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

Hi Stephanie, what’s something about your industry that outsiders are probably unaware of?
I believe there’s a big disconnect from the public on everything that is involved in operating a photography business, and how that relates to the prices and costs associated for the consumer for these services. In addition to just the equipment costs, photographers are running a full-scale small business, included paying taxes, marketing, bookkeeping and accounting, sales, and in many cases, full-service wedding or elopement planning, and the costs associated with these services are including in the rates charged versus just the cost to show up on that specific day, and shoot your event.

Alright, so let’s move onto what keeps you busy professionally?
My background comes from a career in property management, as I was a residential multi-family property manager for 10 years. Under 30 years old, this means I climbed the corporate ladder starting at 18, and eventually into a six-figure salary status managing the budgeting, forecasting, contract negotiation, resident and customer concerns, staff management, maintenance management, sales and marketing, accounting, and all daily operations of the communities I managed. This background gave me full-service experience in running a business, and after many long emotionally-charged years in the service industry, I was ready to take this experience and make it work for myself.

As a child, photography was something that came to me out of a need to remember memories; after losing my father and my grandfather before I was 13, and then many other family members and family friends afterwards, it’s always been an outlet for me to “save” as many memories as possible. After a grueling career in property management, this outlet was a window of light that forced me to make a change and pursue the business I had always dreamed of!

I’ve taken this mentality, and put my entire heart into making sure my clients have their memories captured intentionally and authentically, to look back on for years to come.

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?
As a Colorado elopement photographer, much of what I do includes local recommendations for things to do in the area in which you stay or choose to have your wedding! In Denver, some of my favorites include Death & Co, Williams & Graham, and Viewhouse for drinks. Some spots you have to check out would also include Meow Wolf – an interactive art gallery that just opened downtown – and Wonder Wonder – a selfie museum in Boulder!

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?
I’d love to give a shoutout to my friend and inspiration, Renesha Berry of The Urban Seductress! Renesha has been a bright light in my life, and a strong and empowered woman who has inspired me to always take the leap, and do things that protect my energy. I’m so grateful for her love and support, and it gave me the initial push to feel that “I could” make this happen!

Website: www.hennessyphotoco.com

Instagram: www.instagram.com/hennessyphotoco

Linkedin: www.linkedin.com/in/stephanie-hennessy

Facebook: www.facebook.com/hennessyphotoco

Other: www.pinterest.com/hennessyphotoco

Image Credits
Hennessy Photo Co

Nominate Someone: ShoutoutColorado is built on recommendations and shoutouts from the community; it’s how we uncover hidden gems, so if you or someone you know deserves recognition please let us know here.