Stephanie's passion for photography began at an early age, influenced by her mother who had the same passion. 

Her mother, who always documented the family, would later become a very well known professional wedding photographer.  Stephanie spent many years in front of the camera, being a model for her mother as she mastered the art of photography, then later picking up the camera herself. 

 

It was in her sophomore year of high school that Stephanie first picked up a camera, taking a photography class where she  learned the technical aspects of the camera, learning darkroom techniques and the art of portraiture work.  It was there that something 

ignighted in Stephanie, developing her love of photography.  The camera became another way of connecting with people, telling their stories, bringing out the true nature and spirit of the subject matter sitting in front of the lens.  Being a people person, this really resonated with Stephanie.  She understood that the camera was the extension of herself and another way to connect with people and a way to communicate their stories and show what was unique and special about each person, place, etc.

 

Shortly after high school, Stephanie would go on to assist her mother with her photography business, spending weekends helping her photograph weddings.  This was not only a great way to spend quality time together, but great on the job training in photography as well.  

Years later, Stephanie’s husband bought her her first professional camera, encouraging her to further exercise her passion for photography.  Stephanie always took photographs everywhere she went and the camera seemed to be a part of her body!  Her passion for documenting life as it happens, capturing the beauty she sees in everything around her was a drive unlike any other for her.  

 

After recognizing Stephanie’s incredible talents, her mother, husband, family and friends urged her to begin a photography business.  

Several years later, Stephanie formed Stephanie Marie Photography and began her professional photography career and thankfully hasn’t put the camera down since.  

 

“When I take a photograph, it’s important to me that when someone else see’s it, they they feel it.  When I’m photographing any subject matter, I’m deeply connected to it, it’s important to me that the emotion is transferred to the viewer and that my photography evokes an emotional response.  When doing portrait work, it’s extremely important to me that the true essence of the individual shines through. It’s my job to capture the soul in a still photograph.  It’s all about authenticity in a photograph.  The biggest complete I can ever receive is when a client tells me that I captured the true nature of who they are.  When this happens, I know I just created something really special, something deeply intimate and personal.  Photography for me is all about connecting with people, places and what’s going on around me and sharing the beauty and emotion of the moment.”

 

Photography is definitely a family event for Stephanie. Stephanie and her father often spend time together photographing sporting events or trekking through nature to get the perfect shot. Photography runs in the family you could say.

 

Stephanie is known in the industry for her incredible ability to connect with people and bring out the very best when they are in front of her lens.  Her passion for people combined with the art of photography is a match made in heaven. She is known for her vivid use of color and mastery of lighting along with being able to bring ease to the process of having photographs taken.  Her gift for being able to deeply connect with her clients and provide beautiful and meaningful work keeps her clients coming back for more.

Stephanie is also known for her amazing ability to work with children and families. It is not uncommon for her to photograph a young child and their family and continue to document them as they grow up and expand. Stephanie’s clients often become friends and she becomes a trusted photographer for their family.  She has had the pleasure of watching families grow and move through the beautiful changes in their lives, documenting each step along the way.  

“It’s truly an honor to be a part of a family in this way.  To be trusted with capturing such important memories is something I don't take for granted.  I understand first hand the importance of documenting life’s milestones and am always honored to be a part of this process with my clients.”

 

Stephanie is a humanitarian with a deep passion for helping others.  Each year, she makes regular trips to Africa where she partners with a local school and assists children in need who can’t afford to pay for their education.  Stephanie and her husband have been sponsoring a young girl, Anne, since 2011, paying for her school fees so she can continue her education.  Because of their assistance, Anne is due to graduate high school in 2019. 

 

Stephanie’s photography and documentation of her travels to Africa have been an integral and important part of helping share the stories of those in need, raising awareness and raising money to help other children further their education.  

It is her goal to help as many children in need attend school, helping them discover their passions and dreams, helping them become who they want to be in the world. 

 

In addition to work in Africa, Stephanie also donates her time locally as a volunteer tutor for homeless children for a California based non profit.

 

When the camera is not in her hand (which doesn’t happen often), Stephanie is a wife, daughter, friend and auntie. Family, friends and maintaining those connections are very important to her.

 

“My passion for capturing life’s incredible moments began at an early age, first influenced by my mother.  Whether it’s capturing the love between a family, the beauty of nature or riding in a jeep through Africa to document wildlife, my passion and enthusiasm is always the same.  I am truly at home behind the camera, I am at complete peace and at one with life around me with a camera in my hand.  I love sharing that passion with others, sharing the beauty I see in everything.  I love what I do and couldn’t imagine doing anything else.  I was born to be a photographer and serving others with that passion gives deep meaning to my life.”