Creating beautiful, one of a kind images is my passion. I am a Wisconsin photographer specializing in portrait and family photography Steph Shanks Photography is a full-service photography studio located in the tiny, picturesque village of North Freedom.
Stephanie specializes in helping create amazing, lasting images that you can cherish for years to come.
Operating as usual
Ukraine Benedit concer starting now! Come listen to Gin, Chocolate and Bottle Rockets!
Come celebrate love, humanity and togetherness tonight! Music starts at 7 pm.
Currently booking 2023 senior portraits! Before the summer gets too busy, make sure you get your soon to be senior's portrait session checked off the list!
June is the perfect time for senior portraits! Call for more information Today!
608-697-1419
Amazing Woman Alert!
Marjorie Cutting is an artist living in Baraboo. You can go check out her studio which is located right next to the Coffee Bean Connection. She writes books, creates comic books, sews, paints, and a million other creative things! The most amazing thing that I took away from Marjorie and her story is that she is absolute badass. She owned her own business in San Diego creating costumes for theatre productions.
Part of what made this so interesting to me is that she owned her own business when women weren’t supposed to. She couldn’t even go to a bank to get financing when she needed it, just because she was a woman. She laid the groundwork for us women to own her own businesses, homes, ect. If you have time to stop in and chat with her- she is seriously inspirational! I am so glad that she came into the studio for the over 40 project!
When was the last time you updated your business headshot? If it's been over two years, it is time! Give yourself a boost of confidence with a heart-felt professional mini headshot session this Wednesday, April 20th.
What's included?
Pro Hair and Makeup Artistry
1 Hour Portrait Session
Multiple Outfit Changes
2 High Res Digital Files
Special Price $390
Why I love photographing women over 40?!
Because...
Confidence can be seen and felt a mile away, and no confidence radiates more strongly than that of a self-assured woman who knows who she is and what she wants in life. We gain that confidence through life experience and getting older, and that self-assurance will make you that much more attractive — and not just in a physical way.
Confidence can be seen and felt a mile away, and no confidence radiates more strongly than that of a self-assured woman who knows who she is and what she wants in life. We gain that confidence through life experience and getting older, and that self-assurance will make you that much more attractive — and not just in a physical way.
Does this speak to you? Are you ready for a heart-felt photography experience? Contact Me Today!
Mini headshot Sessions are a great way to update those team photos, as well as, having a new headshot for individuals!
It's a lot of fun and an important way to unify your business and brand!
What's included:
• Professional Hair and Makeup Artistry or Grooming for Men
• Multiple Wardrobe Changes
• 50 min Portrait Session
• Image Selection right after the photoshoot
• 2 high-res fully edited images delivered digitally
Special Pricing $390
Opening past what we see in our lives to create our heart's desires is not an easy task. What we have in our lives is a direct result of our old manifestations and thought patterns. We become our parents not through our DNA but through our thoughts and desires.
Unconsciously, we create our lives based on the lives we see and feel around us. All of what is right now are things that have been taught to us. The thoughts and ideas of our parents, our family and our friends are what we align our truths with. Choosing to step out of that- to create a new business or new desire takes courage. You will be required to trust, to imagine, and have determination. Imagining yourself with a life that which everything you are passionate about is open and available to you is uncomfortable because we haven’t been taught to do so. This is why coaches and mentors are so important. They are the first steps to living our truest potential because you can see what is available to you through their experiences. This is also why traveling is so important because you get to see and experience a place that you dream about living.
Nothing in your quest in life is too good to be true. Nothing is too wonderful to happen to you. We so often put others first, because it is what we have been taught. You must first give yourself love, attention, and affection. The easiest way to start is by choosing the words you say- to yourself and to others. Finding words that fit the description of the life you want to live is just as important as making sure the electric bill is paid. Open your mind to health, wellness and prosperity and it will happen.
Oh it’s National Hug Your Dog Day?!? I don’t need a holiday to hug my dogs. These little legged pups bring me so much joy! Where ever we go, they put a smile on peoples faces.
Both pups are rescues.
Photo by Shannon Watts Hill
Hair and make up 'Martha Olivares
#nationalhugyourdogday
Portrait Sessions are best shared with loved ones! Hold onto the legacy of your family! This image is such a beautiful representation of 4 generations of strong women. Thank you for spending time with me in my studio!
Love this image of Barb! I was so excited when she contacted me about being part of my over 40 project! She is truly an inspiration to other women because she decided that her old career wasn't working for her anymore, and boldy stepped into a new career. Along with making this decision, she found more confidence! Let's hear it for Barb!
Take some time today to be in receiving mode. We cannot give unless we receive. Go for a hike, ask for guidance, take some deep breaths. Do one thing to remember that you exist and you are vast.
Practice Self Care Wherever You Are!
Take some time throughout the day to reflect on one thing in your life that bring you joy and happiness. It might seem that this small act will not bring you peace, especially with the endless violence we see and hear on the news. But by simply feeling joy in our hearts, we raise the vibration of love and kindness in ourselves and to those around us.
I can’t wait to see some of my lovely Instagram friends in the studio for Mother’s Day photos!
Looking for a Mother’s Day Experience?
This is the perfect way to celebrate your mom!
Your Moms deserve to be pampered, and she deserves beautiful photos that they can cherish forever!
When? April 24th, 2022
Where? Steph Shanks Photography Studio in North Freedom, WI
Who and how are we helping? $100 from each sitting will be sent to Ukrainian refugees
What’s included? Light Hair and makeup for two! 2 fully edited favorite pictures of your choice and more to purchase if you wish!
Who is invited? Moms, grandmas, and children! (Sorry, no dads- you will have to wait until Father's Day!)
Cost? $395 (and remember best of all - $100 of that money goes directly to women and children in need in Ukraine!
Only 3 spots are available!
Are you ready?
Book your session today!
Call 608-697-1419 or email [email protected]
Are you planting the seeds for growth and potential this month? Here are some seeds that I am planting!
1. Mindfulness. I am being mindful of my thoughts and actions- especially when it comes to self-criticism and self-doubt. When I find myself in this space, I will pause and find places of love and gratitude to speak my truth.
2. Releasing. I am releasing old stories and experiences that no longer serve me and replacing them with ideas of wealth, joy, and abundance.
3. Responsibility. I am responsible for my thoughts, actions, and beliefs. I am responsible for the seeds of thought that I sow in my garden 🌻
What are you planting?! :)
Solitude.
Oh gosh! Bonnie and Brian were so much fun to have in the studio! I am loving the teams that have been coming to me for new and updated headshots!
On a side note: Brian is the co-president of sleep in heavenly peace. An organization that builds beds for children who are otherwise sleeping on the floor. If you know of a child in need of a bed in the Portage, Baraboo area or are looking to volunteer- please get ahold of either of these amazing individuals!
Bonnie Dixon and Brian Scheibach - First Weber Realtors
Before I left for sunny California, I was able to photograph Melissa and Charlie Kirk! They are not only a powerhouse couple, but they are a realtor team out of Portage, WI!
We had a lot of fun photographing these two! I wish them all the best in their real estate endeavors!
Rebecca Hamilton Hildebrandt came into the studio for my 40 over 40 project.
She came into the studio absolutely nervous. The first thing she said to me was "I wanted to cancel this so bad, this is completely out of my comfort zone. But, I decided to come anyway." This level of vulnerability and courage is freakin' amazing. I loved getting to know her, I loved photographing her. Everything!
Thank you so much for coming and being brave!! You are stunning!
Hi there!
Thanks for stopping by! I have owned and operated Steph Shanks Photography for over 11 years now! Boy, photography sure has changed since I began! When I started, phone’s had cameras- but images turned out grainy, blurry, ect. Now - you can take amazing pictures on your phones- and everyone has one!!
This has left me in a bit of a pickle with my full time photography career!
While I love to take pictures of families, I realize that the photography business is changing as a whole. No longer do you need a ‘professional’ to take great pictures, although- it is still relevant in a lot of situations.
I am now shifting my focus to teaching classes on photography, including phone photography. Helping businesses increase traffic and awareness through great photography and videography, ect. is also a goal of mine.
Amy Orvis Photography would love to capture your special moments, one photograph at a time......