Today we’d like to introduce you to Grace Caruthers
Grace, we appreciate you taking the time to share your story with us today. Where does your story begin?
I have had a camera in my hand since I was little, on family vacations my parents bought me disposable cameras and even back then I was eager to capture the world around me.
I got my first Canon in high school and loved taking pictures for friends, our class, and any vacation we went on. My favorite was nature photography back then for sure. It was a great way to practice, plus I’m a sucker for animals haha. My senior year, my aunt gave me her older Canon before I left for ministry school in Redding, CA. That camera also went with me to Lima, Peru on a missions trip. I got to photography over 80.000 people accepting Jesus in one of the largest soccer stadiums in the world. As well as photograph all my adventures with my dad in England for my senior trip. The best spot and favorite spot I’ve EVER photographed is Stourhead Garden. It was a filming location for Pride and Prejudice. A dream was achieved in those photos! (The photo of apollos temple there I’ve uploaded) While in Redding I had a blast living in the mountains, learning about Gods word and plan for my life, as well as taking my camera on adventures to national parks and hiking trails.
Then, covid hit. Life was pretty much on pause. My husband and I got married in 2021 and I really didn’t do photography for a while. Then, after we had our baby girl, I was eager to find a way to work from home. My husband brought up photography. He championed me and encouraged me. He and others told me I had a gift and the eye. So I second shot for a little bit to see if I liked it, tried out weddings, and I fell back in love with it, and in love in a more official capacity. I started advertising manually on Facebook and it took off from there. That was back in oct 2023 and heading into 2025 I couldn’t be more excited to see where life takes me and my business!
We all face challenges, but looking back would you describe it as a relatively smooth road?
It has not haha! I definitely failed a lot. I look back at my sessions when I first started with so much grace for the girl I was back then. I had a four month old, was still in the throes of being a new mom and still a new ish wife. And just started a new business and was learning everything self taught. If I could go back and tell myself three things about starting I’d say- 1. Have contracts. It’s well worth it. 2. Have retainers, that keeps you and your clients accountable. And 3. Go easy on yourself and your work. I was so critical of my work and still am because as the saying goes we are our own worst critics most of the time. Now looking back I wish I’d had more compassion for myself starting something absolutely new.
Thanks for sharing that. So, maybe next you can tell us a bit more about your business?
I specialize in weddings and family photography. So anything from newborn to tying the knot. I’m most proud of what my brand stands for- Still Water I got from Psalm 23: “The Lord is my shepherd, I lack nothing, he leads me beside quiet waters… He guides me along the right paths for his name’s sake. Even though I walk through the darkest valley, I will fear no evil, for you are with me….You prepare a table before me in the presence of my enemies. You anoint my head with oil; my cup overflows. Surely your goodness and love will follow me all the days of my life…
This verse has gotten me through some of the toughest times of my life. I also know a lot of my clients are pretty frazzled about getting their photos taken. For some it’s daunting. I want my clients to feel safe, at peace and able to relax and be themselves when they step in front of my lens. So the foundation of my business is this verse that reminds me to Bring Peace to Pictures. My goal during any session is to be quick, concise, prepared and confident so that my clients just have to be themselves and not feel any of the pressure of photos.
So maybe we end on discussing what matters most to you and why?
It sounds so corny as I type it but family and Jesus. I’d be nothing without Jesus. My relationship with God is what grounds me and even in the toughest circumstances has kept me moving forward. And that relationship over flows goes into everything else. I’m so thankful for my husband for championing me through this season, without him I probably would have given up or felt like I wasn’t good enough. And then our sweet Mo inspires me to make life fun and full of joy.
Pricing:
- Family sessions- $200
- Weddings $200-$1800
- Other sessions $100-500
Contact Info:
- Website: https://stillwaterphotography25.mypixieset.com/
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/_stillwater__photography_?igsh=emxhbTlpcHgzemp1&utm_source=qr
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/share/18eSqNgpQd/?mibextid=wwXIfr
