Going from losing a high-paying corporate career to achieving his goal of owning a personal photography studio, Iain Stenhouse was a delight to speak to, and his story was truly inspirational.
Starting off as a hobbyist, Stenhouse had always been surrounded by creatives. As a child, his grandfather was the spark that ignited his love for this art form, influencing him later in life. Additionally, the seasoned photographer Saul Leiter served as a great inspiration due to his painterly approach to photography and his focus on the mundane.
Although he did not initially flourish into the success he enjoys today, he began with wedding photography. One client led to another until he had built a full business. Thanks to his sociology degree, he was able to meet new people, learn about them, and form connections - even if it was just for a photograph. These skills continue to benefit him to this day.
Stenhouse spoke about “the joy of not knowing what to photograph” when searching for inspiration. City streets and town centres are full of life, as well as the mystery of what people are doing that day.
While this was exciting, he wanted something to ground his life’s work.
That’s where the studio came in.
Iain explained the importance of his role in the community as a photographer, including doing charity work for local businesses. Now, the studio will be a permanent addition to the town we call home. The most challenging part was learning new skills - such as flooring and wallpapering - to prepare the space. He hopes it can become a creative and teaching hub, offering a much larger space for artistic expression.
Meeting the seasoned photographer Iain has allowed me to see the world in a more positive light. As he said, weddings were the “bread and butter,” but he sees his studio as the ultimate goal. Although the journey may not be easy, it is a steep learning curve that will always allow him to grow.
With hard work and a bit of luck, he keeps his fingers crossed.