Hey there, lovelies!
Welcome to my corner
I'm Stephanie.
Welcome to my little corner of the internet! I'm Stephanie and I'm the woman behind the camera. My love for photography started when I took a photography class in high school. I've always been that one friend that has to document EVERYTHING. I'm originally from the Metro-Detroit area and now happily reside in Grand Rapids, Michigan. In 2019, I married the man of my prayers after being a single mom for 10 years! We had our son in 2020 and bought our first home that year! I am proud of my little blended family and like to brag about them whenever I get the chance. And if you like tacos, board games, and music then you're in very good company!
I cannot wait to know you more.
AS FEATURED IN:
Storyteller Magazine
Unscripted
Photography.her. Magazine
WE ALL HAVE
A STORY
HERE IS MIINE
Meeting people from all walks of life has always been a value and passion of mine, which is why I decided to pursue my masters degree in social work.
What does social work and photography have to do with anything?
Well I realized several years ago, that combining my love for people and my hobby of photography is the perfect marriage! It is so fulfilling to document and capture life's important moments while building relationships along the way.
Being photographed can be such a vulnerable, but incredibly empowering experience (hence the name)!
With my social work background, I strive to make the photography experience as comfortable as possible using a trauma-informed lens. What does that mean? Safety. It means communicating with you before the session to ensure all of your questions are answered. It means providing a welcoming and safe space to share your story. Lastly, it is practicing consent and asking before making physical contact with a person.
Photographer. Storyteller. Lover of people.
MY LOVE FOR OTHER THINGS
What sets my soul on fire other than photography.
When I am not photographing people, you can find me at Starbucks, spending weekends watching my daughter play travel volleyball, playing cars with my son, or free styling with my husband in the car.
Really though, those who know me know how much I love my family and value my time with them. I also love random adventures, hiking, and trying new restaurants. I love Jesus and my husband and I also lead a youth group at our church every week!
Love notes from the best people.
We absolutely L O V E our photos! Our kids were not cooperating in the beginning, but Stephanie was so patient and kind. She was engaging with the kids and helped us all feel relaxed for our family shoot. She really captured each personality and who we are as a family so well. I am in awe over our gallery! We will definitely be using Empowered Photo again!
- Sarah Effraim
Stephanie was so wonderful and easy to work with! We enjoyed our session (even my husband who doesn’t like pictures lol) and love our photos!! Thank you so much!!
- Brit Hubbel
Stephanie is absolutely incredible. Not only are the pictures phenomenal, but the way she puts everyone at ease to capture their best selves and real life moments is amazing.
-Amanda Vins
We had a Christmas mini session and Stephanie is such a sweet person! Our experience started out amazing! I’ve always had a hard time figuring out what to wear and she came in with the best advice! Which in turn helped to achieve the Pinterest pictures I’ve always wanted! Her photos are exceptional and we will continue to use her in the future❤️ thank you so much!!
-Chelsey Fabiano
