Empowerment, Images, personal brand photography, Personal Branding, portrait, studio

The Beauty of Being Present

How a Heart and Soul Photo Session Can Reignite Self-Love

The holiday season often comes with a whirlwind of activities, from decorating to gift-giving and everything in between. But amidst all the hustle, it’s easy to lose sight of what matters most—you. This year, consider giving yourself a gift that will last beyond the holidays: the chance to reconnect with your authentic self. A Heart and Soul photo session offers more than just stunning images—it’s a journey of self-discovery and celebration.

What Makes Heart and Soul Photo Sessions Unique?

The Heart and Soul experience isn’t about capturing perfect poses or magazine-style glamour. Instead, it’s a deeply personal process designed to reflect your true essence. Every step—from our first coffee chat to the final photo reveal—is tailored to help you see yourself in a new, empowering light.

Why the Holidays Are the Perfect Time for This Experience

The holiday season is a time of reflection, making it the ideal moment to turn inward and reconnect with yourself. A Heart and Soul session allows you to:

Embrace the present: In a world that often demands perfection, this experience celebrates who you are right now.
Celebrate your story: Whether you’ve overcome challenges or are stepping into a new chapter, these sessions honor your unique journey.
Rediscover self-love: Many women find that seeing themselves through the lens of these portraits is a profound reminder of their inner strength and beauty.

Make This Season About You

This holiday season, give yourself the gift of being truly present. Let’s create images that go beyond just photos—they’ll be heartfelt reminders of your strength, your beauty, and the unique woman you are. In a world that’s constantly pulling us in every direction, a Heart and Soul session is your chance to pause, breathe, and reconnect with the incredible beauty that’s always been within you.

The Transformative Power of Photography

Photography isn’t just about capturing moments—it’s a way to truly see yourself. Heart and Soul sessions are designed to help you reconnect with the woman you are, not in fragments, but as a whole, beautiful person. It’s about finding those pieces of yourself you may have forgotten and celebrating the incredible person you’ve always been.

This holiday season, take a moment to rediscover your inner light. Through my lens, you’ll see your strength, your beauty, and your essence shine in every image. Let’s take this journey together—a journey where you’ll be reminded of the amazing woman you are.

Book your Heart and Soul session today and give yourself the most meaningful gift: a chance to pause, reconnect, and shine.
Click here to explore the experience and reserve your spot.

Let’s create something extraordinary together. These aren’t just photos—they’re a celebration of you, a reflection of your resilience, and a reminder of your beauty, inside and out. Because you deserve to see yourself fully, vibrantly, and truly.

This holiday season, let’s let your heart and soul take the spotlight. Together, we’ll create magic.

Capturing Zofia

A Portrait Session Full of Laughter, Joy, and Big Dreams

One of the best parts of being a photographer is meeting incredible kids like Zofia. At just 9 years old, she’s already bursting with personality, kindness, and dreams as big as the world itself. We recently spent an afternoon at the beautiful Pope Farm Conservancy (her mom’s favorite place!) for her portrait session, and it was pure magic capturing her energy and spirit against such a stunning backdrop.

Get to Know Zofia

Zofia’s mom describes her as funny, kind, and loving, and I can say without a doubt she’s all of that and more. She loves tap dancing, skiing, swimming, and cooking, and her face absolutely lights up when she talks about her dog, Rosie. What stood out most during our time together was her confidence and sense of humor—she had me laughing the entire session!

And like so many kids her age, she’s already dreaming big for the future. Zofia plans to be a famous chef one day, inspired by her favorite chef, Gordon Ramsay. (She might even teach him a thing or two about kindness!)

Why Documenting Your Child’s Life Matters

Childhood goes by so quickly. One day, your child is tap dancing in the kitchen and dreaming of becoming a chef, and the next, they’re pursuing those dreams in ways you couldn’t have imagined. Photographs become a way to preserve not just how they looked, but who they were—their quirks, passions, and personality.

A Picture-Perfect Afternoon at Pope Farm Conservancy

Pope Farm Conservancy was the ideal setting for Zofia’s portrait session. Its wide-open fields, golden sunlight, and natural beauty complemented her vibrant personality perfectly. This is her mom, Joanna’s favorite place to find peace and serenity. So, it was so fun to share this space with her for the afternoon. Zofia brought a sense of joy and authenticity to every frame.

Make Time For Family Photos

Zofia’s session is a reminder of how important it is to take the time to photograph your children. Life moves so quickly, and these years—when their imaginations are limitless, and their personalities are shining—are worth preserving. Whether it’s for a milestone, a special occasion, or simply to celebrate who they are right now, professional portraits can capture the beauty and joy of these fleeting moments.

Embrace The Moment

If you’ve been thinking about a portrait session for your child, I’d love to help you capture the laughter, love, and light that make them who they are. Let’s document these incredible moments together before they slip away.

Seeing Yourself Through a New Lens

How a Portrait Session Can Transform Your View of Yourself

One of the hardest things I’ve had to learn is how to quiet that inner critic—that voice that always seems to find flaws or imperfections. For many of us, especially as we get older, that voice feels so familiar that we don’t even realize it’s there, let alone that we have the choice to believe it or not. But here’s what I’ve come to realize: when we start embracing who we are instead of critiquing ourselves, a deeper kind of self-love begins to emerge.

How A Portrait Session Can Support a Journey of Self-Love

It’s not an exaggeration to say that portrait photography can be transformative. I’ve seen women who came in feeling unsure and left feeling empowered, more connected to their own beauty and worth. Through the lens, I strive to show each of my clients what I see: a strong, beautiful, and resilient woman who deserves to be celebrated.

In each session, I hope to create a supportive environment where you can let down your guard, step away from self-criticism, and embrace your true self. My goal is for you to walk away with more than just photos—you’ll have memories of a joyful, empowering experience that reminds you of your unique value.

I know this isn’t an easy journey, and it takes time. But it’s one I bring with me into every photography session. When women come into my studio, I see so much beauty, strength, and resilience—qualities that, all too often, they don’t see in themselves. I want my photography to help shift that perspective, to serve as a small step toward seeing and loving yourself just as you are.

See Yourself in a New light

Some of my favorite moments in portrait sessions happen when clients let go of their inner critic, even for just a few minutes, and see themselves as they truly are. One client, after viewing her portraits, told me, “I felt like I was seeing myself for the first time in years—beautiful, confident, and enough.”

When you step into my studio, it’s not just about capturing beautiful images—it’s about creating an experience that helps you let go of self-criticism and see yourself with fresh, compassionate eyes. During the session, I encourage my clients to relax, to laugh, and to embrace the moment.

Tips for Overcoming Self-Criticism and Embracing Self-Love in Front of the Camera

If self-judgment has been holding you back from doing a portrait session or even fully embracing yourself, here are some tips that I hope can help:

Focus on the Experience, Not Perfection
It’s easy to get caught up in trying to perfect every little detail—how you look, what you wear, even how you smile. But my sessions are about capturing you, not some idealized version. Letting go of that need for perfection not only during the session, but all aspects of life allows you to focus on being present and truly being ourselves.
Remember Your Why
Think about what brought you to this moment. Are you celebrating a milestone? Reclaiming your confidence? Connecting with your authentic self? When we focus on the “why,” it’s easier to let go of the “what ifs” and just be present.
Trust the Process
It’s natural to feel a little self-conscious at first, but trust me—I’m here to guide you and create an atmosphere where you feel supported and seen. With gentle direction and an understanding approach, I’ll help you relax so that your natural beauty can shine through.
Embrace Your Unique Beauty
Every woman’s beauty is unique, and it’s the little quirks and nuances that make each of us unforgettable. Rather than focusing on things you’d like to change, think of your portrait session as an opportunity to celebrate everything that makes you you.
Allow Yourself to Be Seen
So many women feel unseen and unheard, especially as they get older. A portrait session can be a powerful act of self-acceptance. Allowing yourself to be seen, exactly as you are, can open the door to a new perspective on self-love and confidence.

Are You Ready?

If you’re ready to quiet that inner critic and see yourself through a lens of compassion, I would be honored to help you take that step. Together, let’s capture the beauty, confidence, and strength that make you who you are.

Celebrating Creativity and Authenticity in Senior Portraits

A Senior Portrait Session Full of Joy, Creativity, and Big Dreams

I recently had the pleasure of capturing senior portraits for an incredible young woman whose joyful spirit and passion for life made this session unforgettable. She has a deep appreciation for people, family, and her faith. Coming from a large family of four brothers and three sisters, she’s developed a love for connecting with others and believes that everyone has a unique story worth sharing. Her positivity and warmth shone through in every shot, and she has an amazing gift for making others smile.

Celebrating Creativity and Authenticity in Senior Portraits

From sketching and painting to singing and dancing, she embraces creativity in all its forms, and that playful, imaginative side was a delight to capture. One of her favorite things to do is cartwheeling in the rain—a detail that perfectly sums up her lighthearted, adventurous spirit. I wanted her senior portraits to reflect not just her personality but also her zest for life and love for connecting with others. Her joyful energy brought something truly special to this session, and it was a reminder of why I love senior photography: capturing the unique personalities, interests, and dreams of each individual.

Looking to the Future: Dreaming Big and Making an Impact

This senior session was also a celebration of her dreams for the future. She has big aspirations and sees herself making an impact in one of two exciting ways: she envisions herself either as an actress bringing authentic stories to the screen or as a permaculture farmer, growing fresh, sustainable produce and helping to address food insecurity. Her vision for making a positive impact and her passion for the world around her added a beautiful depth to our time together.

Why Senior Portraits Are About More Than Just Photos

Senior portraits are more than just a photo session—they’re about celebrating who you are at this moment and everything you dream of becoming. My goal as a photographer is to capture each individual’s unique personality, passions, and values. For her, that meant honoring her love for life, creativity, and her hope to inspire others. It’s an experience designed to create memories that reflect who you are now, right before you step into the next big chapter.

Tips For A Meaningful Senior Portrait Session

Choose Outfits that Look Good and Feel Good. Your outfits should make you feel confident and comfortable. Whether it’s your favorite jeans, a formal dress, or something that shows off your favorite hobby.
Consider Locations. Think about places that hold meaning for you—like a favorite park, a downtown area you love, or a beautiful outdoor setting. We can plan multiple spots to capture different sides of who you are.
Have fun! Jump, laugh, spin, or do a cartwheel if it feels like you! These spontaneous moments bring a lot of life to your portraits, making the session feel more like a fun day than a photoshoot.
Trust the Process. The best photos happen when you’re relaxed and having fun. Let go of any stress, and trust that together we’ll create photos that capture your true spirit.

Your Story.

If you’re ready to capture your own story in a way that feels true to you, I’d love to work together. Senior portraits should celebrate your journey, dreams, and everything that makes you uniquely you.

Capturing Authenticity in Photography: Lessons from “Harper and Will”

In a world saturated with filters and posed perfection, capturing authenticity in photography remains a powerful art. It’s about telling stories that resonate, evoke emotions, and connect people. One of the most inspiring examples of this is the film “Harper and Will.” This movie beautifully captures the essence of rediscovering oneself and connecting with others on a profound level. Below are some tips to help you capture authenticity in your photography, taking inspiration from the heartfelt story of Harper and Will.

Creating Connection Through Photography

Just as Harper and Will find strength in their vulnerability, showing genuine emotion in your photography involves trusting the process and being open to capturing those unscripted moments. Here’s how to do it:

Engage with Your Subjects: Before picking up your camera, spend time talking with your subjects. Understand their stories, what makes them laugh, and what brings them joy or comfort.
Capture Candid Moments: Instead of staged poses, look for moments of genuine interaction. Like Harper and Will’s spontaneous adventures, the real magic happens when people forget the camera’s presence.

Be Vulnerable

Don’t be afraid to show vulnerability in your photographs. Vulnerability is powerful and can make your images resonate deeply with others. Remember, we are multifacted human beings- and we all want to connect on deeper levels!

Capture imperfections: Just as Will and Harper’s imperfections made them relatable, capturing imperfections in your photos can add depth and authenticity.
Express emotions: When you photograph yourself, allow your emotions to come through. Whether it’s joy, sadness, or contemplation, these emotions can tell a compelling story.

Use Natural Light

Natural light is your best friend when it comes to capturing authentic images. It can enhance the natural beauty of you or your subjects and create a warm, inviting atmosphere.

Golden hour magic: Photograph during the golden hour (just after sunrise or before sunset) for soft, flattering light that adds a touch of magic to your images. You can also use this time of day to create mood, character and emotion.
Find the right angles: Position your subject so that natural light highlights their features without casting harsh shadows. Experiment with angles to find the most flattering light.

Tell Your Story

Every photograph should tell a part of your story. Whether it’s a self-portrait or a candid shot of your loved ones, aim to convey a narrative that reflects your experiences and connections.

Choose meaningful locations: Just as the backdrop in “Harper and Will” played a role in their journeys, select locations that hold significance in your life.
Incorporate elements: Use props or elements that represent your interests or passions to add layers to your story.

Ready to Capture Your Story?

Are you ready to tell your story through captivating, authentic images? Whether you’re capturing life’s big milestones or the everyday beauty around you, these tips can help you create imagery that is both meaningful and memorable.

If you’re looking to take your photography to the next level, consider working with a professional photographer who understands the art of storytelling through images. I’m passionate about helping individuals and families capture their unique stories with authenticity and connection.

Book A Call with me to learn more about my services and start your photography journey today!

Empowering Portrait Session with Ms. Wheelchair Wisconsin 2023

An Empowering Portrait Session with Annie

Recently, I had the joy of photographing Annie, the inspiring Ms. Wheelchair Wisconsin 2023 and national third-place finisher. Annie’s mission is all about advancing accessibility, inclusion, and awareness around disability and caregiving, and she’s impacted countless lives by speaking at over 52 events this year alone.

Building a Brand and a Legacy

During our session, Annie’s dedication to her platform, “Caring Is Caregiving,” was so clear. She’s using these headshots to grow her speaking business, Annie Speaks LLC, and her design brand, Annie Designs LLC, where she brings her creativity and vision to her clients. Her advocacy is close to my heart, too, as a caregiver myself for my son, Drew, who has cerebral palsy. We ended up chatting about the joys and struggles of caregiving, and I was deeply moved by her commitment to helping others feel seen and supported.

Fostering Community and Connection

Annie’s story reminds us that personal branding goes beyond self-promotion—it’s about creating genuine connections. Her work with nonprofits and her advocacy have created a community of support and inspiration. Whether through her speeches, her design work, or the images we captured, Annie is showing others how to embrace their story with purpose and courage.

You can follow Annie on Instagram here.

The Journey Towards Empowerment

For Annie, personal branding is about more than just self-expression; it’s about empowerment and authenticity. Her work as an advocate, designer, and speaker showcases the incredible potential of personal branding to create positive change.

By sharing her story and values, Annie has inspired others to pursue their passions and make a difference. Her headshots have become a powerful tool in her mission, capturing her essence and amplifying her message.

Fostering Community and Connection Through Personal Branding

Personal branding isn’t just about self-promotion; it’s about building a community and connecting with like-minded individuals. Annie’s work with nonprofits and her speaking engagements have created a network of support and encouragement.

For women, personal branding can be a powerful tool to foster connections. It allows you to share your experiences, wisdom, and passions with others who may be on similar journeys. Whether through social media, community events, or professional networks, your personal brand can be a bridge to meaningful relationships.

Practical Tips for Building Your Own Personal Brand

Define Your Values: Identify the core values that guide your life and work. These will become the foundation of your personal brand.
Craft Your Narrative: Share your story in an engaging and relatable way. Highlight your achievements, challenges, and aspirations.
Invest in Quality Headshots: A professional headshot can enhance your credibility and make your brand more memorable.
Engage Your Audience: Use social media, blogs, and speaking opportunities to connect with your audience and build a community.
Stay Authentic: Be true to yourself in all aspects of your personal branding. Authenticity builds trust and loyalty.

Celebrating Stories Like Annie’s

Annie’s story embodies resilience, purpose, and faith—qualities that remind me why I love photographing women who are stepping into new chapters of life. If you’re ready to capture your own story, let’s connect. Whether it’s a personal milestone or a brand story, I’m here to help you shine.

Finding Your Voice Through Video: Faith Dey of LIVE WELL VIDEO

Faith’s Journey to Finding Her Voice

Like so many of us, Faith’s path was filled with moments of doubt and uncertainty. Finding her voice in a world that often feels crowded with stories was no small feat. But she persevered, trusting in her own growth and slowly breaking down the walls of self-doubt. Now, her journey fuels her mission to help others do the same.

When Faith created her business, she set out to build more than a videography business. She built a welcoming space for people to show up as their authentic selves, to share their unique stories with confidence. She believes that each of us deserves to be visible, to feel valued, and to know that our voices matter – especially for women in business who often don’t see themselves represented.

Bringing Women Together to Be Seen and Heard

Faith’s calling goes beyond the work of a typical videographer. As she started filming more clients, she began to notice common thread in her work: “How many women are struggling with this?” she thought. “Every time I film somebody, they say, ‘I don’t like how I am on camera.’” But that inspired her to dig deeper, asking herself, What if we all just got together and supported each other to feel more visible, more comfortable – to truly accept who we are?

And that’s exactly what she’s done. Faith has created a beautiful community through LIVE WELL VIDEO that encourages women to embrace themselves, flaws and all. Her work is about so much more than just video – it’s about sharing honest stories, celebrating the perfectly imperfect, and empowering others to feel at home in their own skin.

Making an Impact: Capturing the Heart of Every Story

Through her work with LIVE WELL VIDEO, Faith has touched the lives of countless women, helping them feel seen and celebrated. Many of her clients describe working with her as a deeply transformative experience. One client shared, “Working with Faith was like finally being able to say what I’d been holding back for so long. She gave me the confidence to be me on camera, to show up as I am.”

Faith’s gentle, empathetic approach allows people to feel comfortable, safe, and loved as she captures their stories. Every video, every session is filled with heart, as Faith strives to bring out each person’s unique spirit, reminding them that they are enough just as they are.

Personal Brand Photography: Capturing the Real You

When Faith came to me for personal brand photography, it was clear that she wanted a photographer who could not only capture her personality but also help her feel completely comfortable in front of the camera. She shared, “Getting my brand photos with Steph was a no-brainer for me. I saw that her work is beautiful, and I also wanted to work with her because of the calming presence that she is. I had avoided getting professional photos done in the past because I felt self-conscious. I knew that Steph would be the perfect person for me because I knew I would be comfortable with her, and I trusted her to create beautiful branding shots that I would be proud to use.”

Ready to Find Your Voice?

Whether you’re an entrepreneur, a creator, or someone simply looking to show up a little more confidently, Faith’s story and her work are beautiful reminders that we all have a voice worth hearing. Reach out to LIVE WELL VIDEO to learn more about her work, or tune into her Visible Women podcast for weekly reminders that being visible is something we can all embrace, one small step at a time.

And if you’re ready to bring your own story to life, consider capturing it through photography as well. Together, video and photography create a rich tapestry of your journey, making it easier for the world to see and celebrate your unique voice.

About Steph Shanks

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