Lifestyle and Studio Portrait Photographer in Northern Wisconsin
James Stokes & Co. Photographers is a husband-and-wife studio in Medford, Wisconsin. For fifteen years the studio has photographed weddings across the Midwest. A limited number of lifestyle and studio portrait sessions each season are reserved for families, couples, and the chapters that follow the wedding.
Of Studio, and Estate
Sessions take place in two settings. The natural light studio in Medford, where the weather does not matter and small children have nowhere to run. And the six-acre estate around it, with woods, open ground, and the last hour of light. Many families choose both in a single session: the posed portrait made in the studio first, the outdoor frames made afterward when a little dishevelment reads as life.
Of Families, and Couples
The work leans toward the families we have known since their wedding. Growing families, multi-generational gatherings, maternity, and couples returning years on. Posed groupings are made quickly and early. What follows is unposed, and usually where the best frame comes from.
Senior portraits are photographed under a separate studio at jamesstokesphotography.com.
Of Sessions, and Ordering
Traditional Extended Family and Lifestyle Family Sessions are one hour on location with James, with an online proofing gallery and a print release. A Studio Add-On brings the session into the Medford studio for a second hour, same day or separately. Proofs are delivered to a private gallery; prints, wall pieces, and albums are ordered from it. Availability and session details are on the booking page.
Questions Before Booking
Where is the studio?
W4954 County Road O, Medford, Wisconsin, roughly forty minutes north of Marshfield and an hour west of Wausau. Outdoor portions are made on the six-acre estate surrounding the studio, or on a family's own land by arrangement.
Can a session include both the studio and outdoors?
Yes. Book a Traditional or Lifestyle Family Session and add the Studio Add-On. Studio first, while children are fresh, then outdoors in the last two hours before sunset.
What is the difference between a Traditional and a Lifestyle family session?
Traditional is posed groupings, every combination on record, suited to large and extended families. Lifestyle is the family doing something together while we photograph what happens, suited to young children and smaller families. Both are one hour on location with an online gallery and print release.
What should we wear?
One palette, not one outfit. Three or four colors that sit well together, no large logos or lettering. Solid tones for the studio; natural fabrics and layers outdoors.
What if the weather turns?
Overcast and light rain are fine. Heavy rain, lightning, or high wind reschedule the outdoor portion. A same-day studio portion proceeds as planned.
How are photographs delivered?
Proofs arrive in a private online gallery, typically within two to three weeks. Families select the images to be finished and order prints, wall pieces, and albums from the gallery. Every session includes a print release.
Who photographs the session?
James photographs every lifestyle and studio session. Katie assists on larger groupings.
Serving Medford, Wausau, Marshfield, Stevens Point, Eau Claire, Rhinelander, Minocqua, and the Wisconsin Northwoods. See also engagement sessions and recent sessions on the blog.
