Today we’d like to introduce you to Stefan Agregado.
Hi Stefan, can you start by introducing yourself? We’d love to learn more about how you got to where you are today.
Hi, I’m Stefan Agregado, a wedding and engagement photographer in DC. At 16, I remember seeing the photographs on my friend’s bedroom wall. Printed images pinned to a corkboard and clipped on strings. It immediately dawned on me then that these were more than just pictures; but a roadmap of their identity. A shrine to honor the people who supported them. A space where one could revisit distant travels and relive the days that made them who they were. That Christmas I asked my mom for a camera and set out to make a roadmap of my own. Now, after 18 years behind the camera, I have the incredible honor of helping others build their roadmaps.
I graduated with a degree in art photography and a minor in photojournalism in 2012 with some photo accolades from my work as photo editor of my college paper. Though I was proud of my work, I also remember the feeling after years of taking coverage of people on some of the darkest days of their lives and the disconnect for somehow managing to get a pat on the back for sharing that with the world. I put down my camera and decided to join the Peace Corps to reconnect with my humanity. It wasn’t until 4 years of self-discovery later that I decided to put all these experiences to good use and in 2016, started Stefan A. Photography to now capture people on the most joyous days of their lives.
As an art-photography major & photojournalism minor at Cal State Long Beach I learned every important technical skill a photographer needs to know. As a photojournalist (’10-12) I learned how to be flexible, creative, and to think on the fly so as never to miss a moment. As a world traveler (’13-15′) I learned to find the human connection within each person. I moved to DC to be with my wife, and have since fallen in love with DC.
There’s always a hidden nook in every part of this city that helps keep my eyes wide open.
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?
The road to becoming a wedding and engagement photographer has been full of struggles. At its worst, it will make you question yourself, doubt your abilities, and bring upon a level of anxiety that is hard to contend with. Luckily, with practice, and with time you’ll find that these moments always pass as long as you keep pushing forward.
The hardest clients are always there to teach you more about boundaries and professionalism. The expenses and grind of putting yourself out there can be a hard hurdle to overcome in the earlier years until you have a strong enough portfolio to gather attention. There are still days when I struggle to keep the momentum going, but luckily, they grow smaller each year.
Thanks for sharing that. So, maybe next you can tell us a bit more about your work?
I am a wedding and engagement photographer. I’m best known for creating images with my couples that are joyful, colorful, and authentic.
My use of colors is true-to-life. I focus on the human connection as much as the compositions of my photos during my sessions.
What’s next?
I’m looking forward to growing into a full-time operation and providing even better services for my clients.
Pricing:
- Weddings are generally $350 per hour
- Engagements range from $250-500
- Proposals range from $200-$350
- Portrait sessions range from $175-$350
- Events are generally $200 per hour
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.stefanaphoto.com/
- Instagram: @stefanaphoto
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/stefanaphoto/
- Yelp: https://www.yelp.com/biz/stefan-a-photography-washington
Image Credits
Stefan A. Photography
