Family portrait at South Lake Tahoe with a snowy mountain background, by Sacramento portrait photographer Stani

Real moments. Honest. Timeless.

Sacramento & Lake Tahoe photographer · legacy portraits for individuals and brands, and refined event coverage

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Creating portraits · documenting events

Through the power of visual image making, for your business brand and for your personal legacy

“Stani is an artist. I recently hired her for a branding shoot – she came to my home and shot various looks for two hours. She took the time to carefully craft a visual story that spoke to my vision. Stani's dedication, compassion, and empathy for others shows through in the intimacy of her work. On top of it all, she's a great person. I would recommend Stani to anyone.”
— Francesca D.

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What I photograph

Stani, Sacramento photographer, in a wildflower meadow

Hello, I'm Stani

Writing stories with light

An award-winning photographer, artist, mother and adventure seeker with 15+ years of experience in the photo industry.

I'm Stanislava, a Bulgarian native and Sacramento lifestyle portrait and event photographer. My photography journey is like a cross-cultural cocktail – a mix of my classical art education in Bulgaria, a splash of conceptual creativity for visual storytelling from my BFA in Photography in NYC, and a generous dose of my love for the great outdoor adventures.

Beyond the lens, I'm all about living life to the fullest. From flowing through yoga poses and diving into astrology, to getting lost in a book. I love cooking for friends, connecting over deep conversations, and exploring the world to meet new faces and savor new flavors. Today, you'll often find me cheering at swim meets, hiking local trails with my kids, or shopping at local farmers' markets.

More about me
150+Weddings captured in NY and CA since 2009
280+Lifestyle family milestones documented
250+Events shot in New York and California
30+USA states visited

Highlight

Recent favourites

View the portfolio

Family mini session at Killdeer Farms, West Sacramento

Seasonal

Book a mini portrait session

Not sure about investing in a full portrait session? Try the minis – 20 minutes at a beautiful Sacramento-area location, a private online gallery, and images ready for your holiday cards.

See dates & locations
Abstract fine art photograph from Yellowstone National Park

Fine art

Shop my Yellowstone art collection

Unique, meaningful art for your walls that brings the outside world of nature and its abstract elements inside your space. Museum-quality prints from my healing art collections.

Visit the art shop

Where I work

Northern California and a short flight from Sacramento

Based in West Sacramento, California. Sessions and events throughout Sacramento, Davis, Folsom, Roseville and the greater Sacramento region at no extra travel cost; regularly in Lake Tahoe, Napa and Sonoma, the San Francisco Bay Area and the California coast; and available anywhere within a short flight from Sacramento International Airport, including Los Angeles, San Diego, Portland, Seattle, Las Vegas and Phoenix, as well as destination weddings and events nationally and internationally.

Home turf

No travel fee

Sacramento · West Sacramento · Davis · Woodland · Elk Grove · Folsom · Roseville · Rocklin · Granite Bay · El Dorado Hills · Auburn · Penryn · Yolo County · Sacramento County · Placer County · El Dorado County

Regular destinations

Travel added to the quote

Lake Tahoe · South Lake Tahoe · Truckee · Napa Valley · Sonoma · San Francisco Bay Area · Berkeley · Oakland · San Jose · Santa Cruz · Big Sur · Monterey · Carmel · Yosemite National Park · Mammoth Lakes · Mendocino · Cloverdale · Healdsburg · Redding · Chico · Reno

A short flight away

From Sacramento International Airport (SMF)

Los Angeles · San Diego · Santa Barbara · Palm Springs · Las Vegas · Phoenix · Portland · Seattle · Boise · Salt Lake City · Denver · Hawaii · New York City

Ask about your location

Clients

Kind words

“Stani was such a success at my wedding! I got married on 6/17/17 at Mountain House Estate in 100 degree weather, but that didn't stop her from wanting to take the most amazing shots ever and I'm so glad! From the very beginning, Stani was so sweet to work with. She would check in with us often and make it a point to get to know us as a couple. She listens, cares, and caters to each couple to make sure she delivers the finished product they'd hoped for. If you're considering Stani as a photographer, the decision-making process stops here! She's it!”
— Sonia and AlexWedding at Mountain House Estate · Los Angeles, California
“All I can say is WOW!! I hired Stani to take photos of my home for my interior design portfolio and some shots of me for my industry and they turned out amazing!! She is a true artist and really knows how to capture a moment and make it interesting. Love your work Stani!! Thank you for making me look and feel beautiful and for all your gorgeous shots of the house. You are the best!”
— Mary Sullivan, Founder of Green YogiInterior design portfolio · Palm Desert, California
“I cannot say enough amazing things about Stani! She has been photographing our family every year for 7 years. She has a magical way of capturing those special moments when our entire family feels so relaxed that we can really be ourselves and the result is beautiful every time. Stani is wonderful with both young children and larger groups like our big extended family. She consistently chooses beautiful and unique locations that complement our family's style. Thanks to Stani we have beautiful artwork in our home and unique holiday cards every year. I would trust Stani to photograph each and every event for our family, no matter how big or small. Thank you Stani for all the beautiful memories!”
— Nicole DortFamily portraits, 7 years running · Benicia, California

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Journal

From the blog

All stories

Clients

Travel plans

Visiting the West and California? We can still make it work.

I'm on the road a lot. Message me about your photography needs and we'll make it happen. Always open for an outdoor adventure and meeting like-minded people.

Tell me your dates
Joshua Tree National Park

You're ready?

Let's have a chat

If you are looking for real, raw and authentic portrait and event photography captured in a fine art, minimal style — that is me.

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