Please take a moment to get to watch our short film! We hope that it allows you to get-to-know us a little better and learn more about our approach to wedding photography!
Hello! We are Kara Michele and Jessica Lee, the lead shooters of Stout Studios and we are excited you’re considering us! We have a deep passion for the fleeting moment. We are drawn to love, laughter, energy and light. We strongly believe in honest photography and understand it is our responsibility to document your story, without becoming part of the story. Photography is an extension of our hearts and minds and we simply couldn’t imagine life without a camera.
Kara is a graduate of the prestigious SCAD university with a degree in photography and collectively we have been photographing weddings since 2005. We are honored you’re considering us to document your wedding or portrait session. We are looking forward to talking more with you!
Jessica
In 2015 I married my childhood pen-pal under a 200-year-old tree in Jacksonville, Florida.
I had my first dog, Buddy, for 13 years. He passed in 2016. We now have a pack of three dogs, Templeton, Bernard and Roxanne. We adopted Roxanne in 2019 after learning she was deaf and needing a home. We taught her sign language and she listens better than our hearing dogs. They're all so incredibly sweet and special. We also have two cats (one is a Polydactyl) I like cats. I LOVE dogs.
I photographed over 500 weddings before I turned 30.
I am the youngest of four children.
I find a lot of joy in gardening. Gardening is a constant and tangible reminder that when you give your care and attention to something, it will thrive. I am currently prioritizing wildlife gardening which simply means a garden that encourages resources and food supply for wildlife.
I’ll do just about anything for a good picture. Will you?
Kara
In 2014 I graduated from SCAD, Savannah College of Art & Design with a Fine Arts degree in Photography.
My Border Collie, Ruger, is my actual best friend.
I grew up fishing with my family and am now considered a seafood connoisseur!
If I'm not at the dog park you might find me camping and hiking in the Carolina's.
I've explored miles of the Atlantic Ocean floor. In fact my deepest dive was over 100ft.
I hang out with my parents almost everyday. They're cool, I promise!
In addition to photography my other creative passion is drawing and painting.
If you bring your dog to your session or wedding, I may just love you forever!
Jes
Second Photographer
Since I can remember, I’ve always been a creator. I went to LaVilla and Douglas Anderson for art and enjoyed all mediums but focused on printmaking and film photography and loved experimenting with toy cameras. I graduated from UNF with a BA in Anthropology and Gender Studies. I passionate for human and animal rights. 13 years ago I became a vegetarian and have been vegan now for 5. In addition to my passion for photography, and animals, I am also a certified yoga teacher. My mom is my best friend and always has been. My boyfriend and I live together in Riverside and our home is full of animals. I recently lost my dog, Taco, who was like my soulmate. I find I am happiest when dogs are near!
Chris
Second Photographer
I fell in love with photography in high school when i took a class on black and white rulm photography.
I graduated with a degree in singing.
I've performed on stage at Carnegie Hall.
I can solve a Rubik's cube in under a minute.
I love most forms of art especially visual arts, music and drama.
I love a good story.
I always have a song stuck in my head.
I'm a bit of a history buff and particularly enjoy 20th century history.
I have an unhealthy obsession with Coke Zero.
I enjoy meeting new people and hearing their stories.
Eric
Second Photographer
The reception is my favorite part of a wedding, I love to photograph the couple and their guests dancing and having a good time!
Holly
Second Photographer
My very first job was at a photo lab when I was 16 years old. It was then that I fell in love with photography
I started my career as a personal trainer in 2007 and opened my own gym in 2016.
I compete in the figure division of body building and have placed top 5 nationally several times.
My heart belongs to animals, photography and fitness almost equally.
I love how well rounded wedding photography is. It gives you the best of both words between portraits and capturing moments.