Integral to The Scout Guide Phoenix & Scottsdale’s mission is telling the stories behind the small businesses Scouted in each Volume. The story begins in print and continues online, after all. As you peruse Volume 2, we are thrilled to continue our hyperlocal story-telling mission with Contributor Spotlights.
In preparing to produce a new guide, we scout the Valley for the best creative talent to help us bring our vision — and the stories of our members — to life. And we’re thrilled to welcome photographer, Stephanie Neiheisel of Glothgloss, to the creative team of The Scout Guide Volume 3.
After years working on every aspect of a shoot (more on that later), Stephanie stepped behind the lens. And it’s from this new perspective that she lends her creativity to brands, offering editorial imagery with an edge that pushes boundaries and expectations of brand photography. Her style tells a story, which, here at The Scout Guide, we’re all about.
To introduce you to the talent behind the stunning imagery you’ll see in Volume 3, we took time out of our busy shoot schedules to chat about how she got behind the lens and what keeps her inspired.
TSG Phoenix & Scottsdale: Stephanie, we are so thrilled to have you on board to shoot Volume 3 of The Scout Guide Phoenix & Scottsdale. Let’s start from the beginning, how did you get into photography?
Stephanie Neiheisel: I have always loved photography and I always joke that I wish it had chosen me sooner. I took photography classes all three years of high school and a semester of college and continued to dabble throughout my early 20s. As a makeup artist and agency owner I learned how to take all of my own images and short videos. Slowly over time, I found myself picking up the camera more often than makeup brushes. The transition was effortless.
TSG Phoenix & Scottsdale: Let’s talk about that time before you put down the brushes and picked up a camera. How has that shaped your photographic career?
Stephanie Neiheisel: As a successful makeup artist for over 10 years and an agent for 4, I developed an acute awareness that everything from a commercial set to a large bridal party is essentially a moving piece of art. Honing my skills as a makeup artist, educator, and then agency owner allowed me to build a robust community of hair and makeup artists, photographers, curators, and set designers which in turn left me with an incredible drive to move behind a camera. There isn’t a single aspect of a set I haven’t worked on before, so I can relate to my clients and the crew which, in my experience, makes for a fun and comfortable environment.
TSG Phoenix & Scottsdale: With such prolific experience what, in your opinion, makes for a great photoshoot?
Stephanie Neiheisel: A collaborative team. Sometimes things don’t go as planned, but a fluid, kind team will always achieve a beautiful result.
TSG Phoenix & Scottsdale: Let’s talk specifics, what kind of photography do you specialize in?
Stephanie Neiheisel: Beauty, brand, product, and commercial.
TSG Phoenix & Scottsdale: Given your background, that seems a natural choice. It’s one of the many reasons we were so eager to work with you. Another being your signature style. How would you describe your photographic style?
Stephanie Neiheisel: Moody, luxe, clean, and editorial.
TSG Phoenix & Scottsdale: What inspires you and your style?
Stephanie Neiheisel: Cheryl Strand’s quote, “put yourself in the way of beauty” helps me express this in the best way. I’m drawn to beautiful experiences, beautiful environments, and beautiful stories. I find beauty in the smallest of things. I walk around with “photo lens eyeballs.” I truly want to feel the beauty in everything. This feeling became heightened when I became a mother.
TSG Phoenix & Scottsdale: How do you nurture this mentality?
Stephanie Neiheisel: Architecture, travel, and experience new places and meeting new people. Travel always opens my eyes new ideas.
TSG Phoenix & Scottsdale: Agreed, travel always broadens our horizons. But let’s bring things back home… What do you love about photographing here in the Valley?
Stephanie Neiheisel: Arizona is full of incredible talent. And it’s an honor to meet new people who trust me to capture their talent and vision.
TSG Phoenix & Scottsdale: What aspect of your work as a photographer do you find most fulfilling?
Stephanie Neiheisel: Helping brands tell their stories through beautiful visuals.
TSG Phoenix & Scottsdale: What are your biggest accomplishments thus far?
Stephanie Neiheisel: Being a momma. My daughter is my greatest inspiration, blessing, and accomplishment.
TSG Phoenix & Scottsdale: We’ve saved our favorite question for last… When you’re not behind the lens, where can we find you around town?
Stephanie Neiheisel: Ooooh I love this question. Sottise is one of my go-to restaurants. Monsoon Market for yummy natural wines and gifts. Local Nomad is my go-to spot for specialty items and where I buy all my gifts for events. Berdenas because they make a great London Fog (for us non-coffee drinkers). SkinFit with Jenna for my facials (she is magic). Slain Studios with Oanh for my manicures. Nina K Beauty with Hope for my Brows. Buck & Rider because the seafood is amazing and they have the best happy hour.
We are thrilled to have Stephanie Neiheisel on our creative team for The Scout Guide Phoenix & Scottsdale Volume 3. To learn more about Stephanie and inquire about working with Gothgloss on your brand photography head here. Don’t forget to tell her Scout sent you!
The Scout Guide Phoenix & Scottsdale: Why are you excited to be a new member of the TSG team?
Stephanie Neiheisel: I love the team so much and how enthusiastic they are about supporting the local community here in Phoenix.