Like many photographers, Stef had always been the one in her friend group corralling people for group photos and capturing candid memories. But it wasn’t until COVID, parenthood, and a bit of creative restlessness aligned that she bought a camera, started photographing friends and family, and said yes to opportunities she “probably had no business doing at first.” Those yeses snowballed. Before long, she was booked a year in advance—ready to leave her full-time job and make photography her profession.

A Photographer Grounded in Emotional Intelligence

What sets Stef apart isn’t just her eye for beautiful light or movement—it’s the emotional foundation beneath her work. Years in social work honed her skills in empathy, communication, and boundary-setting, all of which she brings to wedding days. “It gave me confidence in reading a room, slowing people down, and making space for real emotion,” she explains. “No one’s going to die on my watch—this is a wedding, and I can bring that calm perspective when it’s needed most.”

Clients often describe Stef’s presence as grounding and her images as deeply reflective of who they truly are. Her goal is never to impose a vision but to amplify whatever is real: a quiet glance, a wind-blown laugh, a hand squeeze that might’ve gone unnoticed. “I want people to feel like themselves in front of the camera—and to see themselves in their photos.”

From Perfect Poses to Imperfect Truths

Stylistically, Stef’s work blends the rawness of documentary with the warmth of lifestyle photography. While she doesn’t shoot film (yet), her editing leans into film-inspired tones—soft greens, gentle highlights, and natural light that speaks to her East Coast environment. “The trend toward imperfection really resonates with me,” she says. “It’s a rebellion against the hyper-curated world. I want my photos to feel alive and honest, not overproduced.”

Her creative influences have shifted over time—from polished, true-to-life imagery to something a little more tactile and human. The goal isn’t technical perfection; it’s emotional clarity.

Fewer Weddings, Deeper Connections

Today, Stef takes on around 13 to 15 weddings per year—down from the 25 she used to shoot during peak season. That change is intentional. “Balance is the goal now,” she explains. “If I’m going to leave my kids on a Saturday, the wedding has to truly excite me. It needs to align with my values and fill my creative cup.”

She’s drawn to couples who prioritize presence over Pinterest boards, and who want their day documented in a way that reflects who they are—not a trend. “I’ve hit a lot of the original goals I set when I started—certain venues, income, number of bookings. Now I’m focusing on the kind of stories I want to tell and the people I want to tell them for.”

That shift toward intentionality is echoed in her growing body of family work, often with past wedding clients who’ve started new chapters. It’s a natural extension of the relationship-driven approach Stef brings to everything she photographs.

A Business Built on Values

Despite describing herself as an “entrepreneurial mind who finds the business side less that glamorous,” Stef thrives in the freedom that photography gives her. “I’m not someone who does well with ceilings,” she laughs. “Being my own boss gives me the flexibility to evolve, to chase inspiration, and to show my kids what it looks like to do something you love.”

And for Stef, doing what she loves means more than pretty pictures. It’s about bearing witness. “Whether it was social work or photography, I’ve always been drawn to being present for the big stuff,” she says. “I don’t take it lightly that people are inviting me into some of the most important days of their lives.”

Website: stefclairephotography.com
Instagram: @stefclairephotography