HOW I FOUND PHOTOGRAPHY
(OR, HOW IT FOUND ME)
I grew up in central Illinois (Chillicothe, and if you’ve heard of it, it's probably because you went to Summercamp).
I grew up in the country surrounded by nothing but open spaces and corn fields. It was heaven and I’m thankful my young self appreciated it then. I have the midwest to thank for the start of my photography. It was quiet, peaceful, and such a bliss. I didn’t have a lot of distractions. It allowed me to see things closer and take them in.
I went to college at Illinois State University. I got my bachelor’s in Biology. I loved every minute of it. I’m still so passionate about science but it doesn’t fulfill me quite as photography has.
When grad school didn’t work out I felt it was for a reason. If it did, who knows where I would be...in a lab somewhere doing research (which still sounds so fun) but it isn’t.
Photography has brought me such an appreciation for human connection.
When I edit, I think to myself “wow, what an honor it is to have been able to hold onto these moments for them”.
I appreciate the mundane. The simple. The everyday. I also find such beauty in chaos. The busy. And the unique. It depends on who I’m working with that determines how I shoot. No couple is the same.
When it comes to my work...I love weird. I love incorporating things into photos that don’t belong. I’m inspired by old playboys, 90’s movies, old ads, and even something as simple as how I cuddle nick at home. Nostalgia is where I resonate the most.
I want my photos to be about the connection, the vibes, and how they make you feel. I love dirty scenes. One bride and groom I dragged into a bathroom stall because the light felt right to me. They got handsy. It was messy. It was their favorite photos from the whole day.
Less is more. I only take on 12 weddings a year. I find value in connecting with my clients and this allows me to do so. My books fill fast. I am not the photographer for everyone but I am the perfect photographer for some. If you’ve made it this far and you feel that connection, inquire. I would absolutely love to chat with you more.
- Steph
I’M ONE HAPPY
MARRIED MAMA
I met my husband in college at Illinois State University. We immediately hit it off from our first conversation together. I feel so incredibly lucky to have found my person so early on in life.
We have an immense amount of memories together already. We’ve traveled the world, experienced our own selves changing and growing, and created our favorite love stories of all, our children.
We have our beautiful daughter, Stevie Bea and our incredible son, Saint August.
We’ve lived in Boulder, Tempe, NYC, and Santa Monica. But we knew Boulder was home. As soon as we had Stevie we packed up our crazy lifestyle and created our homestead back in Colorado.
