The Story Behind Stag & Bird: More Than Just a Photography Business
- Stag & Bird Photo - Creative
- Mar 20
- 2 min read
Back in October we had a feature with Voyage KC Magazine, and just never shared. We recently had a new interview, and expect to see more in the future. To read more of my yapping, check it out here:
The Story Behind Stag & Bird: More Than Just a Photography Business
When I picked up my first camera in high school, I had no idea where it would lead me. My grandfather, always behind the lens, captured life in a way that felt real—unedited and honest. That’s where it started for me, but for a long time, photography was just something I did on the side. A hobby. A passion. Something I loved but hadn’t fully committed to.
That changed in 2014 when I decided to make it official—Stag & Bird Photo was born. At first, I did just enough to keep things going, never quite pushing it to its full potential. Then came 2020, and with it, a hard truth: I needed to either turn this thing into a real business or walk away and find something else. I chose to jump—headfirst, no safety net, figuring it out as I fell.
With the support of my now-husband, Micah, and a group of incredible friends who refused to let me quit, I went all in. And that’s when everything shifted. Stag & Bird transformed from a one-woman hustle to a powerhouse of creativity. Today, we don’t just take photos—we create full experiences. Curated Elopements, in-house hair and makeup, videography—every detail carefully crafted to tell a story that’s as unique as the people in front of my lens.
The Road Wasn’t Smooth—But It Was Worth It
Building this business wasn’t easy. There were moments of doubt, late nights, and stretches where I wasn’t sure how I’d make ends meet. But every challenge forced me to grow, to refine my vision, and to push harder for the kind of work I wanted to create. I’ve had to fight for this business, but that fight made it stronger.
What Makes Stag & Bird Different?
It’s not just about the photos—it’s about the people. My clients aren’t just another wedding, another session, another number on a calendar. Whether it’s an elopement in the woods, a senior session for a kid who doesn’t fit the traditional mold, or a boudoir shoot designed to empower, I make sure every person who steps in front of my camera feels seen. Celebrated. Free to be exactly who they are.
At Stag & Bird, we embrace the strange, the bold, the misfits. The people who don’t want cookie-cutter. The ones who want a little drama, a little color, a little magic in their story.
The Heart of It All: Authenticity
At the end of the day, what matters most to me is authenticity. I built this business by staying true to who I am, and that’s the same energy I bring to every shoot. No forced smiles, no awkward poses—just real, unfiltered moments that tell the truth of who you are.
Stag & Bird isn’t just my job. It’s my legacy. It’s proof that sometimes, when you take the leap, you really do learn to fly.
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