Nice to meet you!
I’m Stephanie Jarin, owner and photographer at Stephanie Jarin Photography. I believe in the power and magic of photography. Images tell a story, preserve a memory, convey a message.
I know you've got options when it comes to choosing a photographer. There are so many amazingly talented photographers who create beautiful images.
So why work with me?
Because I get it.
I'm a mom. I understand how important your family is to you. I get the struggle of planning the perfect outfits and ensuring the kids arrive to your session without evidence of snacks all over shirts. And I know that the days feel long, but the years are short and your babies just won't stop growing right before your eyes.
I'm an equestrian. I see your long hours. I know the highs and lows of the show ring and the behind the scenes prep. I get the quiet moments of just putzing around the barn just to enjoy your horse with no agenda.
I'm a business owner. I'm right there with you working my tail off to make my dream a reality. I get the hustle to keep growing, innovating, and reaching your ideal client. I know first hand the highs and lows along this journey of entrepreneurship.
Whether family, equestrians, or business clients, I care and connect because I'm right there with you. I've got insight, experience, and passion to ensure that we create beautiful, meaningful images for you AND we'll have fun along the way.
WHY PHOTOGRAPHY?
My mom is an art teacher and I grew up in her classroom & going to museums during school breaks. In college majored in Elementary Education with an emphasis in Visual Art. Alongside my education courses, I took are variety of art classes including photography. I learned how to shoot on film as well as develop my own prints in the darkroom. Being limited to shooting on rolls of film, seeing the magic of photos developing on paper, and needing to learn how to adjust the actual light exposure in the dark room taught me the fundamentals and made me fall in love with the process. I carry those skills into my digital photography and editing.
I taught first and second grade for 5 years and started photography on the side in 2016. I enjoyed my time in the classroom but in 2018 I switched to photography full time. I love being able to document memories and serve people in such a meaningful way.
MEET THE CREW
Mr. Jarin wins Most Supportive Husband in the World a thousand times over. He has spent countless hours listening to me ramble through business ideas and limitless cheerleading when I get frustrated.
Sophia is my spunky model, always ready to rock a dress and twirl in a field so I can test out new gear. She’s paid exclusively in snack foods and has a short time limit on her working hours.
Oliver is the newest addition and he fits right in. This total sweetheart and smiley boy is already making his debut in from of the camera and is more far compliant than his big sister.(Mostly because he can’t yet run away!)
As a family, we love to travel near and far, take advantage of our beautiful Southern California sights, and spend many weekends working on house projects.
So why horses?
When I tell people what I do, they are always, always intrigued by the equine side of my businesses and I often get asked "Why horses " or "How did you get into that?"
My first taste of riding was a Del Mar Fair pony ride at around age 1. I went to horse summer camp as a kid and I was instantly hooked. I started lessons and the obsession grew from there. I would spend every waking hour at the barn, doing chores to earn more ride time. Raking isles, scrubbing water buckets, doing turnouts, you name it!
I competed in local shows, mostly western equitation & pleasure, a touch of English too (but I was pretty terrible if were being honest). My freshman year of high school, I got the horse-girl's ultimate dream come true: my very own horse! R Sweet Special Te, or Snickers as we nicknamed her.
We spent 5 years together, but life circumstances lead to needing to sell her. She went on to take care of some sweet little girls and I went to college and grew up. These photos here are some of the few images I have to remember her by. The lack of photos with the two of us is a huge part of why I do what I do. I would do anything to be able to go back and have my own Horse and Rider session and an album full of memories. Its been 9 years and I still get choked up thinking about her.
I have dabbled in riding here and there since, but I'm still figuring out how horses fit in my daily life in this season. Getting to photograph clients and their horses helps me get my pony fix. The privilege of documenting the unique relationships is something that I feel lucky to do.
"There is something about the outside of a horse that is good for the inside of a man."
Winston Churchill
"Stephanie is an absolute pro. From scheduling through delivery of images, everything you can ask for in a family or event photographer! She's totally organized but also sweet and relaxed, gives great tips to prepare for your photo shoot, and is SO responsive. We hope to be able to use her services for years to come. Worth every penny! Hire her now. You will not be disappointed!"
Ashley A.