Recognized for fine art portraits of distinction, Stephanie Gilmore specializes in photographing babies, children, families, high school seniors, college graduates, professional headshots, and content creators. For over two decades, the definition of beauty has been the cornerstone of Stephanie Gilmore Photography: the quality that gives pleasure to the mind or senses and is associated with such properties as harmony of form or color, excellence of artistry, truthfulness, and originality.
Stephanie first made her mark in the Tri-State area of Kentucky, West Virginia, and Ohio in 2002, and like many photographers, her children were the initial catalyst. “I had taken photography courses as a graphic design student in college, but it wasn’t until my favorite local photographer, Winnie Greer, moved from my hometown of Ashland to Lexington that I decided to hone my own photography skills” explains Stephanie. “I sharpened my skills in order to take better photographs of my daughters, but ended up opening my own studio!”
Two years into her trade, Stephanie joined the Professional Photographers of America (PPA) and attended her first state convention and print competition, where she was awarded Kentucky Photographer of the Year. Stephanie’s image, A Coy Cowboy, took home the top prize her first year in PPA, the highly coveted Kodak Gallery Award. “It was after this unexpectedly quick rise and recognition that I was invited to teach at a convention in San Antonio, Texas” says Stephanie. Now, Stephanie has presented at photography conferences all over the country, earned degrees for both a Master of Photography and Photographic Craftsman, has been published in several national magazines, and is one of the fifteen photographers featured in the book Professional Children’s Portrait Photography: Techniques and Images from Master Photographers.
“In addition to never ending education in a field with ever evolving advancements in technology, my photographic style relies heavily on the relationships I build with my clients” Stephanie smiles. “My ultimate goal for every session is to create portraiture that uplifts and makes my clients feel their most beautiful.” Stephanie accomplishes this goal through the authentic rapport she establishes with her clients, which leads to a relaxed, comfortable environment where clients can reveal their genuine spirit and beauty.
Now, Stephanie has moved to Lexington to continue her photography, but will forever be thankful for the early influences of photographers like Winnie Greer and Bev and Tim Walden. “The Waldens instilled in me a spirit of giving back, as well as the importance of building relationships through our profession” says Stephanie. “I’m deeply honored by all my clients who continue to put their trust in me to create memories that will last a lifetime, it’s an extreme privilege that I will never take for granted.”
