Hello! Kara Reichart and Jessica VanTassel are 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.
Jessica began photographing weddings in 2005 as the sole shooter of Stout Photography. In 2014, after graduating SCAD University with a major in photography, Kara joined the team as a senior lead photographer. Kara and Jessica both photograph weddings independently as lead photographers. Together with the support of our second shooters, Holly + Jes, we’ve grown into a multi-photographer studio. We wanted a name that reflected our team effort and so we decided to change our name from Stout Photography to Stout Studios.
Having a strong second photographer is essential to Kara and I when photographing weddings. We believe their support allows us the ability to take risks we couldn’t otherwise without the faith we have in our second shooter. For this reason, we only work with the same consistent second shooters we have personally trained.
We love what we do and all of us are honored you’re considering us to document your wedding or portrait session. We are looking forward to talking more with you!
Jessica
Owner/Senior Photographer
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. I now have two Goldendoodle's, Templeton and Bernard that are the most adorable sweet balls of fluff you'll ever see. We also have two cats (one is a Polydactyl) I like cats. I LOVE dogs.
One of my favorite smells is a tennis ball.
In 2015, I began competing in body building competitions and discovered I have a passion for fitness and nutrition.
I photographed 500 weddings before I turned 30.
I am the youngest of four children.
I’ll do just about anything for a good picture. Will you?
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Kara
Senior Associate Photographer
In 2014 I graduated from SCAD University having majored in Fine Arts Photography.
I adopted a wonderful dog, Tyson in 2012 but lost him to cancer in 2016. Since then, I adopted Ruger and Luna, the Border Collie duo.
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 in the Carolina's.
I've explored miles of the Atlantic Ocean floor.
I hang out with my parents almost everyday. They're cool, I promise!
In addition to photography my other creative passion is painting and crafting.
Nothing makes me happier than when I'm with any dog!
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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!
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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.
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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!
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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.