Meet Wade Stephens

We caught up with the brilliant and insightful Wade Stephens a few weeks ago and have shared our conversation below.

Hi Wade, so excited to have you with us today, particularly to get your insight on a topic that comes up constantly in the community – overcoming creativity blocks. Any thoughts you can share with us?

To be honest, hitting a creative rut in all forms of art is normal. It is what you do once you’re in it that matters. I usually will step outside my comfort zone and try focusing on something specific for a week such as a color, subject or theme which will help reignite my creativity. Also, dont be afraid to experiment, or to make mistakes or be perfect and remember why you picked up the camera in the first place.

Thanks, so before we move on maybe you can share a bit more about yourself?

I’ve been capturing weddings, boudoir, and fashion for six amazing years now—but my love for photography started long before that. In the beginning, I was a bit shy, sticking mostly to landscapes and architecture, letting the world speak quietly through my lens. Then one day, I stumbled upon a local car meet packed with energy, chrome, and a few local models—and something just clicked. From that moment on, I was hooked. I discovered how powerful it feels to connect with people, tell their stories, and freeze those once-in-a-lifetime moments that will live on forever.

Looking back, what do you think were the three qualities, skills, or areas of knowledge that were most impactful in your journey? What advice do you have for folks who are early in their journey in terms of how they can best develop or improve on these?

Light is the foundation—it shapes mood, defines texture, and transforms an ordinary scene into something extraordinary. Posing brings structure and emotion to the frame, allowing me to tell a story through body language and subtle detail. But perhaps the most overlooked skill is charisma—the ability to make people feel comfortable, confident, and seen. When I connect genuinely with my subject, the energy shifts, and authentic expressions emerge. Mastering these three elements turns simple portraits into timeless images that truly resonate.

Okay, so before we go, is there anyone you’d like to shoutout for the role they’ve played in helping you develop the essential skills or overcome challenges along the way?

One of the most helpful things in developing my skills as a photographer has been constantly learning from different sources. Photography books have given me a solid foundation in composition, lighting, and storytelling—teaching me the “why” behind every great image. Classes, both in person and online, pushed me to step out of my comfort zone, experiment with new techniques, and get constructive feedback that sharpened my eye. But learning from other photographers has been the most inspiring part—observing their unique styles, creative processes, and approaches to working with clients has opened my mind to new possibilities and helped me continuously refine my own craft.

Contact Info:

• Website: http://bigcityphoto.com
• Instagram: @_wadestephens_
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/share/1K21MKdUP6/