Hi,

I’m a photographer, a mother to two beautiful daughters and co-founder of Teahouse Studio in Berkeley, CA.  I left my full time Account Manager position over a year ago to pursue a career as a professional photographer. This place shows you what I've been doing over the past year ....

I love taking photographs - love the magic of how the smallest moment –something that wasn’t there before – in someone’s face – the light shifting in the trees – is revealed in an instant before me. Through these magical photographs people get to see sides of themselves they hadn’t seen before; facets and parts of my subjects that they might not have been aware of before seeing their photo.  I enjoy portrait sessions; especially with artists and crafters who want to shake things up a bit and really show their talent and work.  Special events and small weddings are places where I thrive;  capturing the tiny details, the way the light shines, the kids running around in the background, the laughter between friends, nothing will be missed.  

I had my first solo show “Freedom & Rest” at Arkay Workshop in San Francisco in April this year.

I offer a variety of services and rates so please don’t hesitate to contact me with your ideas and needs.

~

A few more details about me....

I enjoy a good cup of chai in the morning to start my days.  I have too many bags and shoes than I know what to do with and I am addicted to Instagram and Solitaire on my I pod Touch.  My favorite foods are pizza and yummy salad with walnuts, cranberries and goat cheese.  A good glass of Sauvignon Blanc with a friend is one of the best things ever and if you’re ever at my studio you have to try the warm olive bread sold at the downstairs bakery. 

I like to play with paint, paper, photographs, wasbi sabi tape and glue.  My ideal outfit is usually something I can get paint on.  I have pink bangs and people remember me because of it.  I write on my blog semi-occasionally and it’s been a saving grace through out these past 6+ years.  If you ever read it, you will notice that I’m not big on grammar or caps?!? 

I have been on a journey of mindfulness and awareness and it’s a constant in my life whether I want it to be or not.  I am a middle child but not sure what that really means anymore.  I grew up in Southern Wisconsin and married a Minnesota man who loves his Vikings.  We don’t miss the cold long winters but the family, we do miss.  I prefer the beach and umbrella drinks over pretty much any vacation but would go to NYC in a heartbeat if you asked. 

I tend to lean towards routine but want to live a more fly by the seat of my pants kind of life.  I want to ride in a hot air balloon someday and drive cross country in a VW bus with my family.  I would photograph people and record the stories along the way.  This would later become a book or movie. 

I dream of still becoming a rock star even though I don’t sing or play an instrument.  My hope is one or both of my daughters will be. 

I cry at movies most every time and give me any kind of underdog story and the tears roll and the excitement I feel bursts. 

I was a hockey cheerleader my junior year of high school and yes we skated on the ice and actually did pyramids.  I recently went to my 20 year class reunion and argued politics; something I hate doing, but it was actually fun.  There is something about being around people who knew you when you were 6 and saw you through the rough teenage years and now see you as you are.  It's pretty cool.  

I live on an island and someone recently called it the "isle of style" and I think that's totally true. 

~ Stef