Lily's Third Birthday | Hickory NC Children Photographer

Happy Third Birthday!
I've photographed this little girl since she was three days old for her newborn session.  I may be a little partial because she is my great niece but these are some of the best children's portraits I've photographed.  I knew I wanted to have her session at my home in Newton, North Carolina.  I also had an idea in mind so I went to Once Upon a Child to find a couple of outfits to fit my vision. Happy Birthday Sweet Girl!

Sweet Baby Madeline Sophia | Hickory Newborn Photographer

There is not anything sweeter than a sweet little newborn baby.  

Meet Baby Madeline Sophia, isn't she beautiful!

Congratulations to her family, she will be well loved!

Thank you for letting have my little part in welcoming her to the world!

Alexis -Class of 2014 | Hickory NC Senior Photographer

Lexi's Senior Session started off in the early morning hours, right after sunrise, in beautiful downtown Hickory, North Carolina.  One thing she wanted to do was have some images with her gorgeous mustang and her Great Dane.  Lexi loves spending time with her Great Dane, Koda, who happened to join Lexi on her senior portrait session.  She also has an artistic side and enjoys drawing and painting & loves to travel.  After graduation she plans to get her doctorate in veterinary medicine.  Lexi made my job easy as you can tell she is simply gorgeous!

Thank you Lexi for choosing me to be your Senior Portrait Photographer!

~Stephanie

Krissy-Class of 2014 Senior Session | Hickory NC Senior Photographer

Krissy was so much fun on her Senior Portrait Session in beautiful Hickory, NC

Krissy plays volleyball and is a kindred spirit of mine and loves photography.  

She wants to study sports photography and photojournalism in college.

And if you are a Junior or Senior, make sure you ask Krissy about her session, then call to book your own.  Krissy can earn money for senior portrait referrals and so can you when you book your own awesome senior session!

Senior ~ Kyle G ~ Bunker Hill High School

Kyle's mom and I grew up together, went to school together, and have remained friends since we were little girls in pigtails.  Our children are the same ages and for a short time went to the same school.  So I've watched Kyle grow up.  I'm thrilled for the opportunity to show you his Senior Portrait Session!

The day started with a surprise from his mom...a ring that belonged to his grandfather.

Kyle is active in and leads The Fellowship of Christian athletes group.  He enjoys spending time with family, swimming, and playing with his two favorite girls (his 150 lb Saint Bernards).  Kyle also like to spend time with his youth group at Emmanuel Baptist Church.

He lettered in three sports his freshman year and was named an Elite Bear athlete both his Sophomore and Junior years.

He Wrestles and throws the shot put and discuss for Track and Field.

Kyle takes pride in giving all the Glory to God in all of his accomplishments both in sports and in academics.

He is the center on the offensive line and defensive back on the defensive line in Football.

Kyle works for Startown Vet and plans to pursue a degree in Veterinary Medicine. He hopes to attend Davidson College or UNC Chapel Hill (big Tarheel Fan here!!)  for his undergraduate studies.

 I love the Black and White of this!

Big thanks to Bunker Hill High School for allowing us to use the facilities.

Love Kyle's Senior Portrait Session?  Contact me for your own custom session.

Make sure to become a Facebook Fan here.

Prom + Mom

As a photographer and a mom, sometimes I tend to neglect photographing my children.  I'm not talking about big moments, iPhone snapshots, I mean portrait sessions for my children.  Sometimes it's because I put it off, sometimes because they are like "oh Mom...really?".  But my oldest son had his Junior Prom this year and I was so excited to set aside time to photograph his portraits.  He attended the prom with his best friend...aren't they beautiful!  Special thanks to her family for use of their lovely property.  

To see more of Alex & Katherina's Prom Session, please visit my Facebook Page here.

WPPI, Discovering Me

This is not easy to write.  I feel like I am exposing myself & putting myself under a microscope.  I am.  I am so that I will hold myself accountable for what I discovered & so that just maybe one other person will benefit.

I have put myself in the position that the more I learn & study the sooner I will evolve-personally and professionally.

Discovery #1:  I have discovered that there are women, dear friends, successful business women, awesome photographers who have fears.  Fears of making the wrong decisions, fears of failing, fears of what others think of them.  I have fear.

I have sat in many, many classes, webinars, read books, blogs, posts, seeking and searching for the clear defined path I should take to be successful in my business.  Everywhere I looked and studied I gained nuggets of knowledge...but no defined answer.

At WPPI, I talked to friends I respect who have known me the last year. They wanted to know if I have figured out what I've been seeking.  "No, not really." Seemed to be what I kept saying.  I love photography.  I love photographing weddings, though I do not want to do it every weekend.  I love photographing newborns, families, seniors.  I love photographing people, but felt like I had to "narrow it down".  After hearing so many professionals say to focus or specialize, I have felt like that is what I was supposed to do.  Someone finally told me that it is ok to not "specialize".  (Thanks Amanda!)

Discovery #2:  I am a Portrait & Wedding Photographer because I love photographing people and I love being part of my clients lives-not just single moments.

On the last full day, I met my friend Jaelene in the lobby of the hotel.  I was heading to a class, then planned to play tourist and see the gorgeous hotels-after class of course.  She said to me "You have attended enough classes, you have enough in your brain, take that badge off and go be a tourist."  She then said something so powerful to me that I will never know how to thank her.  She said "You have everything you need.  You have something very special and don't even know it."  Those who know me know I am never speechless.  I was speechless, but finally found a way to utter the words "What?  What do I have?"

She then gave me the most wonderful gift.  Jaelene told me that I have something inside of me that makes people want to be around me, that I make people happy.  No one in my life has ever told me anything like this.  I am not sure what I said, but my mind was trying to wrap around it, trying to believe it. More was said and I am so thankful for her telling me what others see in me that I could never see in myself.

Discovery #3:  Me.  I love smiling, laughing, having fun.  I love making people happy and I'm good at it!

So I found myself in Las Vegas, at the age of 40.  I am afraid & I can admit that I have fears.  If I can admit them, I can overcome them.  I am thrilled to be a Portrait & Wedding Photographer and do not want to give up parts of my clients lives by "specializing".  I specialize in giving my clients a happy, fun, photography experience with some great images, products,  & memories of not only the photos but of the time we spend creating them.

Love & Laughter makes the world a better place-wishing you both, Stephanie

PS, I did not go to the last class, I took my friend's advice and played tourist...

paris

venetian

palazzo

bellagio

caesar's palace with my talented, smart, beautiful friends
(Me, Amanda Reed, Martha Dameron, Elise Ellis, Jaelene Bryan, and Danielle Williams)