Photography Journal

Welcome to My New Photography Blog! Let's talk about my photography journey...

Virtuoso Entertainment Photography Blog with Stephanie Aramburo September 3, 2024

Allow me to introduce myself. I am Stephanie, a versatile individual with a wide range of skills and interests... I like to call it a Jaclyn of many trades! While photography is now a significant part of my artistic pursuits, my journey began with aspirations of becoming a professional singer during my childhood. I dedicated myself to honing my vocal talents by practicing songs I loved and actively participating in various choirs and solo performances throughout my school years. These experiences allowed me to connect with like-minded peers who shared a passion for pursuing music as a career.

Upon completing my high school education, I embarked on my musical journey by joining my inaugural professional band. This experience took me across the United States, where we entertained audiences at various pubs and events. While the thrill of performing in diverse settings was undeniable, I felt compelled to seek further growth. Subsequently, I transitioned to a band based in Las Vegas, Nevada, where I honed my craft through engagements at numerous casinos and special events. These opportunities allowed me to collaborate with esteemed musicians, including Johnny Graham of Earth, Wind & Fire, jazz virtuoso Joe Sample, as well as the talented vocalist Patrice Zappa and her spouse, Nolan Porter.

During my time in Las Vegas, I experienced significant life changes, including starting a family and transitioning away from my involvement in the music scene and the city itself, relocating back to my home state of Colorado. Following the birth of my second child, I embarked on a career in music recording. In 2000, I released my debut CD, which garnered recognition in Music Connections Magazine and earned a place on the Grammy List in 2001. While my music career did not reach mainstream success, I found fulfillment in raising my children and establishing my own successful business as a professional DJ. Over the years, I provided entertainment for special events and weddings, leading me on a path of diverse experiences until ultimately deciding to pursue a career in professional photography.

My journey as a mother was the most important career of my life.. but now it's my time to shine!

After exploring various paths, I realized the importance of expressing my artistic abilities. Consequently, I made the conscious decision to fully immerse myself in the art of photography.

My Photography Journey

When I was a child I was exposed to photography through my father's career as a professional photographer, and I learned about the functions and techniques that he would continue to teach me throughout my adolescent years. Photography would also help me develop a love for Graphic Design as well… however I never would have predicted that I would be using them together later in my career.

I have always been fascinated with photography, because it's a great way to capture a moment in time that tells a beautiful story. My father was a Photojournalist with the Denver Post Newspaper for many years, and sometimes when he would go on assignments, he would process the photos from his personal darkroom in our home. I got to experience the process of film into negatives into processing a photo on glossy paper. As we know that this method has been taken over by the digital world. Even though times have changed, the techniques of becoming a great photographer hasn't.

As I was trying to figure out what I wanted to do for a career, I dabbled in many ventures through my adulthood such as; Music, Technology, Teaching, and building my small business creating and selling my art.

Photography was always something I did on the side, or as a hobby. On occasion I would photograph events for my church, a friends wedding, or even the beautiful outdoors, but what I loved the most was photographing my children as they were growing up. I never had expensive cameras or fancy equipment, however I would use my Graphic Design skills to edit the raw photos to create the illusion that I was using fancy equipment.

 “There are no rules for good photographs, there are only good photographs.” ~ Ansel Adams

After the year 2020, I was trying to reinvent myself after losing my day job when I caught COVID-19. I started my small business "Steph's Cozy Vibe" September 1, 2021, and I decided to use my Graphic Design skills to create One-of-a-Kind Designs to make crafts and printable merchandise to sell online. Even though I was able to create and show my art through my designs, I wanted to create more through photography as well.

In July 2022, a friend asked me if I would photograph a family members Quinceañera. At the time, I didn't own a good camera, so I borrowed my daughters brand new camera to photograph the event, and after I posted the photoshoot on Social Media, I received such a great response that it inspired me to move forward with becoming a professional photographer. Even though my professional journey recently started in November 2022, it didn't slow me down to start building my portfolio right away. It guided me to realize where and how my Lifestyle Photography would take me, because I love a beautiful story!

I don't just snap pictures and edit them... I see beauty in everything, and I try to expose it through my photographs. When I am capturing a moment that tells a specific story through a camera lens, whether it's with people, or through nature... I prefer natural light, and the natural tones and colors in nature. I use the up close and personal approach with my photography with very little negative space, so I can capture that special moment in time.

I decided when I was going forward with my photography journey, I wanted to be true to my style and talent. I consider myself extremely transparent and authentic, and I'm not competing with any of the photographic trends that other photographers might be using today. When booking a photoshoot with me, we will discuss the details prior to the appointed day, and decide location(s), Style, and the Editing Process before moving forward. I always say... "I'm not everyone's cup of tea" so it's important before I do your photoshoot that we decide together if we're a perfect fit or not.

I believe a good photographer is an artist (whether you went to school or you're self taught), and can create their art with any type of camera equipment. The most famous photographers have used just a camera and their eye to win the Pulitzer Prize award, and not even own the most expensive equipment. I know my work will always prove my talent, and not be over shined how much my camera is worth.

If you love this style of photography, and the artistic process... then give me a call so we can make history together!

 My Art Is My Voice... Photography is who I am, and not so much what I do! ~ S.A.

I'm Just Getting Started...

At the vibrant age of 52, my unstoppable drive to explore a new career path continues to fuel my passion!

My goal is to inspire individuals to embrace their creativity and follow their passions without feeling guilty. Life is already challenging without having to work a job you despise. It's never too late to pursue what brings you joy.