Stephanie Smith Photography

Katelyn | 6 days new {Central KY Newborn Photographer}

2011-10-02T06:01:00.000-04:00

Ms. K simply melted my heart! Weighing in at just under 6 pounds, she reminded me so much of my babies when they were born. As much as I love chubby cheeks and back rolls, I have a soft spot for the teeny tiny ones.

Mia | 9 days new {Chicago Newborn Photographer}

2011-10-01T23:30:00.000-04:00

This precious little miracle has been long awaited, but was worth every second of it. Mia's mommy is a dear friend of mine and I knew the moment that she told me they were expecting I would be making a trip to Chicago.

I only wish that we lived closer so that I could spend more time with this beautiful family, as they mean so much to me.

The J Family | Jefferson County Family Photographer

2011-09-22T00:56:00.000-04:00

Another family that means a lot to me. I love photography and being able to capture amazing moments for people, but it's even more special when it's my own family! My cousin and his family drove down from Indiana to get together for some family photos, and since I normally only get to see them on holidays, this was an extra special treat.

The D Family | Louisville Family Photographer

2011-09-21T21:40:00.000-04:00

Just one of the families from a set a mini's I shot a couple of weeks ago! So beautiful and loving, this family is near and dear to me...as they should be since this gorgeous mommy is my cousin! Ms. Abigail is still a diva, through and through, and I had a blast capturing her at her best. Mr. Blake decided he'd sleep this session out, but we managed a few glimpses from him near the end.

The K Kids | Bardstown Children Photographer

2011-09-17T01:25:00.000-04:00

How cute are these kids? It seems like yesterday I was watching Emily as a tot in daycare,
and now look at the sweet, young lady she is growing up to be! And Jonny...what a heartbreaker.
He is so handsome and inquisitive; he was checking out every inch of the Old Bardstown Village.
These two have such a great love for each other and I had a blast hanging out with them on this hot and humid evening!

The T Family | Nelson County Family Photographer

2011-09-14T23:57:00.000-04:00

Have I mentioned how much I adore this family? Sweet Cara is growing so quickly and her big brother & sister couldn't be happier. I am so glad that the fog died off early this beautiful morning and allowed us to capture these priceless moments.

Corbin | 6 days new {Lawrenceburg Newborn Photographer}

2011-09-13T01:04:00.000-04:00

This little man was a complete dream! He let me pose and manipulate him to my heart's desire and slept so well during his session, only waking long enough to eat. Oh how I didn't want to let him go...

Katharine | Washington County Child Photographer

2011-09-02T00:55:00.000-04:00

This little beauty was so full of energy. She kept her mommy and me hopping...but she was a delight to photograph. I love watching toddlers explore new places and experience new things. It brings such joy to my heart!

Clara | 6 Days New {Springfield Newborn Photographer}

2011-09-01T20:42:00.000-04:00

Sorry I've been neglecting my blog a bit lately...but with school back in full swing I'm staying quite busy. I promise to try harder and keep you all updated here on my latest sessions ;)

Sweet Clara was so tiny and perfect! Can't you tell ;)

Adam turns ONE | Louisville Baby Photographer

2011-08-14T01:18:00.001-04:00

My first newbie has graduated!!! Sweet Adam captured my heart from day one and since his newborn shoot, I've had the pleasure of capturing his six month and, now, one year sessions. Even as a newbie he was all smiles! This little guy is so much fun to be around and it makes me sad that he's growing up...but I look forward to capturing the adorable toddler he becomes ;)

Here are a few favorites from Adam's one year session. I am currently working on another post that will showcase Adam's amazing transformation over the past year...so be on the lookout!

To check out more...visit my Facebook Page!

Cara | 8 days new {Central Kentucky Newborn Photographer}

2011-08-04T23:57:00.000-04:00

This was part two of Cara's newborn session. We did not have much time on day one, so we decided to break her session up into two smaller sessions. I worked out really well and we were even able to capture some sweet shots of Cara's big brother and sister as well! These children are so adorable! I can't wait to do their family session!!!

Mike + Jessica | Bardstown Engagement Photographer

2011-08-03T00:24:00.002-04:00

I had such a wonderful time working with these two lovebirds! I have known Mike for several years now. We met on the fire department and he is also in my hubby's Guard unit. I was delighted to meet Jessica the day of the session.
She's a nurse, so beautiful and funny, and just perfect for Mike.

We took these photos out at Bernheim Forrest, one of my favorite locations. It was HOT and HUMID and down-right MISERABLE...but you would never know it by looking at them. These two were so natural in front of the camera, even though I did have to poke fun at Mike a few times to get some true smiles. Thank you for allowing me to be part of something special!

These were some of my favorites from the session!

Cara | 13 days new {Nelson County Newborn Photographer}

2011-08-01T11:44:00.001-04:00

Can you believe that sweet Cara turned a month old today?

This was an impromptu video shoot for some special photographer friends of mine, and I couldn't think of a better model than this little princess. She did soooo well for me! The headbands are all from Snuggle Bugs Boutique.

New Look, New Feel, New Love

2011-07-31T06:23:00.001-04:00

Can you believe that it's been more than two and a half years since Stephanie Smith Photography was born??? Through these past few years I've gone through several changes, as both a photographer and a person. My skills have improved ten fold and I'm still learning new things everyday. I've photographed everything from children to seniors, baby bellies to families, births to weddings...and I've found my niche!

As if it weren't obvious from the beginning, I love BABIES!!! Always have, Always will. While growing up, I can't begin to tell you how many times I changed my mind about what I wanted to 'be'...but one thing remained the same...I wanted to be a MOM! At sixteen I was fully ready to be a mother. There was nothing more I wanted in the world than to have a child of my own. Thankfully, I was a very smart teen and knew that I was not READY to have my babies yet, no matter how badly I wanted them. So, I waited...sometimes impatiently...until the right moment. I found the love of my life, married him, bought our first home, and then...IT WAS TIME! Our road to parenthood was a bit a rocky at first, but NOTHING could've prepared us for the overwhelming LOVE that we found in our son! After giving birth to my handsome little man, I knew I had found my calling! I was a MOM!!!

Of course, as all parents do, I immediately started taking picture of my little guy. I couldn't stop. I found myself posing him on his boppy, putting him in little baskets around the house, and dressing him in the cutest little outfits...I just couldn't take enough pictures. Every one had a different look and feel, and captured that very moment of his newness; I was so afraid I would miss something!

One night, while posing Hunter in front of our newly decorated Christmas tree, my husband walks in and simply says, "Why aren't you doing THIS for a living?" And so the idea for Stephanie Smith Photography was born! [Thank you, Jerry, for helping me turn my passion into a career!]

In the past two and half years I've gone back to school [I'm finishing up my last semester of nursing this fall!!!], acquired a part-time job, added a beautiful little girl to our family, and built a business where I get paid for doing what I love. It's been crazy, it's been hectic, and it's been stressful...but it's also been rewarding, and amazing, and FUN! Yea, I'm overworked most of the time and I get very little sleep, but the joy I get from capturing memories for people has made all my hard work worthwhile! Every time I gain a new fan or find a sweet comment on my photographs, my face lights up. I've traded the adrenaline rush I used to get as a firefighter [oh yes, this little momma used to be a volunteer firefighter] for a high that nothing can top! That's right...LOVE! Whether it's the love between a couple expecting their first miracle, the love between a couple about to take the plunge into matrimony, or the love of a family that is finally complete...it's a high that I can't get enough of!

Throughout my journey as a photographer I have figured out my strengths and weaknesses, likes and dislikes. Even though I knew early on that I loved newborn portraiture, I wanted to experience everything I could so that I would be able to find my true calling...and I think it's finally safe to say that I've found it!!! And now that I have officially decided to specialize in maternity, birth, & newborn photography...I figured it was time for a little business facelift. I would like to welcome you all to the NEW Stephanie Smith Photography.

Since the conception of Stephanie Smith Photography, I have learned A LOT about running my business, mostly through trial and error. With my new branding and website, I have made changes that will hopefully make my job easier, and help my clients out too! I'm constantly getting emails and messages about my prices and what all I offer. So I have decided to put it all out there! Some photographer's choose not to post their pricing on their websites, but I think it's key to my market and to helping potential clients to understand who I am. Sometimes people are taken aback by my pricing. They think that since I'm a 'new' small business, my prices should be lower than they are. I've had my pricing compared to Walmart's PictureMe Studios before...So I'll let you all in on a little secret...I offer CUSTOM photography!! If you'd like to understand custom photography a little more, please check out THIS article!!!

If you ask me if I ever offered FREE sessions...my answer would be YES! I've shot LOTS of free sessions in the past. During the beginning stages of my business adventure, I offered free sessions to help build my portfolio. I also offered free or discounted sessions because I had a hard time judging the value of my work. I still feel kind of funny collecting money for my work, but I know that I’m worth it. My loyal clients have proven that to me!

So please, take some time and look around my new and improved website, and don't forget to leave some love!!! I LOVE finding comments on my blog posts and on my Facebook wall! It's a serious self-esteem booster!! And don't forget to share me with your friends and family!!!

[and I want to send a special shout-out to Jennifer Terrero Photography and Laura Fifield Photography!!! Without these awesome ladies, I may have given up on my dreams a long time ago!!!]

Cara | 4 days new {Bardstown Newborn Photographer}

2011-07-23T19:35:00.000-04:00

Remember this precious little surprise that couldn't wait until after her mommy's maternity session to arrive? Here she is, and perfect in every way! Even though we did not get to capture her while still in mommy's belly, we have definitely made up for it! Since she came home from the hospital, I have had three separate sessions with her and she's been a dream to work with. This is the first of the three, and included a mini product shoot for Livvy Lou's Boutique as well!

Clinton | preemie sweetness {Bardstown Newborn Photographer}

2011-07-19T01:13:00.000-04:00

This little miracle melted my heart! His mommy and daddy had a difficult road to travel in order to get to this sweet little guy...but he was well worth it! Born at just 32 weeks, Clinton is truly a blessing. He spent four weeks in the NICU and is now home and happy with his older brothers.

I can't tell you enough how much this little guy made me twinge for another baby...sweet Clinton was just over 5 pounds when his mommy brought him in to see me; the same size my miracles were. [oh how I love the little ones]

The adorable bowtie came from Livvy Lou's Boutique.

The L Family | Louisville Family Photographer

2011-07-17T23:14:00.001-04:00

I know I talk an awful lot about my sister and her beautiful little family...but just look at them! How can I not? I ventured out to Washington County to take these gorgeous family portraits and to capture the beauty of the country. If you don't know, we grew up in 'the sticks' and even though we've grown up and moved away...we're never too far from home! We love our roots and are always looking for ways to incorporate them into our lives today.

Carter | 10 days new {Bardstown Newborn Photographer}

2011-07-16T04:26:00.001-04:00

Isn't he amazing!!! This handsome little guy slept so well for me! AND...he didn't mess on any of my blankets; he's the only baby I've had that's NEVER done that! Carter was so sweet, just like his family...even his big brother Romeo got in on some camera action.

Cara's Arrival | Bardstown Birth Photographer

2011-07-15T12:12:00.000-04:00

Cara's mommy and I had been planning her maternity session for months. She knew what she wanted and I was so excited to take pictures of her beautiful belly with her two older children [who are as precious as can be]. But, as fate would have it, our schedules kept conflicting [if you have children, you'll understand] and we had to keep pushing it off.

On Thursday, June 30, I spoke with her about getting these pictures done since she was closing in on her due date...she was nearly 38 weeks! So, after telling me that she was already 2cm dilated the day before and had been having contractions off and on all day, I told her that we needed to do them as soon as possible. She felt confident that she had a few more days, but I convinced her that tomorow should be the day for her maternity session...before it was too late. ;)

The next morning I was awaken by my phone ringing. While I normally don't answer it while I'm in bed, I realized it was Cara's mommy calling. She was a bit panicky, and still in a bit of denial, when she let me know that she MIGHT be in labor. She told me she was waiting for her doctor's office to open so she could be checked first, which wasn't for another 90 minutes! I got up and got the kids ready for the sitter and waited for another call. When she called me back they were headed to the hospital and she was 5cm!

Even though we didn't get to do the maternity session [Cara arrived just 3 hours before our scheduled session]
I am still reeling over Cara's birth and the amazing opportunity to be a part of it![if your internet connection is slow, allow the video to load completely before watching so it doesn't have to buffer] If you are interested in my birth photography services or

would like more information please send me an email

Love in Bloom | Louisville Family Photographer

2011-07-11T16:10:00.002-04:00

It hardly seems like it's been two years since this picture was taken. My beautiful sister and her boyfriend wanted some pictures taken before they left for their beach vacation in July of 2009. Little did she know, this would be the first of many sessions that I would document in their lives together...for while on the beach...he proposed...and she said yes!That October, I shot their engagement photos while the beautiful colors of fall were in bloom.And I can honestly say that I had never seen my sister so happy. Fast forward to March 2010...a little chapel out of the way...the perfect setting. Even though I missed the ceremony we made up for it afterward. I can only hope that I was able to convey their overflowing love with these memories frozen in time. It took several months [almost seven to be exact] to convince my sister to let me take some maternity portraits before their precious bundle arrived. Even though she wasn't thrilled about the thought, I'm pretty sure she was excited once she saw the final product. Wasn't she absolutely glowing? I know Mike was ;)And the moment that I will never forget...Olivia's arrival. From the moment she checked in to the hospital, I was on edge...and camera ready! Once she was strapped to the monitors, Sara had no way of making me put the camera down. Even though she was definitely ready for her pregnancy to be over, I know that she will treasure the pictures I snapped while waiting on Olivia to arrive. As a proud aunt to my very first niece...you know that I could not wait to get my hands on her. At just 6 days new, Olivia was the perfect model! She let me play and put her into positions that no other baby had let me do before. She is an absolute dream!Now, just over a month into their new adventures in parenthood, The Lacey's are happy and enjoying life to it's fullest. I am so proud of them, and words can never begin to describe the love and gratitude I have for them letting me be such a huge part in documenting their lives together. I look forward to each and every call asking for more pictures!And I know I've said it countless times before....but I seriously can not get enough of this precious little girl.

Fresh From The Oven | Bardstown Newborn Photographer

2011-06-29T01:17:00.000-04:00

Olivia's Arrival | Louisville Birth Photographer

2011-06-27T15:21:00.003-04:00

It hardly seems possible that just one month ago my beautiful sister gave birth to this amazing miracle. *yes, I'm all teary-eyed as I type this* Olivia is a delightful newborn and has brought so much more love to our family. It is impossible to look at her sweet face without smiling. Her tiny fingers melt my heart when they wrap around mine. And even though I pray that time slows down so that her mother and father can savor every single moment of this newness, I can not wait to witness the beautiful woman that she will grow to be!

As promised...Olivia's arrival!

[be warned...picture overload!!! and please have tissues handy because it is impossible to watch this video without tears]

[if your internet connection is slow, allow the video to load completely before watching so it doesn't have to buffer]

If you are interested in my birth photography services or

would like more information please send me an email.

Harper turns ONE | Bardstown Children Photographer

2011-06-24T11:21:00.001-04:00

I still can't believe that my BABY is one...where has the time gone?

Meet Olivia | Louisville Newborn Photographer

2011-06-14T17:23:00.007-04:00

So...if you have been following along on my facebook page you will know who this little beauty is. I've been so blessed to have been able to document all of the great moments in my sister & brother-in-law's life together. I photographed their newly found love for each other when they announced to the world they were getting married. The day they said 'I do' in the beautiful Duncan Memorial Chapel...I was there, camera in hand. Even though she really didn't want to, I convinced her to let me take some maternity pictures and oh how she glowed! I have yet to blog about Olivia's birth...but I will. Oh, I WILL! If you don't know by now, I was able to witness the most beautiful thing in the world [aside from my own children being born]. I documented the labor and birth of my first niece and I can't even begin to explain how much it means to me to have been a part of it all.

So, without further ado...Meet Olivia!

Sara & Mike, thank you so much for letting me be a part of your lives in such a wonderous way! I can only hope that I have turned your most intimate moments into cherished memories! I love you all!

And one more...because I can't get enough of her!!!!

Meet Aiden | Bardstown Newborn Photographer

2011-06-13T10:57:00.005-04:00

Isn't he handsome! This little man was a joy to work with, even though he didn't care for me too much. I don't blame him though...no one can cuddle like mommy! Can't wait to see him again and steal some more kisses.