to what I was taught, – to never quit and especially never quit on something you’re passionate about- I persisted with nursing school, but I found a compromise, I enrolled in a photography class I saw this as a harmless endeavor. Little did I know that class would solidify everything I had been so scared to admit up to this point in journey. I no longer wanted to be a nurse. I wanted to be a photographer, I wanted to tell peoples stories without using words, I wanted to bring a landscape to life, I wanted to capture the beauty that a photo holds, because it can really speak a thousand words. So, to me the question is: What is the bigger risk? Being comfortable and unhappy in a safe career or venturing into the unknown and endless possibility of your wildest dreams?
Let’s talk shop? Tell us more about your career, what can you share with our community?
Before, when I heard the word art, I held onto a narrow definition, envisioning artists wielding brushes and paints on canvas. However, since embarking on my journey with photography, my perspective has evolved. I’ve come to understand that art is much more than traditional mediums and boundaries- art is whatever you the artist make it. Whether your art be photographs, sculptures, performance art, or even physically making things like coffee or baked goods; if it speaks to your soul, then it’s art. From a young age, photography has always been a part of my life. From my first digital camera that I carried around EVERYWHERE with me to when I got my first cellphone. I was constantly out of storage because I took SO MANY pictures. Once I got my first “real” camera and started to deep dive into photography I was in absolute awe. I saw photography as a creative outlet, a way to encapsulate a moment without the use of words. I believe the most compelling images are those that authentically reflect the emotions and dynamics present, rather than ones that are staged or orchestrated. One of the beauties of photography is the ability to freeze genuine, unfiltered moments in time –capturing the raw emotions, fleeting expressions, and spontaneous interactions that define the human experience. I love turning these fleeting moments/ interactions into timeless memories that bring nostalgia long after the photos been taken. Whether the photo capture joyous laughter, a mystery, unguarded expressions of everyday life, happiness or even pain. I simply strive to capture people being people in all their natural beauty. I am inspired by the candid, unscripted moments that reveal the true essence of a person, a place, or a moment in time. Ultimately, my goal as a photographer is to capture photos that speak to the heart, capturing the fleeting magic of life in all its beautiful imperfection. Something I’m most proud of in my story is my willingness to fail yet never give up or stop trying no matter how big or overwhelming the obstacle may seem. I wouldn’t be where I am today without failure, being good at something is comfortable; being spectacular at something is forever changing. If I have to fail at something to avoid mediocracy then bring on the lessons. Getting yourself into and staying in a mindset where failure is welcomed and smiled at is not easy by any means but that’s when you realize, failing is never fun, its what comes after failing…learning, growing, succeeding, traveling? The biggest lesson I’ve learned throughout is I’ll never know if I don’t try so in whatever I do I will do my best and I will never stop wanting to be better. I am so incredibly excited to see where the future takes my photography, picture Jenny Faith.
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.
A week in the life as a South Carolinian with lots of free time!
Day 1: Arrival in Greenville
Morning: Arrive in Greenville, SC.
Breakfast at the Flying Biscuit.
Explore downtown, including must-see spots like Falls Park on the Reedy River, Swamp Rabbit Trail, and River Street Sweets.
Dinner at one of the many downtown restaurants, followed by a concert at Bon Secours Wellness Arena.
Day 2: Day in the Foothills
Morning: Watch the sunrise at Pretty Place Chapel.
Explore Ceasars Head State Park, Bald Rock, Table Rock State Park, and Lake Jocassee.
Enjoy the sunset at Lake Jocassee.
Day 3: Outdoor Adventures
Morning: Hike to the bottom of Issaqueena Falls and explore Stumphouse Mountain Tunnel.
Visit Yellow Branch State Park for a stunning waterfall.
Kayak to an island on Lake Keowee for a picnic dinner and sunset.
Day 4: Relaxation and Exploration
Take it easy after a day of hiking.
Lunch and ice cream at Park Place Drive Inn located in Westminster.
Explore local thrift stores or chase a sunset if feeling adventurous.
Day 5: Clemson Day
Visit Clemson University’s football stadium.
Explore downtown Clemson.
Eat at Tiger Town Tavern and enjoy ice cream at Spill the Beans.
Day 6: Return to Your Roots
Visit Chau Ram County Park for a beautiful waterfall and scenic trails.
Snack stop at Long Creek General Store for some pork rinds.
Explore Hollifield’s Apple Orchard and Chattooga Belle Farms for mountainous views.
Small hike to Oconee Station Falls
Day 7: Departure
Visit Pickens Flea Market (if it’s a Wednesday).
Spend time at Beechwood Farms in Marietta for sunflower fields, local vendors, and fresh produce.
Depart South Carolina with fond memories.
Daily Ritual: The only way to start each day is by getting a coffee from Chatuga Ridge Coffeehouse located in the heart of downtown Westminster.
The Shoutout series is all about recognizing that our success and where we are in life is at least somewhat thanks to the efforts, support, mentorship, love and encouragement of others. So is there someone that you want to dedicate your shoutout to?
It may sound cliché or cheesy even, but I can confidently say I wouldn’t be where I am in my journey without the incredible support system I’ve been blessed with. First and foremost, I want to express my gratitude to the Lord for guiding me on this path and surrounding me with loving individuals who have been instrumental in my journey.
I would like to give a special shoutout to an ex-professor of mine, Stacey Schiff, whose encouragement and belief in me gave me the courage to take off chasing my dream. Stacey, your mentorship has been invaluable, and I am forever grateful for your unwavering support.
To my family+friends , I thank you so incredibly much. From gifting me my first camera, to willingly posing as my subjects, you have been steadfast champions every step of the way. Your willingness to be my guinea pigs and support my experimentation (even if it was on you), your tireless chauffeuring so I could capture the perfect shot, and your patient listening ears during moments of doubt have all played a vital role in my journey.
As I reflect on the blessings that have shaped my path, I am humbled and so grateful for the love, encouragement, and unwavering support of my family and mentors. Their faith in me and my faith have been the cornerstone of my journey, and for that, I am forever thankful.
I love you guys 😊
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/picturejennyfaith?igsh=cDRzcHdnaGV1YnBk&utm_source=qr
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/faith.stephenson.7161?mibextid=LQQJ4d
Youtube: UCS-YD8UVIdeAi1DB5q-mPrA
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