Stephanie Van Auken

For as far back as I can remember I've always been involved in something creative or art related. Around the age of 5, I knew I was destined to be an artist in some form or other. Over the years I have learned various mediums never really giving it much thought, just going where the wind took me so to speak.

In 2002, on the small success I was having at my job, I decided to enroll in the graphic design program at Onondaga Community College in Syracuse, NY. I thrived in subjects such as Intro to Web Design, Intro to Computer Graphics, and all of my design courses. I worked with a variety of mediums: digital, canvas, various papers, crayon, ink...you name it we pretty much used it for the classes. In 2005, I left the comforts of New York and moved to Nebraska. I took two years off from my education, and in 2007, I went back to school, switching from graphic design to digital design. During this, I was exploring the world of Photography. Many people were surprised by the mix of city and country lifestyles within my portfolio. They were even more surprised by the 'artistic eye' they stated I had. Two terms short of receiving my Associates degree, I decided to continue onto a Bachelor's degree as I was quite dissatisfied with the quality of my education from the community college in comparison to the workplace. While looking at colleges that offered a Bachelor's in design, I was encouraged by Admissions at this one particular school, to think about enrolling in the photography program. After giving it much thought, I am now a student at the Art Institute of Pittsburgh studying for my Bachelor's in Photography. I couldn't be happier with this decision.

Subjects I find to be odd, strange or interesting for my personal use, have turned out to be appreciated by most everyone that has seen my work and have started requesting prints for their own collection. My portfolio to date consists of landscapes, objects, events, animals and people ranging from 'industrial' to everyday life. I can work either on a studio or a commercial level, but I prefer on location assignments for I love adventure. When I'm asked if I plan on putting aside design to focus on photography, the answer is no. I feel the training I've received as a designer has helped my transition into photography with ease as concepts, theories, formalities and such are almost identical between the two. I've won some awards both in 2008 and 2009 in the photography division at the local fair, as well as having some photos published in Kubrick's latest album, Lost Diary Of A Goth Girl. This is only the beginning of a wonderful career.

My primary camera set up that I use is a Canon 50D complete with a Speedlight external flash, 18-55mm and a 70-300mm lens, and both uv and polarized filters.

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