Check Out Connor Stehr’s Story

Today we’d like to introduce you to Connor Stehr. 

Alright, so thank you so much for sharing your story and insight with our readers. To kick things off, can you tell us a bit about how you got started?
Shake & Stehr started out as an IG page showing my passion of cocktails and bars. This then turned into a passion for photography which has created an opportunity for me to pursue freelance photography in a full-time role. 

Alright, so let’s dig a little deeper into the story – has it been an easy path overall, and if not, what were the challenges you’ve had to overcome?
For the most part, it has been a smooth road. It’s been enjoyable learning and continuing getting back at photography over the past couple years. The only road bumps along the way are right now concerning the balance of the photography business and my other full-time job. With the pending jump to full-time freelancing, I’ll be able to commit 100% to growing and learning even more. 

Can you tell our readers more about what you do and what you think sets you apart from others?
I photograph cocktails for bars, glassware for brands, and bottles for distilleries. I’m known for my contrasty/moody style that tries to give off speakeasy vibes. I’m most proud of just the entire process of building this small company. It’s been a slow process, but I’ve patiently grown and worked to be in this position. What set’s me apart from peers is my style. Harsh lighting with a lot of contrast shows off a ton of textures in photos, and I love textures. 

We’d love to hear about how you think about risk-taking?
You hear a lot of influencers say “quit your job and follow your passion, it’s the only way it’ll work”. I disagree, there’s a way to approach it with a long-term plan while keeping yourself fiscally safe. In this regard, I’d say I’m not really a risk-taker. I approached this photography very risk-free by continuing my full-time jobs while also building this freelance work at night or on the weekends. There are some people who are risk-takers and it works out, that’s just not my style. I like to mitigate risk whenever I can. 

Contact Info:

• Email: shakeandstehr@gmail.com
• Website: https://shakeandstehr.squarespace.com/
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/shake_and_stehr/

Image Credits
Shake & Stehr LLC