Stephanie Batman Photography

My Adopted Family

Over the years, as I've sat behind the lens, I've learned one thing; I've grown to have an adopted family. Not only have I adopted you, but many have adopted me.   I've watched my "family" grow and mature.  I've seen children grow up and move on, I've seen friends grow in their sport and outside of this sport.  Sadly, I've also seen the loss of friends, both young and old.  You are not just my "art subjects", you are my adopted family.  I enjoy capturing your memories.

Our Approach

How It All Started

People ask me, "Who is RJ?" RJ is a rescued Mustang that a friend adopted and moved to her farm with her many horses. I'm not sure what came over me but he touched my heart and in some ways reminds me of me. Among the horses he shared his home with, he is not the most graceful or stunning, but his movement just stirs me. It's strong, bold and fearless. He makes himself be noticed by being himself.

This is why I am inspired. We all have a niche in life. He has his and I have found mine. He helped me to understand that we all have something to offer. Photography has been an on and off interest for me for many years and several years ago, I picked up a camera again and now it goes every where I go.

Horses are a wonderful subject to capture and when you add a human to the mix and the whole story changes. From Dressage to trail riding, roping to barrel racing, the combination of the animal and human is just a photogenic opportunity that I can't pass up.

I get so worked up watching the motion of these wonderful animals through a lens and capturing it to share with others and at the same time, offering something just a little bit different than the standard "event shot".

Deborah Martin, a friend and mentor (RJ's caretaker) has helped every step of the way from offering her farm and horses to shoot thousands of pictures of, being a critic when I needed it, making suggestions that I wouldn't even have though of and for just being there.

This adventure could not take off without my best friend, my husband. He is my biggest supporter and my backbone and said "Go for it. It's time." Our time together has been shortened but when i get home the first question asked is "Did you get some good pictures?"

So enjoy my adventure because I will enjoy capturing yours.

Thanks RJ for my inspiration....

In a very short time I have met a few people that deserve my thanks for their support. Laura Swain for her enthusiasm, Jana Barcus for her thoughts and suggestions and to Kate (Wild-WestWebs) for this wonderful Web site.

Our Story

Are you ready to see your photos?

Check out the albums. I take so many photos at every event that I attend, but not all of those can go on the website for viewing.  I try to pick the best of the grouping, the ones that show personality, the ones that show action, the ones that "speak" to me.

If you are at an event where we have photo viewing set up, be sure to take advantage of this.  This is where you'll see photos that might not ever make it to the online shopping cart.   Write down the image numbers to place an order at a later date, or order at the show.  Your favorite image of that special memory could be waiting for you to view!