We’re excited to introduce you to the always interesting and insightful Stephanie Leaver. We hope you’ll enjoy our conversation with Stephanie below.

Stephanie, thanks for joining us, excited to have you contributing your stories and insights. To kick things off, we’d love to hear about things you or your brand do that diverge from the industry standard.

One thing I take pride in is standing apart from the industry standard by creating raw, authentic, and purist imagery. More often than not, photographers heavily edit their work or rely on AI-assisted programs to perfect the final image. But to me, this takes away from the true essence of photography—capturing a moment in time with light.

Photography, at its core, is an art form rooted in light and composition. Before digital manipulation was even possible, photographers mastered their craft by understanding exposure, timing, and natural elements to create compelling images. The most iconic photographs in history weren’t shaped by software but by an artist’s ability to see, anticipate, and capture fleeting moments as they unfolded.

I like to say I “paint with light” rather than relying on digital manipulation, editing software, or AI enhancements. This approach demands an intimate knowledge of camera controls, the ability to adapt to ever-changing conditions, and a deep connection to the subject being photographed. It’s about being present in the moment—seeing the way light falls, the subtleties of color and texture, and the emotion within a frame—all before pressing the shutter.

My fine art macro and nature photography embody this philosophy entirely. Every image I create is a true reflection of the world as it is—unfiltered, untampered, and deeply intentional. There’s a unique beauty in knowing that what you see in my work is exactly what I saw through my lens, a genuine representation of reality rather than a constructed version of it.

When it comes to portrait and commercial work, I stay true to these ideals, keeping my imagery as natural as possible. However, if a client has a specific vision that extends beyond what I can achieve in-camera, I adapt with minimal edits—always ensuring my work aligns with my core values of authenticity and purity. In an industry where digital alteration has become the norm, I choose to uphold the integrity of photography as a timeless art form, capturing moments as they truly are.

Stephanie, love having you share your insights with us. Before we ask you more questions, maybe you can take a moment to introduce yourself to our readers who might have missed our earlier conversations?

My name is Stephanie Leaver, and I am the proud owner of Stephanie Paige Photography LLC. I consider myself a jack of all trades in the photography world, capturing everything from fine art macro and nature photography to portraits, events, commercial products, landscapes, wildlife, and creative work. While I explore various styles, my primary passion lies in fine art macro and nature photography—bringing the intricate details of the world around us to life.

With over nine years of professional experience, I have developed a deep appreciation for the authenticity of photography. My work is rooted in a purist approach—free from digital alterations or AI enhancements—staying true to the art of capturing light and moments as they naturally exist. I often joke that I’m “old school,” but I take great pride in preserving the integrity of photography, honoring its original purpose as a medium of genuine, unfiltered expression.

I hold a Bachelor of Arts in Art from Western Michigan University’s Gwen Frostic School of Art, where I graduated Summa Cum Laude in 2022. My work has been recognized both nationally and internationally, earning awards and publications along the way. In addition to running my photography business, I actively contribute to the arts community as the Vice President of The Artists’ Guild of Anna Maria Island, a founding artist of Gulf Coast Artists, and a photography instructor with Sarasota Photography Group.

I regularly showcase and sell my work at local art markets and galleries, sharing my passion with the community and connecting with fellow artists and art lovers. My inspiration stems from the world around me, as well as the artistic influences of Surrealism and BioArt. I am deeply committed to advancing the arts, fostering creativity, and capturing the beauty of the natural world through my lens.

Let’s talk about resilience next – do you have a story you can share with us?

Resilience has been at the core of my journey as a business owner. Toward the end of 2022 and throughout most of 2023, I had to take a major step back from my business due to overwhelming health challenges. After experiencing a devastating pregnancy loss, I faced severe complications with another pregnancy that left me bedridden for months. When my daughter was born prematurely in mid-2023, I found myself battling severe postpartum depression, postpartum anxiety, and complex post-traumatic stress disorder after an incredibly traumatic experience.

I felt lost—like I had completely lost control of my life and my passion. But in my daughter, I found the strength to rebuild. Not only the strength to care for her and myself but also the determination to keep moving forward in my career, even when I felt hopeless. Photography had always been my passion, but during that time, it became a source of healing. Slowly, I rediscovered the joy of capturing moments again.

By 2024, my photography career had regained momentum, and now, at the start of 2025, I’m incredibly grateful for how far I’ve come. Balancing my passion with being a stay-at-home mom has been both a challenge and a blessing, but I wouldn’t trade it for anything. My daughter gave me a strength I never knew I had, and because of that, I’ve been able to make incredible connections, grow my business, and come back stronger than ever.

Do you think there is something that non-creatives might struggle to understand about your journey as a creative? Maybe you can shed some light?

Absolutely. One thing non-creatives might struggle to understand about my journey is the complexity and skill required in the creative process. Creativity isn’t something that can be easily switched on or off—it takes time, effort, and a deep understanding of technique. There are moments when things come together naturally, and other times when it requires careful consideration and problem-solving.

My work is more than just a “pretty picture.” Each photograph I create is an intentional composition that captures the essence of the world around us. My purist approach, which avoids digital manipulation or AI enhancements, demands significant technical skill. Understanding light, composition, and timing are fundamental to every shot, and this requires years of practice. It’s not just about capturing an image—it’s about conveying the true nature of the scene, using a combination of technical expertise and creative vision.

Another aspect non-creatives may not fully appreciate is the dedication and persistence involved in consistently producing work of quality. Creativity is a process of trial and error. Not every shot works out, and sometimes it takes multiple attempts to capture the exact vision. This persistence, paired with a continuous drive to improve and evolve, is what sets successful artists apart. Behind every finished piece is a journey of experimentation, refinement, and problem-solving, all of which are critical to achieving the final result.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://www.stephaniepaigephotography.com
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/stephaniepaigephotos/
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/StephaniePaigePhotographyLLC
• Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/stephanie-leaver-b4378226b

Image Credits

© Stephanie Paige Photography LLC