We recently had the chance to connect with Stephanie Clark and have shared our conversation below.
Good morning Stephanie, we’re so happy to have you here with us and we’d love to explore your story and how you think about life and legacy and so much more. So let’s start with a question we often ask: What’s the most surprising thing you’ve learned about your customers?
One of the most surprising things I’ve learned about my customers is how often they come into a session saying, “We’re really awkward in front of the camera” and then absolutely crush it! It happens all the time, whether it’s high school seniors, families, or even business professionals. People tend to underestimate how naturally they can shine when they feel comfortable and seen.
Part of my job is helping clients relax, have fun, and trust the process — and once that happens, something shifts. You can see their confidence come through, and by the time they’re viewing their images, they’re often surprised by how much they love what they see. Ive even had seniors who started out timid tell me along the way, “I think I’m starting to understand what to do” which I love when it is accompanied by a big smile!
It’s a great reminder that we’re all more photogenic than we think, we just need the right environment and a little encouragement.
Can you briefly introduce yourself and share what makes you or your brand unique?
Hi, I’m Stephanie Clark, the photographer behind Atascocita Photography. I’ve been photographing portraits, weddings, and commercial work for over 20 years, and today I’m especially known for creating colorful, confident, and joy-filled senior and family portraits across the Greater Houston area.
What makes my work unique is the experience I create for each client. I’m not just here to take pretty pictures, I want every person I work with to feel confident, seen, and proud of who they are. Whether it’s a high school senior finding their voice or a family celebrating a milestone, I aim to make the experience fun, meaningful, and tailored to them.
In addition to portrait work, I also offer commercial photography for local businesses. From branding images and headshots to product photos and lifestyle content. I love helping small business owners show up professionally and visually tell their brand/product story in a way that feels real and compelling. It’s incredibly rewarding to create images that not only look good, but actually help people grow their businesses.
Atascocita Photography is built on heart, professionalism, and creativity. I work with clients who value memories, personal connection, and quality, and I’m currently expanding into educational resources for parents and aspiring photographers, which has been an exciting new chapter.
I truly believe photography should feel effortless and impactful and I’m so grateful to do this work in a community I care so deeply about.
Great, so let’s dive into your journey a bit more. Who taught you the most about work?
That’s such a great question and honestly, I don’t think there’s just one person. But if I had to choose, I’d say my clients have taught me the most about work. Over the years, I’ve learned how to listen more closely, adapt to different personalities and needs, and really show up for people. Photography is such a personal experience, and each session teaches me something new about patience, trust, and what it means to do meaningful work.
That said, I also have to credit my family, especially the strong women in my life, who showed me what it looks like to work hard, stay creative, and build something of your own. Their work ethic and resilience shaped a lot of how I run my business today.
It’s a blend of inspiration from the people I serve and the people who’ve supported me and I’m grateful for both.
If you could say one kind thing to your younger self, what would it be?
I’d tell my younger self, “You don’t have to have it all figured out. Just keep showing up, keep learning, and trust that you’re building something meaningful, even when it doesn’t feel like it yet.”
There were so many seasons when I questioned if I was doing enough or doing it “right.” But now I can look back and see that every session, every late night editing, every leap of faith, it was all adding up to something bigger than I realized at the time.
I’d remind her that passion, persistence, and heart will take her far and that one day, the work she’s doing will make people feel seen and celebrated.
So a lot of these questions go deep, but if you are open to it, we’ve got a few more questions that we’d love to get your take on. What’s a belief or project you’re committed to, no matter how long it takes?
I’m deeply committed to helping people see the beauty in themselves and their stories especially those who don’t always feel “camera ready” or confident in front of the lens. That belief is at the heart of everything I do whether I’m photographing a high school senior a growing family or a small business owner putting themselves out there for the first time.
I want my work to be more than just pretty pictures. I want it to feel empowering meaningful and lasting. That’s why I’m also passionate about creating tangible artwork — prints, albums, and heirlooms that people can hold onto and pass down.
And I’m working on something long-term too: building resources to teach parents and aspiring photographers how to document what matters most in their own lives. It may take time but I believe in creating things that have heart and impact no matter how long it takes.
Thank you so much for all of your openness so far. Maybe we can close with a future oriented question. What is the story you hope people tell about you when you’re gone?
I hope people remember me as someone who truly cared — not just about taking beautiful photos, but about making people feel valued and seen. That I was kind, patient, and dedicated to helping others capture their most important moments with honesty and heart.
I want the story to be about how I showed up consistently, with creativity and professionalism, but also with warmth and understanding. That I made the photography experience something people looked forward to, and that the images I created became treasured memories passed down through generations.
Ultimately, I hope they say I made a difference by helping people celebrate who they are and the stories they want to share.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://atascocitaphotography.com
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/atascocitaphoto
- Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/snclark
- Twitter: https://x.com/atascocitaphoto
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/AtascocitaPhotography/
- Yelp: https://www.yelp.com/biz/atascocita-photography-atascocita-2
- Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/atascocitaphoto
- Other: https://www.pinterest.com/atascocitaphoto/
Image Credits
Stephanie Clark, Atascocita Photography
