Hi, I’m steph.
Just your typical 90s kid who remembers life before the Internet. I played outside until nightfall, scraped up my knees, and watched movies that were above my age rating. Raised on shows like Law & Order, I wanted to be one of those confident, persuasive and well-dressed attorneys I saw on TV. After college, I dedicated the early years of my career to helping clients navigate hardship and injustice. After a few years of working a desk job, however, I developed an insatiable hunger for adventure and self-discovery...
Coney Island, 2019
My story
In 2013, I left my job and moved to Kuala Lumpur to teach English as a second language. I spent school holidays backpacking solo throughout Southeast Asia and making photographs with only my iPhone. Travel photography taught me the art of observation- how to anticipate that serendipitous moment; practicing the patience and perseverance it takes to get “the shot” - an often humbling experience. It also taught me how to photograph ethically, and that everyone you meet has a story to tell. These early lessons laid the foundation for my practice. I returned home from Malaysia and completed a certificate program at the Chicago Photography Academy. Many doors opened as I realized the transformative power of creative community and the freedom of living one’s truth.
For me, photography is the most powerful way to tell a story. In my portraiture work, I love going deeper with my subjects on why we are photographing a particular vision or idea, beyond the latest aesthetics or trends. I strive to create a safe, honest, and loving environment for those I photograph. The end goal is to create positive change and bring more joy and compassion to the human experience.
Phong-Nha - Ke Bang National Park, Vietnam, 2016
who IS she?
A cat mom and wannabe astrologist who enjoys 80s + 90s rom-com and horror films. A summer baby who loves being outside and an unofficial expert at date ideas. I grew up in Bucktown, Chicago and am your go-to for cool photoshoot locations, nostalgic dive bars and underground dance parties. I’ve visited 31 countries and am hoping to make it to 50. I’m a Virgo who plans way too far ahead and never misses a detail. Most importantly, I’m your biggest hype man who wants you to have the best photos possible. Let’s create some amazing work together.
Reviews
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Reviews 〰️
“Stephanie is one of the most talented and inspiring creatives that I’ve had the opportunity to know personally and professionally over the past decade. She’s professional, easy to work with, and makes her subjects feel extremely comfortable. Good Time Creative has been working with Stephanie over the last 4 years in business and we couldn’t think of anyone better to capture the growth of our team from year to year. I cannot recommend Stephanie enough!”
— Marissa Hohner, Founder & CEO at Good Time Creative
“Stephanie and I have known each other since we were in high school and when I was stressing out over who to hire as my wedding photographer, she was the answer to my wishes. I am based in New Orleans so Steph flew in two days before the wedding and hung out with us and our friends and families as much as possible so that by the time the wedding came, she already knew a ton of people and was always confident with her abilities to pose and stage when necessary and to fade into the background to capture the atmosphere. Her photos, both film and digital, are beautiful and perfect and we could not be more in love with the work she created for us on our wedding day. If you are still searching for a knowledgeable but tender documentary film and digital wedding photographer (or photographer of any subject for that matter!), take this as your sign to hire Stephanie.”
— Katie Sikora, Photographer & Journalist at Katie Sikora Photography