Brilliant Fall Color at Lower Bond Falls - Paulding Michigan

Welcome to Stephen Foster Photography!

I am so happy to share a portion of my collection of captured images - enjoy!

My photography journey began when I was in elementary school, when I discovered I enjoyed taking photos a lot more than I liked being in them. While in middle school, I saved some money and purchased a used SLR from a friend (I even did some processing work in his father's home darkroom). During high school, I enjoyed being the photographer for many events at school, some of which appeared in the yearbook. Being very active in Boy Scouts has always allowed me to appreciate and come to love nature and landscapes, and the capturing of those places I visited, via photography.

While attending the University of Michigan, I purchased my first multi-lens SLR (an Olympus OM1) and primarily took photographs in black-and-white or color slide film. One of my studies involved the architecture of the old city hall in Toronto, Ontario; that was fun.

In the late 1990s, I met and became friends with Monte Nagler, a wonderfully talented landscape and portrait photographer. In October of 2009, I was fortunate to go on a photography workshop with Monte in the Upper Peninsula of Michigan. Waterscapes are probably my most favorite subject to shoot; I find the challenge of capturing and sharing those images and experiences the most rewarding. Right before this trip, my wonderful wife, Jane, gave me my first Nikon DSLR, and I have thoroughly enjoyed this upgrade in equipment. In 2011 I subsequently converted to 100% digital, and enjoy utilizing Adobe® Lightroom and Adobe® Photoshop as part of my resources and tools.

For a number of years now I have been expanded into portraiture, specifically headshots for small businesses and corporations. Today, many websites include headshots and product shots where I have been happy to go on-site for the convenience of the client. I also teach photography to individuals as well as for civic groups. I continue to enjoy working with Boy Scouts as a photography merit badge counselor among other leadership roles.

I know my journey will never be over; it is rare to capture the same image twice at a different time. There is always something different, and the challenge to find something new in something old is never tiring.

Always carry your camera with you – you never know what you may encounter – and don't forget to enjoy the moment. Any number of times during the week you can find me walking in the woods or near a creek or stream with camera in hand. These are the times I find the most relaxing and a great recharge for the internal batteries.

If you are interested in purchasing any of my photos, or would like to commission a project or a photo shoot for yourself, please contact me via email.