Check Out Stephanie Siau’s Story

Today we’d like to introduce you to Stephanie Siau.

Hi Stephanie, we’d love for you to start by introducing yourself.
I am originally from Sacramento, CA. I came out to Colorado in the fall of 2020 to attend my freshmen year at the University of Colorado Boulder, with the intent to study Speech-Language and Hearing Sciences. Halfway through my first year I realized this was not the career path for me, and really struggled with not knowing what I will do in the future since I always thought I would be part of the medical field/sciences in some way.

Throughout high school, I took sports photos, student section events, and my brother’s soccer team every now and then – just for fun. When my senior year came around, all my friends asked me to take their photos, but I never really thought anything of it, nor did I really see a future in it because I was just having fun. Fast forward to January of 2021, I decided to drive down to Southern California during my winter break, to spend some time with my cousin, who had ‘made it’ as a guitarist in the wedding industry. As I spent time with him, I was reflecting on the things that brought me joy and was reminded of my roots. I was raised in a loving Christian home, to immigrant parents that placed my brother and I in all sorts of extracurriculars, allowing us to find activities that bring us joy in life. My childhood consisted of taking Piano, Guitar, Flute and Songwriting lessons, to Soccer, Volleyball, Karate and watching all of my brother’s sporting games. Music was always something that stuck around, and it brought me a lot of peace. As I began entertaining the idea of potentially taking music and songwriting seriously, I was also getting more and more creative with photography.

I was confused to say the least and torn between whether or not I should choose the music route or photography. I prayed and prayed for doors to be shut and opened, and three weeks after seeing my cousin I landed my first concert photography gig, realizing I could mix my love of music and photography together. From there, I was told I should apply for Marina William’s Colorpop event, and out of hundreds of applications, I was miraculously picked and given the opportunity to attend the content weekend in September of 2021. Marina is someone I had looked up to for years!! Her creative eye and confident demeanor stood out to me, and she spoke so much truth and encouragement over me that I decided then that if anything, I want to give photography the best shot that I got.

After Colorpop, doors began to open! I started serving at Red Rocks Church and Ascent Community Church, just to continue building a portfolio. I sent hundreds of emails connecting with publicists and magazines in the music industry to get my foot in the door with concerts. I landed a position with Hazze Media and I continued to connect and build relationships with everyone that I met.

The past six months has been an absolute dream. I had the opportunity to serve as the in house photographer at Gothic Theatre, covering shows for them. I shot my first ever Red Rocks Amphitheater show, took on a Director of Photography role for a major project, went on tour with Kayla Ruby, who was my first ever live show gig, and am now making the move to Nashville, TN this weekend to continue to chase after some dreams, all while finishing my Communications degree with Arizona State University Online.

To wrap it up, I got to where I am today by stepping out in faith and trusting that God’s plan is greater than mine. There were and still are so many unknowns in my career, but the people that I have met, my family and friends who have supported me throughout everything, is the reason I am doing what I am doing today.

Can you talk to us a bit about the challenges and lessons you’ve learned along the way. Looking back would you say it’s been easy or smooth in retrospect?
Not at all!!!! I think the biggest struggle I had and still am overcoming, is confidence. There are so many talented creatives out there and having your work stand out from others can be hard. Comparison is the thief of joy and it has placed me in positions of burnout and feeling like I am unworthy to continue creating.

The biggest lesson that I took away from this struggle, which has helped my mentality and creativity, is that every photographer, videographer, musician, etc — everyone is just trying to make it in the industry. This was such a humbling feeling knowing that every creative walks through seasons of confidence and insecurity, and this has allowed me to build community with these creatives to support and encourage one another. I have noticed when I am intentional with my community, the more inspired and encouraged I become.

Alright, so let’s switch gears a bit and talk business. What should we know about your work?
I am a photographer specializing in brand and content photography. My goal is to be on staff for a few musicians and work with influencers, and brands to promote what they do best in an authentic, yet creative way! I am all about building a relationship with those I work with, to better share their story to the world!

I am most proud of my roots. I am beyond thankful for how my parents have raised me because my heart behind creating is not to gain fame or fortune but to use my God-given creativity to love on others and be a vessel of light in an interesting time within the creative/entertainment industry.

What were you like growing up?
Growing up I was a shy and reserved kid. I was an introvert and enjoyed being independent. Music was my safe place and playing the piano & guitar was everything to me!

Contact Info:

• Website: https://www.stephaniehsiau.com/
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/stephaniehsiau/
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/stephanie.siau.50/

Image Credits
Ballerinas: Host/styling: @marinawphoto Art direction/styling: @ike.studio Makeup: @amyjoartist Hair: @binghamthebarber @honeyhairbykare Assistant: @ifurhappyandyouknowit Models: @keeferchels @lilpillily @this_be_tati @r_y_l_e_e_a_n_n @ellaclaire.s Gloves Editorial (orange backdrop): Host/styling: @marinawphoto Art direction/styling: @ike.studio Makeup: @amyjoartist Hair: @binghamthebarber Orange backdrop: @ultravioletbackdrops Assistant: @ifurhappyandyouknowit Models: @kn.nnguyen @kasemire.dieumerci Neon green Editorial: Host/styling: @marinawphoto Art direction/styling: @ike.studio Makeup: @amyjoartist Hair: @binghamthebarber Assistant: @ifurhappyandyouknowit Models: @dana.moore @carina.j_ T8: @TateMcrae Roses: @KaylaRubyMusic Plaid jacket & green pants picture: @tagieeeleee blue concert photo: @jadenhossler multiple exposure: @KaylaRubyMusic