We had the good fortune of connecting with Stephanie Tyson and we’ve shared our conversation below.
Hi Stephanie, why did you pursue a creative career?
This was not my first option. It should have been, but I was reasonable and knew that it would be hard financially. So I majored in a responsible, useful major, and worked in construction for five years. Throughout that time period, I kept coming back to photography. I enjoyed it too much. It really was my passion. So two years ago, I quit construction and made Lost Stars Imaging my main focus.
Alright, so let’s move onto what keeps you busy professionally?
Being a photographer has never been the “easy” route. The industry is oversaturated and it’s reliant on people having money to throw at you. I started out taking the responsible route by working in construction operations, but my love of photography and working with people artistically never left. I could never let it go, so I took the leap. It’s been hard, and there are definitely days when I doubt whether I’m doing the “right” thing for my life. But the happiness I get from working with wonderful cosplayers and small businesses tells me that I am. Not giving up when things seemed impossible for a few years is what I think has allowed me to become successful. I just hope that each year continues to improve like it has so far.
I think what I want people to know about my brand is that I love this art. I will do things “by the book” (meaning I have the licenses, the registration, etc, and that I get permits and pay taxes). I am constantly learning, and take classes to improve my craft all the time. This isn’t just a hobby. This is my passion, and I understand that the things you hire me for are your passions too. Let me hype you up while we make something absolutely beautiful together.
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?
If we’re staying in Denver, I’d say that the zoo, museum, and botanic gardens all have to be a must see, especially if the lights are still on. The Zoo Lights and Blossoms of Light are absolutely gorgeous, and there’s nothing quite like drinking scalding hot hot chocolate while looking at them. The Old Historic South Gaylord Street shops have a couple of my favorite hangouts. Reivers is great for some good bar food and to catch a hockey game. Agave Taco Bar has THE best queso and margs. I’d say for a nicer dinner, a reservation at Olivia’s is a must.
Of course, with it being winter, it’d be worth it to make a day trip to the Ice Castles down in Cripple Creek.
If we’re exploring a bit, I’d take them to Beau Jo’s in Idaho Springs (yes, I know there are other locations, but that one is best). Then get ice cream in Georgetown. The candy store has spearmint chocolate chip and it’s my favorite. Then we’ll drive to Glenwood Springs and hit the Iron Mountain Hot Springs. It’s just so nice.
Shoutout is all about shouting out others who you feel deserve additional recognition and exposure. Who would you like to shoutout?
There’s a couple of people and organizations that I would love to recognize. First and foremost would have to be PersonifyCosplay. They were my first cosplay session. They introduced me to so many people. They recommended me to be a verified photographer for the Colorado Academy of Cosplay, which allowed me to find more clients, including FanExpo Denver. They got me published with Cosplayzine. They have always been so supportive, and I love them so much.
FanExpo Denver has also been probably one of the biggest contributors of my success. They took a chance on me to hire me as a photographer for their Special Edition expo after the pandemic. I really had no idea what I was doing with a booth, but it went phenomenally well! And they’ve asked me back every year since. The new clients that I’ve got to meet through that particular convention have been so vital to my success moving forward. It has just gotten more successful every year as well.
As cheesy as it is, my mom has always been the biggest support and encouragement for me. Whether she’s helping me at shoots, hanging out at my booth at FanExpo, or just passing out my business cards to people that she thinks would benefit from my services, she’s always there. She always helps me pick out the best photos to send to clients if I’m struggling to pick. And of course, she’s always there with the love!
Website: www.loststarsimaging.com
Instagram: @loststarsimaging
Facebook: facebook.com/loststarsimaging