Simpson Portraits Celebrates All of Who You Are

One wouldn’t think women in their 40s and 50s would have something in common with high school seniors, but contemporary portrait photographer Stephanie Simpson has discovered similarities.


Stephanie Simpson

“Women in their 40s and 50s know who they are, have worked hard and achieved a lot. High school seniors are at the top of their game, ready to start the next phase of their lives,” Simpson said. “They’re both feeling good and want to celebrate that.”

Both generations and everyone in between are clients at her studio, Simpson Portraits, at 200 N. Glendora Ave., Suite J, in Glendora Village (626-221-6646).

An important part of Simpson’s technique is “building a relationship” with a client, getting to know many aspects about them during an interview. She books one client per day, so she can spend time creating a portfolio of portrait styles that reflect each client's personality.



Makeup artist
Maggie Cathey prepares
client for photo shoot.

 “My favorite thing is to learn someone’s face and expressions because everybody smiles differently. Some have a big toothy grin or a supermodel’s subtle smile. It depends on the person and the style of photography they want.”

A business person may want a couple images – a more formal one for their LinkedIn profile, more casual for Facebook. For an actor, their face is their brand and they need several different headshots to convey versatility for potential roles.

As part of the Simpson Portraits experience, all clients have their hair and makeup done by professional makeup artist, Maggie Cathey, whom Simpson met during a film project at Azusa Pacific University.

“I mostly work with natural light and Maggie has developed a makeup style just for that,” Simpson explained. “She does spectacular work. She’s so friendly and personable; our clients are treated well in her care.”

Simpson and Cathey make photo sessions the “ultimate girl’s day out” but their twist on the spa-like experience they offer is that their clients come away with images that last a lifetime. 

The makeup studio at
Simpson Portraits

Simpson received a master’s degree in Cinematography and Photography from Art Center College of Design in Pasadena, and worked for many years shooting and directing TV commercials, and was a featurette and video producer for Warner Bros. Studios and the WB Television Network. 

Marriage and motherhood moved Simpson away from cinema, “but I never gave up on image-making, photography,” she explains. 

Simpson Portraits is booking appointments now for family and personal portraits for the holidays. Call (626) 221-6646 or visit www.simpsonportraits.com for more information.

This sisters portrait is an example of
Stephanie Simpson's photo style.

 

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