EMPOWERED
PHOTO
your story matters,
you are art
Hey there, lovelies!
Welcome to my corner
I'm Stephanie.
Photographer, Therapist, Storyteller, Wife, and Mom.
If there’s one thing I’ve learned from both photography and therapy:
people want to feel safe to be seen.
That’s the heartbeat of Empowered Photo.
I’m a wedding, couples, and storytelling photographer based in West Michigan, serving West Michigan and beyond.
Photography started for me long before it became a business. I’ve always been drawn to people, emotion, and the quiet moments that often go unnoticed. The way your partner reaches for your hand without thinking. The tears your mom tries to hide during a first look. The laughter that happens in between the “perfect” poses.
Those are the moments I care about most because they tell the real story of your life.
Outside of photography, I’m also a licensed master’s level social worker and therapist. That part of my life deeply shapes the way I approach every session and wedding day. I know being in front of a camera can feel vulnerable, awkward, or even intimidating for some people. My goal is never to force you into stiff poses or make you feel like you have to perform. Instead, I create space for you to simply be yourselves. Safe, relaxed, connected, emotional, playful, messy, joyful, all of it.
My photography style blends cinematic storytelling with authentic emotion and timeless imagery. I want your photos to feel like memories, not trends. Images that still feel meaningful decades from now when your kids or grandkids pull them out of an album someday.
When I’m not photographing weddings or editing galleries, you’ll usually find me spending time with my family, cheering on my daughter at volleyball tournaments, rearranging my studio for the hundredth time, drinking coffee, or dreaming up creative concepts at The Story Room, my creative studio space designed for storytelling and connection.
I believe every person has a story worth remembering.
That’s really what Empowered Photo is about. Not perfection. Not performing for Instagram. Just preserving the feeling of this season of your life in a way that feels honest and deeply human.
If you’re looking for a photographer in Michigan who values connection over perfection and wants your photos to actually feel like you, I’d love to tell your story.
I cannot wait to get to know you more.
AS FEATURED IN:
Storyteller Magazine
Unscripted
Photography.her. Magazine
WE ALL HAVE
A STORY
HERE IS MIINE
I care just as much about how your session feels as I do about the final photos themselves. You deserve more than someone who simply shows up with a camera.
You deserve someone who helps you feel seen, comfortable, and fully present in your memories while they’re happening.
Whether I’m photographing your wedding day, a couples session, motherhood, seniors, or branding photos, my approach is rooted in connection and storytelling. I’ll guide you when needed, but I’m also constantly watching for the in-between moments. The genuine laughter, the deep breaths, the tears, the movement, the tiny interactions you may not even realize are happening.
You do not need to know how to pose perfectly to work with me.
Most of my clients say some version of, “We’re awkward in photos,” before their session, and by the end they’re laughing, relaxed, and surprised by how natural the experience felt.
Because of my background as a therapist, I naturally approach sessions through a trauma informed and people centered lens. I understand that everyone carries different experiences, insecurities, comfort levels, and stories. My goal is to create an environment where you feel safe enough to actually be yourselves. That’s where the magic happens.
I’m inspired by emotion, nostalgia, movement, cinema, music, old photographs, and the beauty of ordinary moments. I want your images to feel alive. Not overly posed. Not forced. Just honest, artful, and deeply personal to you.
At the end of the day, this is about more than pretty photos. It’s about preserving your people, your connection, and the feeling of this chapter before it changes.
Photographer. Storyteller. Lover of people.
QUICK FACTS ABOUT ME
Calm enough to feel safe,
messy enough to feel real
I have ADHD, which means I’m equal parts creative tornado and master multitasker.
I’m clumsy ...if there’s something to trip over, I will find it. Don't be alarmed.
I’m obsessed with movies. My husband and I watch everything except horror.
My son fully believes he is Miles Morales...Spider-Man costume and all.
My daughter is a powerhouse volleyball player who keeps me endlessly proud (and caffeinated).
Speaking of caffeine… coffee is basically my emotional support beverage.
We have a cat and a dog, both with main-character energy.
Live music, game night, and cozy nights in are my recharge button.
Psalm 90:17 — my quiet reminder that every bit of this work is holy ground.
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
Had an amazing time shooting with Stephanie! She was really approachable and made the session super comfortable!! The sneak peek photos we got a look at were also really well done. I would definitely use her again in the future for even bigger events!
-Auna Allen
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
I would recommend Stephanie a million times over and over again. She made it so easy for two people that are very camera shy. Nothing was award our session or uncomfortable. Stephanie made it feel like we were long time friends hanging out the entire time which made taking our pictures feel so natural. She executed my Pinterest board perfectly and really brought it to life. My pictures were exactly what I wanted and more. I got some sneak peaks instantly the next morning. I would definitely recommend choosing empowered Photo for your next special moment.
- Tay
