Welcome to Life Stories...

Welcome to My Life's Story! Mine is made up of so many wonderful people-purposfully woven together! Everything we do is with and for each other and I am so glad that you have taken the time to stop by- so grab your favorite cup of coffee and Enjoy!

What I love most: my family, my friends, my son's giggles when he thinks he is getting away with something... great conversation, anything with a good title, bold coffee, anyone with a zest for life, exciting and fresh ideas, anything crafty, getting my hands dirty, dancing in the rain and weddings! (all weddings!)

I am happiest: when I can share what I see through a lens. Just as there are no two people alike, neither are views on life. I strive to uniquely photograph any event or person so their style can easily be seen.

"Life Happens... Picture it Boldly!"

Would love to hear from you~ If you would like to leave a comment feel free or email me at
stephanie@stephowens.com.






Friday, February 29, 2008

Just for Fun!

So out of no where the other night, I decide I don't have any pics of Ayden in the bath tub.. Now, I don't know why these are so important to us moms, but they are! Every mom needs at least one really embarrassing image that we loom over our children's' heads as the "one we'll show your boyfriend/girlfriend"! This silly notion of embarrassing our children was as I am sure, started many years ago by a fed up mom. Fed up that every time you go someplace in public with your children or have friends over the kids decide- without your consent of course- to act like wild monkeys jacked up on espresso... (I think Molly started it- she has the BEST stories of taking her son Chance out shopping with her! I can just see the entire display of pickles crashing to the floor! That tickles me every time!)

But don't worry- there is nothing exploitative about my images. I would never display my children in a harmful way- I just thought these were too cute not to share! And I took some the next morning that I love too. They really express his personality BEFORE his feet hit the floor- from there it is a whole different inning in the ball game that I am sure would stump even Dr. Phil.. I keep asking God about it and He assures me He is working on an answer for me but doesn't know yet what happens to my sweet and loving little boy between 7:45a.m. and 8 o'clock! "The world may never know..." But this is my life and I would not trade it for the world!

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Host unlimited photos at slide.com for FREE!
Host unlimited photos at slide.com for FREE!
Host unlimited photos at slide.com for FREE!

Host unlimited photos at slide.com for FREE!
Host unlimited photos at slide.com for FREE!

Tuesday, February 26, 2008

Diving in Cayman

So, on our cruise we took absolute pleasure in a dive trip with Neptunes Divers and I have to say that it was the most amazing dive trip EVER! (I think this may have been pretty close to my very first dive trip in '05 where I found an megladon shark tooth the size of my palm!) The images hardly do justice to just how beautiful and vibrant everything is... You know.. it would help if I knew how to use a point and shoot camera too! This was the first time that I really had an opportunity to shoot with a camera underwater and I have to say, and not as an excuse either, that it is very different than shooting on land! You have to take into account so many things- first everything is in constant motion- the fish, even the coral and things that look still are being moved by the water and of course I am moving so it is a lot harder than the guys with National Geographic make it look. (That's for sure!) When I view these images it is almost like looking through aquarium glass, and that is sort of what it feels like too. I think the hardest part is editing them because you don't want to take away the fact that you are in very blue/teal water and everything looks, well, blue/teal. But at the same time if you don't do some color enhancing the water takes away from some of the reefs. Again, I did not dare do justice to the amazing beauty and mystery that the ocean holds. But I gave it a shot and I really thought overall I did ok for a first time experience- I think however, more practice is in order so that I might continue to get better. Of course the only way to get better is to keep diving! So who's with me and up for a trip to Grand Cayman??? (I'm packed and ready to go!)

Let me know what you think...

Friday, February 15, 2008

Mr. & Mrs. Tunderman

Meet Mr. & Mrs. Tunderman:

We had such an incredible time in Grand Cayman Island and Jamaica with Gwen and Matt where they were married on February 5th. We can't wait for the anniversary cruise... More to come soon.