
MEET YOUR PHOTOGRAPHER
Based in Grand Rapids, MI
I'm Stephanie
I’m a photographer who believes photos should feel like memories, not poses.
I photograph people the way I see them. Soft and strong. A little messy. Deeply human. The kind of moments that make you pause and say, “That feels like us.”
Before photography, I spent years as a licensed social worker working with teens and families. That part of me never left. It shows up in how I create space, how I read a room, and how I help people feel safe enough to be themselves in front of my camera. You don’t need to know how to pose. You don’t need to be “photogenic.” You just need to show up as you are.
My style leans cinematic, emotional, and a bit nostalgic. Think movement, connection, laughter between the quiet moments, and the in between stuff that usually gets missed. I care less about perfection and more about presence.
When I’m not photographing love stories, I’m probably rearranging my house for the hundredth time, drinking coffee that’s gone cold, cheering at a volleyball game, or dreaming up ways to make art feel more like home.
If you want photos that feel honest, grounded, and like something you’ll still recognize yourself in years from now, you’re in the right place.
Your story matters.
Because you are art.

THE STORIES I TELL
Here are what makes my heart happy

Weddings

Seniors & Families

COUPLES

Love notes from the best people.
Stephanie is a gem, and captured our family so perfectly! No matter the chaos or hurdles that can be presented with littles (it felt like we had lots of them😆), she navigates them so wonderfully and the pictures made the experience look like it was flawless! She is amazing at ensuring she gets ALL of the perfect shots, and makes you feel like you’ve been longtime friends! She is such a bright light, do yourself a favor and book your photo needs with her from here on out!
-Angela Browne
Stephanie at empowered photo is such a talented photographer! We hired her to take “redo” bride/groom pictures of us, (the ones from our wedding day felt lacking) & we couldn’t be happier with the outcome. Not only was it fun to put our suit and gown back on, but Stephanie is SO great at what she does. The photos turned out SO nice! She was patient, flexible, encouraging, fun, focused, & accommodating during our shoot. Neither of us felt entirely comfortable as ‘models’, but she did a great job directing us and keeping genuine smiles rolling. I’ll definitely be recommending her to friends and family, and I hope we can use her again in the future! She gave us pictures that we will cherish forever and that’s a priceless gift (but that said, I found her rates very reasonable/appropriate). You won’t regret using Stephanie, highly recommend!
-Traci Knisley




My works have been featured in:





