Stellina Stampouli is an Austin, Texas-based photographer and visionary behind her namesake photography studio Stellina Stampouli. With her eye for dreamy and ethereal photography, Stampouli's work is, without a doubt, a unique concept that separates her from most photographers. We spoke to Stellina about her joy in her work and creating an innovative art form for this Meet The Artist series.
SS: My journey to becoming a professional photographer started in 2012 when I found my dad's old film camera. I fell in love with photography and began taking pictures of my friends, family, and the landscapes in Greece, where I was born.
In 2013, I made the move to Austin, Texas, and that's when I began collaborating with models and designers which brought new opportunities. Becoming a full-time photographer wasn't easy but I remained dedicated to achieving my goal.
It was a pure love for photography. I fell in love with the art of storytelling through images and capturing moments that evoke emotion.
DJ: What’s your favorite thing about your career?
SS: My favorite thing about my career is the creative freedom it offers. I get to work with different individuals, models, and designers, and what I absolutely adore is styling all my shoots. I also love experimenting with all different types of film and various lighting techniques.
DJ: You have such a distinct eye when it comes to your photography. Who and what are your muses? And where do you draw inspiration from?
SS: Thank you so much! One of my muses, whom you'll often find in my portfolio, is Anastasia Miller. Her emotions and expressions inspire me every time we work together. I love collaborating with her, brainstorming ideas, and bringing them to life. I also draw inspiration from ambient music, especially while editing. In general, my photography is influenced by my own experiences, observations, and my love for photography as a medium of expression.
DJ: We know you’ve worked with some fantastic clients. Can you tell us a little bit about what that’s like?
SS: Working with all these brands and designers has been amazing. I love working collaboratively with my clients, merging ideas, and bringing our creative visions to life together. I get to combine my love for photography with the world of fashion, and seeing my images being used for their marketing or on their websites is truly rewarding.
DJ: If you were to go back in time and meet child Stellina, what would you tell her that she wouldn’t believe?
SS: I love this question! Honestly, she wouldn’t believe anything that my life is right now. Moving to another country and pursuing photography full-time would sound like a crazy dream to her.
