For award-winning photographer Natalie Stephenson, her love for capturing images all began when she received her first camera as a young girl. “I got my first point-and-shoot at age 9 and loved photographing everything—mostly family and pets,” she says.
When her mother started taking photography classes at the community college, she admired her printed black and white work and tried to emulate her style. Then, when she was 16 and taking a photography class in high school, Natalie’s uncle gifted her with her first DSLR camera. She was on her path to success.
Today, Natalie Stephenson Photography, which she founded in 2004, specializes in motherhood, families, and branding. “My favorite subjects are always people—I love connecting with them, making them feel good about themselves, and collaborating through the creative process,” she notes. “Working with people brings me so much joy, and I hope I leave them feeling even more joyful after their session. It’s indescribable—the way creating and connecting at the same time fills my cup.”
For her, a photograph isn’t just a reflection of a person, but instead the capturing of a feeling, an emotion that tells a story without words. “I believe portraits are more than images,” Stephenson emphasizes. “They’re tangible reminders of who we are, who we love, and the seasons we never want to forget. I’ve watched families grow—babies become high school seniors, parents become grandparents—and every time, I’m reminded that once a moment is gone, we can’t get it back.”
While producing the finest photographs with the best technology, Stephenson is also old school in some ways. It makes her sad that many photographs taken today live only on a screen. “In my own home, I have framed portraits everywhere. When I’m working out in my room, I see my boys when they were little. They’re grown now, but those portraits take me right back. Some days they even make me cry.”
In another room, she has a set of three close-up prints of each of her boys when they were little. “Those portraits are daily reminders of all the fun we had, the love we shared, and the moments I never want to forget as a mom. That’s why I believe so deeply in what I do. Because portraits aren’t just for today—they become treasures that tell a story and bring us back to the seasons of life that matter most.”
This is the reason Stephenson focuses on deliverables—printed artwork, heirloom books, and albums. “I bring photos to life—on the wall, in an album, or in your hands,” she says. “My goal isn’t to hand over files that get lost on a computer, but to transform these fleeting moments into artwork and albums you can enjoy every single day.”
Her clients are often emotional when viewing the final product, and mothers frequently tell her how obsessed they are with what she provides. Years later, parents will often tell her that the preschool portrait she took of their child is still their very favorite.
Life moves too fast, reflects Stephenson, and the people we love most change right before our eyes. “A professional doesn’t just take a picture—they see the connections, the fleeting expressions, the tiny details you want to remember, like chubby baby feet.”
It’s no wonder Stephenson has been designated Bend’s Best Photographer for Children and Families by BendNest for the past nine years and has also won Best Photographer by CommunityVotes Bend. She has also been named one of the top three contenders for Best Photographer by The Bulletin. She’s excited to find out if she won. “Every time I win an award, I’m amazed. It’s such an honor, and I’m so grateful.”
Fortunately for Bend Lifestyle, Natalie is also one of its top photographers. “It gets me out in the community, meeting new people, and helping showcase businesses—it’s fun and creative. I love putting together a shot list and coming up with fresh ideas for each business.”
Hiring a professional matters, especially for special moments. “The way you remember this time deserves to be intentional, lasting, and worthy of the story you’re living,” Stephenson states.
Stephenson loves capturing her own story, too. She met her husband, Erik, at 18, and next year they’ll be celebrating their 30th anniversary. “He calls me Mrs. Awesome, so of course he’s Mr. Awesome to me.”
She’s also the proud mom of two adult children. “I love being a mom to grown kids just as much as I did when they were little. I just enjoy them so much. Each of my sons is remarkable. I’m their mom, so of course I’m their biggest fan.” While Samuel lives nearby, Cooper is serving in the Marines.
The couple lives in an older ’70s neighborhood in Bend with a large yard that they’ve transformed into their own personal oasis. “My husband built a huge water feature we affectionately call the MewKenzie —a playful nod to the McKenzie River and my love of cats,” says Stephenson. “With the help of a dear friend who guided us on what to plant, our backyard has become my favorite part of our home.”
Joining them are their dogs, Finley and Saroo, and their cat, Sydney Kittens. “They keep us entertained with their chaos,” she says. “Saroo is a rescue from India, thanks to our local nonprofit Street Dog Hero. I’m grateful every day for their easy love and companionship.”
In addition to her wonderful family, which she calls her greatest blessing, and their pets, Stephenson is also grateful for her faith and career. “My faith is the center of it all. I’m thankful for the creative gifts I’ve been given and the chance to use them to bring joy to others. I’m grateful for the process of creating, for the business that allows me to do this work, and for the amazing people I get to serve.”
She also wants to extend a special thank you to her amazing mother and Uncle Tim for encouraging her to pursue her passion all those years ago. Her clients are also thankful that she’s using her talents to bring such joy into their lives through keepsakes that record their special moments in time.
“This work is about trust, care, and legacy,” notes Stephenson. “When you invite me to photograph your family, your milestones, or your brand, you’re handing me something priceless. My job is to honor that by creating portraits that not only look beautiful, but that feel like you—so years from now, when you look back, you’re transported right back to that season of life.”
Natalie Stephenson Photography
Services include:
- Branding Photography: Half-day and full-day sessions tailored to your business and brand story.
- Family Portraits: Custom sessions with wardrobe guidance and styling support.
- Destination settings, including family vacations.
- Motherhood Membership: A signature package capturing baby’s first year (maternity, newborn, sitting, first birthday). Includes professional hair & makeup and access to a curated client wardrobe.
NStephenson.com 541.771.6557