In the ever-evolving realm of photography, Stephanie DeFranco stands out with her vibrant, expressive style that captures the essence of her subjects. Her approach goes beyond mere image capture; it's about creating a narrative that reflects the true spirit of those in front of her lens. "My photographic style is colorful and free-spirited. I love watching people come alive during their sessions, revealing who they are and what brings them joy," Stephanie elaborates. "Capturing their essence on camera is like creating a piece of art that is uniquely theirs."

A defining moment in Stephanie's career was her 2018 project focusing on women who have endured significant life challenges. She invited women with diverse, powerful stories—including a school shooting survivor, a heart transplant recipient, and a domestic violence survivor—to share their experiences. This project not only showcased their resilience but also promoted healing and empathy. "This project was both incredibly meaningful and challenging. Each woman's story of overcoming adversity was inspiring. It was a privilege to share their strength and resilience through my photography," she recalls. The project highlighted the therapeutic power of storytelling through photography, offering both participants and viewers a chance to reflect on the human spirit's capacity for endurance and healing.

Stephanie’s creative sparks are often ignited by the rich tapestry of pop culture. She draws heavily from books, music, movies, and television, analyzing elements like lighting and composition to fuel her creative process. "When inspiration seems scarce, I turn to my favorite movies or explore fanart from beloved books, seeking out specific scenes, lighting, or outfits that ignite my creative spirit," she explains. This habit allows her to continuously evolve her style and keep her work fresh and relevant.

In the digital age, where trends evolve rapidly, Stephanie believes in embracing these changes to stay relevant. "I advocate for integrating popular trends with a personal twist. This approach not only keeps my work current but also sets it apart from others," she states. She has a particular fondness for the blurry photo trend, which she views as a dynamic element that adds movement and a modern feel to her galleries.

Stephanie’s conceptualization process for a shoot begins with a simple inspiration—a color, a prop, or an environment. "I might start with something as simple as a fidget toy and build an entire session around it. It’s about creating a narrative that resonates with that initial inspiration," she details. This method ensures that her photographs are not just pictures, but stories told through visuals, with each element carefully chosen to enhance the overall narrative.

Color is a vital component of Stephanie's photography. She uses it not just for aesthetic appeal but to evoke specific emotions and set the tone of her images. "I’ve always been drawn to vibrant colors; they bring energy and life to my photos. Early in my career, I was advised against heavy saturation, but I’ve found that bold colors are my signature style and they convey the emotions I aim to capture," she passionately explains. This bold use of color has become a hallmark of her work, distinguishing her in the field.

Stephanie's interest in Lensbaby lenses began after being inspired by a photography panel. These lenses allow her to create unique in-camera effects, such as selective focus and soft blurring, which enhance the storytelling aspect of her work. "The Lensbaby lenses add a layer of depth and focus that draws viewers into the photograph, guiding their gaze across the scene," she notes. This technique is particularly effective in her more abstract compositions, where she aims to evoke feelings and stories through less conventional means.

While Stephanie achieves many effects in-camera, post-processing is an essential part of her workflow. "I use Photoshop to extend the capabilities of my in-camera work. It’s like the final stage of painting, where you add those last touches that bring the image to life," she describes. Her background in film and darkroom techniques informs her digital editing, allowing her to blend old and new methods to create distinctive, eye-catching images.

Looking ahead, Stephanie sees photography maintaining its pivotal role in storytelling within digital and social media. "As digital platforms become more immersive, the need for visually compelling content will only increase. Photography will continue to be a primary medium for storytelling, capturing moments and emotions in a way that words alone cannot," she predicts.

Outside of photography, Stephanie's life is a rich canvas of artistic endeavors. From music to drawing and watercolor painting, she continually explores various forms of expression. "All of these interests feed back into my photography. They inspire me, push me to experiment, and influence how I see the world," she concludes.

Stephanie’s photographic journey is a testament to the power of visual storytelling, infused with personal expression, technical skill, and a profound connection to the wider world of art and culture. Through her lens, she not only captures moments but crafts narratives that resonate with depth and emotion, making each frame a window into a vividly imagined world.