About
Hi there! I’m Steph.
Visual storyteller and caffeine enthusiast.
Enneagram 2 & 4, INFP all the way... I live for a good love story, have 3 kids and one poodle, and swear I liked blush pink before it became a thing.
ONCE UPON A TIME
I was doing research in a rat lab at U of I, working towards a PhD in neuroscience, when I realized I was living someone else's life.
It wasn't long into my first semester of the Neurotoxicology PhD program that I realized I wasn't where I was meant to be. Working in a rat lab (with a major rodent-phobia), conducting experiments on the daily, and writing research papers just didn't have my heart.
Growing up, I had always dreamt of a career in the arts but never thought it would be the fiscally responsible choice. Until I had the epiphany that this world needs happy artists way more than it needs sad researchers.
So I dropped out of the PhD program and started my journey with photography.
Then I honored my authentic self and chased down a dream.
Or should I say - the dream chased me?
I inherited my first professional camera through a family friend who had tragically and suddenly passed. Not long after that my brother was getting married. One thing led to another and I photographed my first wedding four months after learning to shoot on manual mode.
It was like a spark was ignited within me and ever since then photography has become the greatest source of joy in my life, after my children and dog.
To me, it's more than just taking a snapshot on a really great camera. It's learning the ins and outs of the tools of the trade. It's posing and lighting and composition. It's having a deep understanding and empathy for the people in front of the lens. And it's the un-ending pursuit of creating that next perfect image.
Enneagram 2 & 4, INFP, life path 6, Aquarius sun, Pisces rising. The artsy girl-next-door who lives life with a bit of mystery and that "je ne sais quois."
The beauty of a photograph is when the skill of the photographer intersects with the humanity of a moment.
MY REALLY OFFICIAL BIO, the TL:DR VERSION
Steph is the girl-next-door with refined taste and acute attention to detail. She has a love for people, art, and pondering the depths of life. She isn't a fan of small talk (but is capable of it when necessary). And she has a special fondness for peeling back the layers of those she meets, getting to know what lies beneath the surface.
SUPER FUN
FACTS
NOW FOR THE IMPORTANT STUFF
I love to travel. Hopping on a plane and jetting off to new locations gives me life.
I grew up as a cat person but became a dog person as an adult. *shrug*
I say my favorite show is Schitt's Creek, but it's actually Rewired. #nerd
I still get nervous before every wedding or session. I always strive to give it my all.
Your at-a-glance guide to where I stand on all the truly important things.
THE QUIZ
Favorite SONG
Never My Love, by The Association
celeb i'd love to meet
Annie Liebovitz
Guilty pleasure
Warm Chocolate Chip Cookies
alternate universe job:
Interior Designer ... mood boards for life!
favorite place i've been:
Paris, cause I'm a romantic at heart
drink of choice
Iced shaken espresso, or English breakast tea latte
can't live without
Makeup and coffee
Favorite Composer
Hans Zimmer
beach vs mountains
The sound of ocean waves soothes my soul
Superpower
Seeing the real you
Get On the List
Your engagement session is the first step in telling your love story, so I've put together this mini-guide to help you prep for your session. By signing up, you'll also receive wedding planning tips and advice straight to your inbox every week.
Don't worry, I'll only send the good stuff.
