Today we’d like to introduce you to Stephanie Ratto.
Hi Stephanie , thanks for sharing your story with us. To start, maybe you can tell our readers some of your backstory.
Stephanie Ratto Photography began at the intersection of military life and a lifelong love for creativity. When my husband joined the United States Army, we knew that starting a family would come with unique challenges, including frequent moves and an unpredictable schedule. I needed a career that would allow me to contribute to our household while still being flexible enough to support his service.
Photography had always been part of my life. Even as a child, I was always behind the camera, convincing my brother to model for me and creating little moments to capture. That passion became something more when my husband gifted me my first entry level DSLR camera. He looked at me and said, “You are so talented with what you do. I want to see what you can build, because I know it will be great.” His belief in me gave me the confidence to turn a passion into a profession.
I officially started my business in Texas during a season when my husband was deployed to Iraq. Many of my early sessions included me bringing my baby along, balancing motherhood and entrepreneurship at the same time. It was not easy, but it was deeply meaningful, and it laid the foundation for everything that followed.
Military life has since taken our family across the country. We moved to Washington in 2016, Idaho in 2020, and Utah in 2024. Each relocation meant starting over, rebuilding my business, reconnecting with new communities, and earning trust all over again. Through it all, my passion for photography and my commitment to my clients never wavered.
Today, I am incredibly proud to own a military spouse owned and women owned business. I have been honored with multiple best of the area awards and featured in magazines for my unique style and timeless heirloom artwork. Giving back has always been important to me. I have volunteered with Now I Lay Me Down to Sleep, donated sessions to military families welcoming loved ones home, and photographed nonprofit events such as the Montana Legacy Event, where I travel to Montana to photograph rodeo queens from across the Pacific Northwest.
I truly love the variety of my work, from newborn babies and families to couples and professional business headshots. However, my heart is most drawn to photographing mothers. Capturing women during one of the most powerful and vulnerable transformations of their lives is something I hold very close. My goal is always to show them just how strong, beautiful, and capable they are, especially in moments when they may not see it themselves.
Stephanie Ratto Photography is more than a business to me. It is a reflection of resilience, creativity, service, and the belief that even in seasons of constant change, something meaningful and lasting can be created.
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?
I wish I could say yes, but if you’ve ever tried moving your business and rebuilding it every few years, you’ll know it’s a unique kind of challenge. Honestly, when it comes to my clients and my work, I don’t really experience struggles. Providing excellent customer service, transparency and clear communication has always been a priority, and I make sure every session is unique to that client and a positive, memorable experience.
The real challenges come in rebuilding, waiting for growth, and moving to communities where luxury photography services aren’t something people normally consider. It can be hard at times not to feel discouraged. I’ve learned to focus on my own journey, my own business, and my own growth without comparing myself to others. I remind myself that consistency, quality, and passion always pay off in the long run.
Alright, so let’s switch gears a bit and talk business. What should we know about your work?
My work is centered around creating a luxury, full service photography experience from start to finish. I specialize in maternity, while also offering professional business headshots and all portrait sessions including couples, family, sports, or newborn sessions. What I am most known for is timeless, heirloom quality artwork and an experience that allows my clients to feel fully supported and taken care of throughout the entire process.
From the very beginning, I guide my clients through consultations to help plan their session in a way that feels intentional and personal. I provide access to a thoughtfully curated client closet, a trusted professional makeup artist team, and hands on guidance so clients never feel unsure or overwhelmed. The experience does not end with the session itself. I offer fine art, tangible heirloom products and custom wall art, and I even coordinate professional installation in my clients’ homes so their artwork is beautifully displayed and enjoyed for generations.
When it comes to my art, I truly believe my creative eye is what sets me apart. I often say you can take twenty five photographers to the same location with the same model and still receive twenty five completely different portraits. That perspective, the way I see light, emotion, connection, and detail, is something that cannot be replicated. Every session is approached with intention and artistry, not a formula.
What I am most proud of is the trust my clients place in me. They allow me to document some of the most meaningful seasons of their lives and to turn those moments into lasting artwork. Knowing that my images hang on their walls, are passed down, and become part of their family story is what makes this work so special to me.
What has been the most important lesson you’ve learned along your journey?
The most important lesson I’ve learned is that when you are starting a business, it’s actually more about the business side than the art side. Art is subjective. Talent alone does not build a sustainable career.
Learning how to communicate clearly, manage expectations, price intentionally, and run a business with structure and confidence is what creates longevity. Once I truly understood that, everything shifted. My work became more focused, my client experience became stronger, and my business became more stable, even through moves and transitions.
The art will continue to evolve over time, but the foundation of a successful business is built on systems, consistency, and professionalism. Mastering the business side has allowed me to protect my creativity, serve my clients better, and continue doing what I love for the long term.
Pricing:
- Session fees begin at a set rate and include planning consultations, access to the client closet, and guided posing and direction throughout the session
- Custom artwork, heirloom albums, and fine art wall pieces are purchased separately and are designed to be tangible, long lasting investments
- Custom collections are created based on each client’s needs, with investment varying depending on artwork selections
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.stephanierattophotography.com
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/stephanierattophotography/
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/StephanieRattoPhoto
- Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@stephanierattophotography9879
