LLSA Chamber Small Business of the Year Awards: Stephanie Dubsky Photography

Stephanie Dubsky was born in Sarasota to a circus family that performed and traveled around the country. Her first job was as a trapeze artist, although she also pursued her passion for photography, taking pictures for the circus’ commercial materials.

After Sept. 11, business decreased, and the family closed its business. Dubsky left the trapeze behind and began to work as a professional photographer. She did freelance work before establishing Stephanie Dubsky Photography in October 2007.

Dubsky does engagement and wedding photos, along with professional portraits and headshots. But her favorites are family beach portraits. She’s a regular at sunset on Siesta Beach, where she can often be seen snapping away.

“I really love working with people,” Dubsky says. “In the circus, I was surrounded by people and happiness. With photography, it’s the same thing. I love the family dynamic.”

Dubsky currently contracts with an album designer and another photographer. But over the next year, she hopes to increase business and hire a full-time Photoshop re-toucher and another full-time photographer.

And Dubsky could once again find herself working in a family business. Her 17-year-old daughter, Julia, is learning Photoshop re-touching and is considering getting into the photography business as well.

BUSINESS BASICS

Located: DeSoto Road in Sarasota, by appointment

Start date: October 2007; prior to that, Dubsky did freelance photography.

Number of employees when started: One

Number of employees today: Dubsky works with two contractors.

Advice: Learn photography itself inside and out before going into the business. Educate yourself and always update yourself.