My Things.

A little bit about the things I use and/ or see everyday.

Camera: my newest/old film camera. I also have a Minolta that I have worked with way more. The camera strap is my favourite. I purchased it in Seal Beach, CA at a vintage shop.

Specs: Salt Optics are by far the best. I've been big on Ray Bans in the past but nothing competes with Salt [& they're handcrafted in my home state]. I sport the Yates.

Watch: This is definitely my go to watch. I have way too many watches for my own good...Vestal & Nixon are my favourite watches to wear. My brown wood Nixon Chalet was a gift to from my awesome coworker at Hurley, professional surfer Jodi Nelson. She's rad.

Create Mug: I have no idea where this was purchased...all I know is it was a thank you gift for shooting my friend from Hurley's mothers bday. Thanks Ri! I have used this every single day from the past 4 years.

iPhone4: this helps me run my business, stay connected & take amazing photos wherever I am in the world. Follow me on instagram.

Brown Leather Journal: I always have one of these by my side for thoughts or random doodles and ideas. This one is a brand new one that I just bought from Barnes & Noble...going to start a page a day with bullet points of major things that happened on that day.

1959 Bolex Paillard 8mm Movie Camera: This bad boy showed up on my doorstep from a childhood friend who used it as a paperweight. He thought I could get better use out of it. I am taking it to the local camera shop and am planning on using it for my roadtrip to South Carolina this summer. Thanks Kevin!!

Keep It Simple bracelet: Handcrafted by my talented friend at The Lazy Leatherworker. "Keep It Simple" is one of my favourite phrases...first heard it in Vermont. I bought a sticker for my guitar case while traveling there in the Fall of 2006. It's Vermont's state motto and a great reminder to me that less is more.

The paintbrush is...just a paintbrush without a story, but it is used to created my art and I love it.

Thistle Farms. Ghana. Nashville. Stories.

Hi friends! This post is about a life changing organization I got to work with while I was in Nashville, TN called Thistle Farms. Thistle Farms is a social enterprise of Magdalene, which is a residential program for women who have survived lives of prostitution, trafficking, addiction and life on the streets. You know sometimes you just have those experiences that totally catch you off guard and you feel like you are right where you are supposed to be...well, that sums up my day spent with the women at Thistle Farms. Keep in mind, most of the time when I travel I go solo...just me and my camera. I like to get lost and meet people. So I made my way to their manufacturing facility in Nashville and had no idea what I was in for...but I was so excited to document the stories of these women and learn about the products that they've created [image on the left is a shot I took of a product I watched them create and package while I was there.] I was greeted right a way with a huge hug and "are you steph...the photographer?! I got my hair done for today!" And just like that I was in....lost in this amazing adventure. If you know me well...I don't cry very often. Let's just say I cried like a baby while sitting down with 2 of these women and hearing their stories. We cried together and hugged each other. Life is about connection. I had a "ah ha!" moment while sitting on that couch....I never EVER would've been sitting there listening to these amazing women tell me what they've been through and how proud they are of what they make if I had been sitting in a cubicle. It was a friday at 2pm...I am so happy I was far from what used to be comfortable and familiar. I am in the unknown everyday and it keeps me on my toes. Can't wait to share more about my entire Nashville trip soon! I left that day with a bag full of wonderful products, candles, a handmade journal, a happy heart and a bracelet I wear everyday that was made by women in Ghana. What an amazing creative trip. Follow Thistle Farms on Twitter. 
Currently listening to: 38 Special- Second Chance.

Bored With Life?

"Are you bored with life? Then throw yourself into some work you believe in with all your heart, live for it, die for it, and you will find happiness that you had thought could never be yours." - Dale Carnegie

Wow, does this quote sum up my life or what?! For those of you who know me well or have been following my story you will understand that. Here's the thing...I have so many things running through my brain right now but I will try to keep this blog short and sweet. 2 years ago I quit my job as Social Network Evangelist for one of the biggest surf companies in the industry. Hurley is an amazing company to work for and I spent almost 3 years working at their headquarters in Orange County, CA. Before that I worked in Human Resources at a hospital in CA....cubicles, business suits & heels...climbing the corporate ladder towards VP of HR. I had no idea what I wanted in life...I worked hard and made a good name for myself within the healthcare system but there was absolutely no passion in what I was doing. When I got offered the job at Hurley I quit in a second...this job was fun, I could skateboard around the office and I worked with amazing athletes, bands and celebrities. Just like at the hospital, I worked hard...I moved up in the company but something was missing. That feeling in my bone marrow that there is something MORE....hmmm something more rewarding. I needed to do something that made a difference, that was fueled by the passion and drive in my heart. I wanted to make my own schedule and have more time to volunteer. Out of the blue...I handed in my letter of resignation at Hurley and shocked a few people. One of those people being myself haha. I got a lot of "who quits a dream job like working with Hurley, Nike and Converse?! Who gives up that paycheck and the perks of working in that industry and not have something lined up?" I had no idea what I was going to do besides move somewhere random and make money [hopefully] but taking photos, making art, music, designing ANYTHING that utilized my talents. It was a test....I wanted to see if i could "make it"....if I could survive doing things that I love.

Here I am today in Dallas, TX... 2 years later and I just got off a conference call w/ my business partner [yes, I own a business now! and the story of how our worlds collided is so incredible] and an executive for an organization that wants to hire us to shoot their conference. Let me just say....to answer that question from earlier....A crazy person. A crazy person quits a 'dream' job. I had to chase my dream...and my dream at that time was to travel, take photos, meet new people and hear their stories. That is EXACTLY what I am doing....it IS worth it...if you feel stale on the insides, if you want something more in your career...take a risk. It's the risk takers that make a big impact and it is so much more rewarding when you have taken that leap into the unknown and make something of yourself from absolutely nothing. Last weekend we shot a 3,000 person event for a large organization [Womens Food Service Forum] and met a ton of amazing leaders in that community. Listening to Presidents and CEOs of companies like Starbucks and Cinnabon speak about social media strategies...wow, right up my alley! Such an inspiring event and I am so happy that I have connected with such wonderful individuals and that I get to work with them in the future. As of a couple hours ago we just booked another event with Summer Brand Camp in Dallas, TX. So I encourage you....if you hate your job, change it....do something you love and tell your story. Tell it to everyone:) Big things are happening....I knew 2012 was going to be a good year. So blessed. Hugs!!

Life Lesson #149.

“There comes a time in your journey when you start making choices from a very different place. And if a choice lines up so that it supports truth, health, happiness, wisdom and love, it’s the right choice." -Angeles Arrien

Can I just say that I am so inspired and thrilled about the future of my career. So many amazing things have happened over the past couple of weeks that are confirmation to me that I am in the right place and have made good decisions to further my business. I needed to hear this quote....it reminded me to stay focused on things that are going to last. I am making a lot of important life decisions and I am realizing more and more how crucial it is to invest my time & energy into things that are inspiring, positive and healthy. 

Here is a little glimpse into some future blogs:

1. My last minute creative trip to Nashville.

2. Details on shooting for the WFF Conference 2012 at the Sheraton in Dallas, TX.

3. New love ballad YouTube Vids. Follow my channel HERE.

4. My fave work spots in Dallas.

Joseph + Breianne | Huntington Beach, CA.

Sometimes I have ridiculously adorable clients who are so in love & big on romance. The love these two have for each other is inspiring. View more HERE. Very happy to have known Bri since she was 7. I'm old.

My Studio | Dallas, TX.

So this is where the magic happens...my partner and I own a wedding studio in Dallas, TX called TreeHouse Wedding Studio. Our website is currently being built but you can check it out at www.treehouseweddingstudio.com ...view more picture of the studio on our facebook page HERE. If you know someone getting married we would love to send them our engagement/wedding packages. 

AJ + Tiff | Irvine, CA.

You know it was a fun session when you find leaves in your beanie days after. Loved meeting AJ and his mom♥ Here are a few.


To view more from AJ and Tiff's session click HERE.

Formula 3 Group | Huntington Beach, CA

To view more from the Formula 3 session click HERE.

Meet the brains behind F3G...Andrew and Russ. I have been lucky enough to work with them over the years with Hurley International. F3G is an agency that specializes in digital marketing and e-Commerce. Check out their work at www.formula3group.com

The Kents | Irvine, CA.

One of my all time favourite families. I ♥ every single member of the Kent/Spathes clan. So much love in this family...documenting it is the best.

To view more of The Kents click HERE.

Russ + Logan | Huntington Beach, CA.

My favourite father/son duo. So slick. Russ is one of my very best friends and my mentor. We worked together at Hurley & have traveled to NYC together. Logan and I have been calling each other "kemosabe" since he was 5. I ♥ them.

To see more of Russ and Logan click HERE

Hartleigh | Huntington Beach, CA.

Over the years I have met so many sweet families who I remain close with to this day. Most of my work is through referrals. This is Harleigh...I got to take pictures of her and her mom and dad on my last trip to Orange County. Check out more families HERE. To book a family session please email me at AskSteph@ImSteph.com

Dane + Rachelle | Dallas, TX.

To see more photos of Dane click HERE

Seriously this kid was a character and we all had so much fun hanging out in Dallas. He can even speak robot better than me! I get to meet some really amazing people that's for sure and this guy had style for miles.

Ash + Tiff | Fort Worth, TX.

SEE MORE HERE.

I had the pleasure of taking these 2 lovely humans on a photo adventure for Vday. One of my favourite sessions so far. They are my very best friends and roommates. I ♥ them large amounts.

Ali + Chelsea | Deep Ellum, TX.

Started out w/ french toast & bourbon pecan coffee at Cafe Brazil...then went exploring in Deep Ellum. Lots of hugs and laughs to stay warm♥ To see more from Ali + Chelsea's Valentines Day session click HERE.

remember that one time i...

went to NYC in January 2011 but got stranded in a snow storm in Chicago and knew absolutely no one there and had to stay overnight? I made this video of my trip and the fun people I met along the way. [fun fact: i ended up sleeping in a rad loft overlooking Chicago and that silver egg thing in Millennium Park.]

my new business...yep, I own a business!

Ladies & Gents please click HERE to visit & hopefully "like" TreeHouse Weddings. We like to take pictures of people in love.

Annnnddd....click HERE to see our most recent wedding in Orange County, CA. XoXo

a roadtrip to Cross Plains, TX.

To check out some truckstops & shoot a lovely wedding in a Baptist church. Click HERE to see more...

SALE on SENIOR PORTRAITS:)

Are you graduating from High School or College? Are you getting married? I would love to meet you and take your photographs. Are you tired of cheesy poses? Looking for someone unique who will work with you and capture your personality? Then choose me STEPH. I will be in Orange County, CA for senior portraits May 17-21 and June 24-28, 2011 I travel anywhere year round and home base is in Dallas, TX!

Visit my facebook page for more fun facts and pictures http://www.facebook.com/imstephdotcom or http://www.facebook.com/imstephdotcom

My photos featured on Dallas Wedding Planner!

it's been 7 months since I packed up my life & my dog and moved from Orange County to Dallas, TX. I wanted to show you something I am pretty excited about. Over Thanksgiving weekend I was asked to photograph a 4 day Pakistani wedding celebration here in Dallas. Some of my photos from this wedding were featured on the biggest Dallas wedding blog today....take a look and please leave a comment on the blog or on their Facebook page if you feel like it. If you know of anyone getting married I would love to take their pictures (even outside of Texas). You can view more of my portfolio HERE

View featured blog-Dallas Wedding Planner Blog

View more images from Rasul/Husain wedding- Steph's Facebook


<3 you all! Thanks for the continued love & support on my crazy adventures.
Steph

** A big thank you to the photographers who worked with me that weekend Jadrien Esquivel & Jill Broussard. Couldn't have done it without them**

Getting married? Look here.

VIEW MORE HERE

TO BOOK AN ENGAGEMENT OR WEDDING SESSION PLEASE EMAIL ME AT ASKSTEPH@IMSTEPH.COM

In the photos: Bri & Ronnie/Arica & Nate.