Photographer and collaborator of Copperdollar theatre company, Stephanie Maciuk, returns time and time again to use Copperdollar Studios as her creative space. She discusses why she keeps coming back to use the space for her photography work and how she encourages others to pursue her craft.
Hi Stephanie! Can you tell us a little bit about what you’ve worked on recently at the Copperdollar Studios?
This studios have been great for both creative work and professional portraits. As well as some promotional band shots, I worked with the incredible theatre company, Copperdollar, which is run by the wonderful owner of the studio KT Simpson. I watched these girls transform into different characters and wow, they were so fun to work with! We used the Hayloft, upstairs of the studio, every part of it, using the natural light that generously pours in from the big windows.
How did you hear about the studios?
So many people say good things about Copperdollar Studios. It was a pleasure to be asked to work with this wonderful company. I have seen others recommend it on social media and community forums quite a bit so it is very popular!
What do you like most about the Copperdollar Studios and what would you say makes it different from other studios you’ve used?
The studios are brilliant. Its a nice big space with great organic textures. I loved it instantly for its natural look. Every wall is different, so you can really build a story in your work in one area. Its has such a rustic feel with these lovely red velvety curtains framing big windows which let in huge amounts of natural light, so in the daytime, no studio lights are really needed in my shoots here. There are 3 filament light bulbs which hang down the beams. My clients love featuring these in their portraits. The wall on the back is perfect for creative head shots. The wood with its rustic flecks of paint can really bring out the colours of the client eyes and costume. I am yet to come across another studio like this in Brighton. KT is one cool cat too and has told me some amazing stories during our set up. She makes you feel very welcome.
Where do you draw your inspiration from?
I get my inspiration from my own clients. I meet so many interesting people who need to promote totally different things.
I read up on their work, I research into the subject they want to promote as much as I can. I contact the client in a way that we are already friends before the shoot. I like to feel as much connection as possible in order to get some great photos of them really believing in their own projects, not just smiling at the camera. I also get my inspirations from other photographers who connect with their clients by following them on Instagram and attending talks and classes.
How would you encourage others to get into photography?
Photography can start with simply owning a phone that takes pictures, or having a cheap camera. Join a community online or go to weekly groups that encourage you to think about taking photos everyday. You get to see the pro’s on there showing some incredible work and you get to see those who start snapping away on their phone and posting them up, then you can see they may have purchased a camera, progressing over the year, I love supporting this!
When I am out with my friends and family and i’m taking pictures, I sometimes chuck them my camera while I grab a coffee or something. I tell them to take a few pics if they want and they always do. Its a great moment for planting the seed. When I return I let them use the camera for a while longer and talk them through what they are seeing, let them think about the light and composition. They always end up getting something to be proud of!
Where can we see more of your work?
Check out my website www.stephaniemaciuk.com for my portfolio and you can also follow me on my Instagram @stephaniemaciuk for my most current projects.
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