Meet Stacy Anderson | Family, Senior, and Wedding Photographer

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

Hi Stacy, what was your thought process behind starting your own business?
I wanted to start my own business for years. Imposter syndrome is no stranger to entrepreneurs. I had studied, practiced and taken photos for family and friends for many years – all who encouraged me to start by own business, but it wasn’t until 2020 that I committed all because I had the hardest session I would ever do.

In 2019, my friend had a baby with major developmental anomalies – they did not know how long he would live. Chances were, if he could make it to one year, there was a higher chance he might live a few more. Unfortunately, he only made it to eight months old. Before they took him off of life support, they asked me to take the first and last family pictures with all eight of them. I was terrified. They had to be perfect – there were no options for redo’s – and these would mean more to them than any other pictures they’d have again.

That was the session that changed me. If I could work in a situation that hard, then I could do anything. I wanted to love and serve the people around me through a business that allowed me to do that. To give them memories of their life that they may never be able to redo and celebrate their families in a beautiful way. I love to serve other and my favorite part is that I gain a new friend with every session I do. It’s always is and always should be about people.

Alright, so for those in our community who might not be familiar with your business, can you tell us more?
My business is all about serving people! I love serving others. I am a full service photographer, which means I am here for my clients through the entire process. From dreaming up the session all the way until you have tangible artwork in your hands. I want to serve my clients at the highest level so that they can spend more time enjoying the experience with me and have a done for you service that allows them to enjoy their time with their families.

This was not an easy choice for me. I started my business as an “all inclusive” model – which is our way of saying that we do your session and give you all the digital files.
After three years doing all-inclusive, I noticed two repeat problems:
1. My clients weren’t printing their photos. They told me. Life just gets busy.
2. When my clients did print them locally, the quality was so bad that I was embarrassed it was even printed.

Something had to change. I dove into products and printing companies, ordering samples and vetting my labs to get the very best quality. I go the extra mile for my clients when I educate myself about posing, composition, lighting, locations, editing, and style. (It is not about the camera when taking great images, it’s the mind behind the tool.) So,why was I hanging them out to dry when it comes to the actual products?

People assume that anyone can print and hang their own photos. Well, that’s true; however, we all know how to cook, but we pick an amazing restaurant because we want elevated culinary experience. We can all learn to remodel our own kitchen, but if you want quality, finding the right person is important. Transitioning to quality print products felt like I was breaking a societal norm. Felt like I was destined to fail, but I decided to go for it anyway and I love that I did! It has been nothing short of wonderful. Change is uncomfortable and I wanted this change to better serve my clients and my business. I get to spend more time with each client and ensure they have an amazing experience -to get artwork in their homes for them to enjoy every single day.

Now, I love my process – giving my clients an experience and gorgeous artwork that they rave about!

Any places to eat or things to do that you can share with our readers? If they have a friend visiting town, what are some spots they could take them to?
Oh, I love this question!

Hands down, we would start our trip at Canelle. I. Cannot. Get. Enough. Of. Canelle. Give me croissants and desserts from Canelle all day everyday. It’s the only place in this state that has successfully made me say, “I’m never leaving Michigan”.

Day one, I’d kick it off with a bang and head to Cedar Point. I’m a total roller-coaster junkie and nothing makes me laugh more than flying through the air. I just bubbles out of me and I can’t help it! We’d stay all day and then ride everything again at night for a whole new feel.

Day two, before venturing out of Ann Arbor, we’d grab a book from one of our favorite book stores: Literati or Schuler Books. You just can’t not go in there to get something amazing! We’d drive to Detroit and peruse the DIA – so many gorgeous things to see and culture to experience. We’d spend the rest of the day walking through Detroit: shopping, Campus Mauritius Park, the river walk. We’d have to get some Bon Bon Bon and Mister Dips – can you tell I love dessert – and stay the night in the Shinola -my favorite downtown hotel.

Day three, we would be heading up north. A road trip up to Mackinac Island is an absolute must. Riding bikes around the island is one of my favorite ways to see how beautiful and diverse Michigan is. We’d stop in for some Fudge (there’s that dessert again) and tour the amazing gardens at the Grand Hotel. Maybe we’ll even splurge a little more and take a horse-drawn carriage tour of the island landmarks. Charlevoix and Castle Farms would be next along with dinner at Cafe Sante in Boyne City. Seriously, I’d go up there just for Cafe Sante.

Day four: Traverse City. Breakfast at Patisserie Amie for some more amazing French – inspired breakfast before we head to Sleeping Bear Dunes and hike the Dune Climb to see those amazing views of Lake Michigan and take amazing pictures of us trying to jump in the sand. Heading back, we’d walk along Clinch Park and rent paddleboards for a few hours. We’d finish off with dinner at The Cook’s House. I love that their menu changes based on what’s in season, so it’s always fun to try something new.

Finally, day five – we would head out for a relaxing and fun day in South Haven at Lake Michigan. Read our book. Play on the beach. Swim, body surf, lay in the sun, and talk like there’s no tomorrow. (Sigh…heaven.) We’d make it back for tacos at Dos Hermanos Express in Ann Arbor (if you haven’t tried them – go now! So good!).

I don’t know how we’d fit it in, but a girls trip wouldn’t be complete without a progressive dinner through Ann Arbor. There are so many good places to eat that we’d have to try as many as possible! So many favorite possibilies: Aventura, Raven’s Club, and Kilwins would be top choices for sure. And we’d fit in another day, or three, at Canelle…because we just have to.

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?
Oh my goodness, there are so many people to give a shoutout to! First – I give all my thanks to God for pushing me toward this goal and keeping the momentum going. I couldn’t have done any of it without Him. My husband, for surprising me with new camera gear because he’s so excited that “I’m crushing it”. My best photography friend, Liberty Schroen, who just fell into my life at the right moment. She has been a sounding board, a mentor and coach, and a never ending source of light for me. My family and friends for listening to endless amounts of business struggles and success stories. My clients, without them I wouldn’t be doing this right now. I can’t thank my clients enough for trusting me with their time, their memories, and their friendship. I am endlessly grateful for each person.

My favorite business book to date – The Gap and the Gain. It has helped me re-frame my mind to keep me pushing toward my goals, but measuring my success by looking at what I’ve accomplished rather than feeling defeated in how far I need to go.

I’m also incredibly grateful for Now I Lay Me Down To Sleep – an organization I volunteer for that allows photographers to give photos to families who lose their little babies. It’s how my business began and I’m grateful that I can give that gift to hopefully provide comfort to those families.

Website: https://www.stacyandersonphoto.com

Instagram: https://instagram.com/stacyanderson.photo

Facebook: https://facebook.com/stacyandersonphoto

Yelp: https://www.yelp.com/biz/stacy-anderson-photography-dexter

Image Credits
All photos were taken by me – Stacy Anderson Photography