It's beginning to look a lot like Christmas... but HOW?
How is it that the holidays sneak up on us every year? This season is one that can quickly become filled with chaos.
So, I’m inviting you to take a moment to Sit, Stay, & Smile with me!
As 2025 comes to a close, I want to take a minute to thank everyone who I worked or collaborated with this year. And also give a shoutout to folks who have been with me since the very beginning, when I first started shooting decades ago.
It is truly all thanks to you good people that I’m able to be a photographer. And I really love what I do!
Give the gift of memories!
We all have that person on our gift list that is actually impossible to shop for. Some of us have several of those people!
Why not give the gift of a photo shoot?
I’ve spent a lot of time behind the lens. While I love taking photos, the real joy is the connections I make. My photo sessions are casual and enjoyable, and I work to capture each individual exactly as they are. I’ve learned that the magic happens when everyone feels comfortable enough to be themselves—laughing at inside jokes, being goofy, and letting that genuine personality shine through.
Let’s take the typical awkward family photo experience, make it a fun memory, and get some shots that you’ll actually want to frame!
And because pets are family, too, gift cards for Stephanie Bartz Photography are perfect for the animal lovers in your life! No matter the animal, I always look forward to pet photos. It’s so easy to fall in love with their honest expressions and playful personalities. No forced posing, just real moments, wherever they’re happiest. Treats and belly rubs are always included!
All sessions include:
Fun-filled, stress-free session
Location(s) of your choice (or I can suggest those, too!)
Online proofs
Option for print or digital images
Cross “holiday shopping” off your to-do list.
Deck the Halls: Upcoming Gallery Shows
When I stop to think about my art and photo career, I'm appreciative of all the opportunities and support from the artist communities, galleries, and museums I've been a part of over the years.
If you haven’t been to NAdiaNA Art Gallery, now’s the time! I’m excited to be part of their newest show, “Echoes of the Deep: Water’s Artistic Voice,” which opens on Friday, January 9th, from 6:00-8:00 pm.
“Water has long been a source of inspiration, reflective, fluid, and endlessly transformative. This juried group exhibition invites artists to explore the essence of water in all its forms: its movement, stillness, power, and mystery. Through this theme, we celebrate the beauty and symbolism of water as a universal force that connects and sustains life.”
Can’t make the opening? No worries! The show will be on display until February 13th.
Make sure to stop by Rosenquist Fine Art for the opening reception of “Playlist” during the next Gallery Night MKE on Friday, January 16th, from 6:00-8:30 pm! I’m honored to have my work shown among other renowned artists who submitted a piece for this show, each one inspired by our favorite song. The gallery has not only put out the work, but also compiled a playlist of all of the musicians represented. It’s going to be such a fun experience, and I can’t wait to share it with you!
This juried exhibition will be up until January 31st.
Framing the Year: A 2025 review of Gallery Shows
I’ve been taking photos and showing my work in galleries since way back in the film days. Each show is such a thrill! I especially like it when I can support other artists in juried group shows.
Below is a list of all of the galleries I’ve had the privilege of collaborating with this past year. I’m forever grateful to have the opportunity to get out there, meet people, and chat about photography.
Another special thank you to all who showed up for the openings or stopped by to view the work. You are amazing, and I appreciate the support!
Curator of Breaking Barriers, Juried Exhibition | MATC | Milwaukee, WI
Doors Open Milwaukee, Invited Artist | Sanger House Gardens | Milwaukee, WI
BVGN Group Exhibition, Invited Artist | The Magnet Factory | Bayview, WI
Beans & Barley Group Exhibition, Invited Artist | Beans & Barley | Milwaukee, WI
Fine Art Charity Event, Juried Exhibition | MSOE | Milwaukee, WI
One Forty-Four, Juried Exhibition | Art Bar | Milwaukee, WI
2025 Wisconsin Craft, Juried Exhibition | Plymouth Arts Center | Plymouth, WI
Monochromatic, Juried Exhibition | NAdiaNA Art Gallery | Greenfield, WI
Women’s Work, Solo Exhibition | Cedarburg Public Library | Cedarburg, WI
The Martini Girls’ This is Me, Invited Artist | Art Bar | Milwaukee, WI'
Artist Showcase Group Exhibit, Juried Exhibition | Anderson Arts Center | Kenosha, WI
Wisconsin Breast Cancer Showhouse (WBCS), Juried Exhibition | MARN | Milwaukee, WI
Healing Journey, Juried Group Exhibition | NAdiaNA Art Gallery | Greenfield, WI
WPCA Members Group Show, Juried Exhibition | Walker’s Point Center for the Arts | Milwaukee, WI
Location scouting is year-round!
Just because it’s wintertime doesn’t mean that my location scouting comes to an end. In fact, some of my favorite spots and shots have happened in the snow!
For those of you who aren’t familiar, location scouting is simply finding great spots for taking photos or filming video. I work with creators across the country to find the perfect setting, and I honestly love it.
Do you have a film-worthy property? Let’s talk!
BEHIND THE SCENES OF THE LADY BEHIND THE LENS
This is the part of the newsletter where I share the things that I do when I’m not taking photos or scouting out locations.
I’m especially proud to shine a spotlight on my volunteer work with the Sunset Playhouse. Since its very first production of The Turn of the Screw, the Playhouse has been run by a dedicated team of 36,850 volunteers, proof that creativity truly thrives when a community comes together. I’m grateful to be one of them!
Let’s be honest: the holidays can also be rough. Treat yourself or your loved ones to the best in local entertainment at this iconic theater!
Here’s what they have coming up:
Nuncrackers: When Reverend Mother decides to tape a Christmas TV special in the newly built convent basement Cable TV Access Studio, hilarity ensues. Starring the nuns you love, plus Father Virgil, and some of Mount Saint Helen’s most talented students, this musical is filled with wacky “nunsense” humor, your favorite carols, and a “Secret Santa” sequence featuring audience participation.
Coffeehouse Christmas: Folk Favorites: Enjoy your favorite acoustic artists, like James Taylor; Jim Croce; Joni Mitchell; and Peter, Paul, and Mary, along with some winter and Christmas classics to kick off the holiday season in style.
Dino’s Coolest Yule: An encore of Dean Martin’s classic songs and seasonal favorites, sure to be the coolest way to spend warm moments of wintertime yule.
Tenors MKE Holiday Concert: Tommy Hahn, Tim Rebers, and Andrew Varela are back for this glorious annual concert featuring Broadway, opera, and holiday classics!
Thank you so much for taking a moment to sit and stay. Hopefully, this gave you something to smile about today!