HUMAN BEINGS
ARE ART.*
Yeah. You too.
Cinematic, film-inspired photography for people who want their photos to feel like something, not just look pretty. Grand Rapids Michigan wedding photographer specializing in emotional weddings, couples, seniors, and branding sessions.
MEET YOUR PHOTOGRAPHER
Based in Grand Rapids, MI
I'm Stephanie
YOU DO NOT NEED TO BE
“GOOD AT PHOTOS.”
Seriously.
You don't need to know where to put your hands.
You don't need to practice your smile.
You don't need to magically become less awkward.
That's my job.
I'm a photographer and a therapist, which means I'm probably paying just as much attention to how you feel as I am to the light, composition and everything happening inside my camera.
Because the best photos don't happen when you perform for me.
They happen when you forget I'm taking them.m.
THE EMPOWERED APPROACH*
LESS POSING.
MORE BEING.
I'll give you direction when you need it. I'll fix the weird hand. I'll tell you when the light is insane. I'll probably say something mildly unhinged to make you laugh.
But I'm not here to turn you into someone else for a photograph.
I'm here to notice what's already there.
The weird. The quiet. The loud. The messy. The ridiculously-in-love.
The completely-you.
That's the art.
THE STORIES I TELL
that make my heart happy...
WEDDINGS & ELOPEMENTS
SENIORS & BRANDING
COUPLES
Love notes from the best people.
Working with Stephanie from @empowered_photo for my branding session was such an incredible experience. She made me feel truly seen from the moment we started, which is something that matters so deeply when you’re stepping in front of the camera yourself. Her posing guidance, creativity, and energy are unmatched. She knows exactly how to direct in a way that feels natural and empowering, and it completely transformed how I showed up during the session.
When she sent over my sneak peeks, I literally gasped. I was so surprised by how beautifully she captured me. Not just how I look, but how I feel. I left the entire experience feeling so confident and empowered. These images have already elevated my brand in such a meaningful way, and I’m so grateful for her talent and heart behind what she does. I would recommend Stephanie to absolutely anyone, especially creatives and business owners who want to feel confident, seen, and elevated in their brand.
-Jess Nicole Creative
Words cannot do justice!! I have worked with Stephanie twice now, once for my engagement and once for my dating anniversary (just for fun). Both times she has exceeded my expectations and absolutely blown me away with her talent and ability to capture emotions and stories within her work. She’s truly an amazing artist and I cannot wait to have her capture our wedding!!
-Macy Seeber
Stephanie beyond exceeded my wildest expectations as a photographer for my small, beach wedding. I hired her pretty last minute, and with a little communication before the wedding, she seemed to immediately understand the vibe and type of wedding I wanted. Her photos are magical and have this nostalgic, pure love kind of feel. Stephanie was perfect company to have at my intimate wedding, and did an incredible job at giving my husband and I direction for some more posed photos. She blended right into the background and is very considerate and clearly knows what she is doing. The morning after my wedding Stephanie sent over a huge album of beautiful "sneak peak" photos and they are just to die for. Everyone has been asking who took my pictures and says how dreamy they look. I cannot recommend Stephanie enough!!!
-Sarah Herscher
My works have been featured in:
Emily & Lane's Dreamy Summer Wedding
Metro Detroit, MI
MY INSTA
Frequently asked questions
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