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With over a decade of experience, I’ll gently guide you through a relaxed, meaningful photography experience — allowing real connection, emotion, and in-between moments to unfold naturally. So when you look back, you’ll remember how it felt, not just how it looked.

Timeless photography for couples who want to remember how it felt.

@stephaniemessickphoto

Gallery images

Best of 2025 Series | Colorado Springs + Northern Virginia Engagement Photographer

Engagement sessions are honestly some of my favorite moments to photograph!! Whether it’s an early sunrise session or a cold afternoon, my couples always bring the energy! The excitement, the way couples can’t stop smiling at each other, and the season of life that feels both surreal and incredibly meaningful. I’m so excited to share […]

Best of 2025: Family Photographer in Colorado Springs + Warrenton, VA

If I could bottle up the feeling of family portraits—the giggles, the wild toddler energy, the tiny hands reaching for mom, dad scooping someone up mid-run, and those quick little real moments in between—2025 would be the year I’d put in the jar! This past year was my first big year back after starting a […]

The Inn at Little Washington | A Virginia Countryside Photographer

I had the pleasure of meeting Kate and her family on a beautiful evening for their family portrait session. When Kate reached out, she envisioned a backdrop that truly captured the essence of the Virginia countryside. Having spent many special moments at the Inn at Little Washington in Virginia over the years, Kate felt it […]

Christmas Mini Sessions at Forest Bend Farm in Black Forest, Colorado

The holiday season may have come and gone, but the memories from our Christmas mini sessions at Forest Bend Farm in Black Forest, Colorado, are still warm in our hearts. We had the incredible opportunity to photograph so many wonderful families amidst the rustic charm of the farm, capturing moments that will last a lifetime. From the twinkling lights to the snow-kissed fields, every session was filled with joy, laughter, and that special holiday magic. Truly, it’s some of my favorite mini session events of the year!

Boulder Flatirons, Colorado Photos | Maternity Session

Kenzi and Jack are SO excited to start their little family here in Colorado. I might be biased, but my husband and I believe this was one of the best places for us to raise our son. There’s so much to do in the mountains to raise an adventurous boy! I’m excited that Kenzi and […]

Bear Creek Park, Colorado Springs Family Session

In the photography business, word of mouth is powerful. Thanks to a mutual friend (heyyyy, Jess!!), I was connected with one of her best friends who lives in Colorado. 🙂 Claire reached out wanting updated family portraits with their toddler and wanted fall vibes AND greenery. After recently photographing at Bear Creek Park in Colorado […]

A Skyline Drive Fall Virginia Mountain Engagement

What a romantic evening! The sky showed off for Olivia and Marshall’s Skyline Drive Virginia mountain engagement session! And their sweet laughs/smiles lit up the photos more. <3 I appreciated them driving from the DC metro area for these portraits in the mountains. Shenandoah Mountain photos are some of my favorite sessions in Virginia! Talk […]

Miles, Elizabeth, and I met one morning in Washington DC to document this sweet engagement season that seems to fly by. They were excited to have their portraits taken in a meaningful place to them! I love it when couples incorporate their favorite sports team too (as you’ll see at the end of this blog […]

Christmas Mini Session Photographer at Forest Bend Farm, Colorado Springs

Typically, I organize a full afternoon of Christmas mini-sessions every year. In fact, I don’t think I’ve missed one year (minus the year my son was born in 2020) since the second year of my business in 2013. But this year was a little different due to the busy season (I’m definitely counting on it […]

Fall Mini Sessions at Bear Creek Park, Colorado Springs

I met five families this fall for their mini sessions at Bear Creek Regional Park in Colorado Springs, Colorado. I loved that one family was one of my past couples who married back in 2014 (hey, Justin and Lauren!!!)! They just moved to Colorado Springs this year, and I loved reconnecting with them, along with […]

With over a decade of experience, I’ll gently guide you through a relaxed, meaningful photography experience — allowing real connection, emotion, and in-between moments to unfold naturally. So when you look back, you’ll remember how it felt, not just how it looked.

Timeless photography for couples who want to remember how it felt.

@stephaniemessickphoto

Gallery images