Life, Values & Legacy: Our Chat with Staci Reed

We’re looking forward to introducing you to Staci Reed. Check out our conversation below.

Staci, so good to connect and we’re excited to share your story and insights with our audience. There’s a ton to learn from your story, but let’s start with a warm up before we get into the heart of the interview. Who are you learning from right now?
I am currently going through a month-long mentoring session with D’Arcy Benicosa. She’s one of the TOP and BEST wedding photographers in the industry. I can’t wait to see what comes of it.

Can you briefly introduce yourself and share what makes you or your brand unique?
I’m a wedding and editorial photographer obsessed with capturing stories that feel as real as the people in them. Showcasing others’ stories as art is an unbeatable feeling. I’m based along the Southeast but travel often for the right love stories, from unique venues in Atlanta to Savannah’s Spanish moss to dreamy destinations overseas. My approach is a mix of documentary and editorial — I’m there to guide when needed, but mostly to create a space where my couples can simply be themselves. My goal is always the same: to create images that feel effortless, elevated, and deeply personal, while looking your best. Right now, I’m leaning into more destination weddings and creative collaborations that align with my passion for art, architecture, and honest connection. I am currently working on serving my clients for the fall while planning a personal project for a photography installation.

Okay, so here’s a deep one: Who were you before the world told you who you had to be?
Before the world told me who I had to be, I was bold and a little scrappy — a spunky, quirky, social butterfly with big dreams and an endless sense of possibility. That same curiosity and confidence still drive my work today, inspiring me to create imagery that celebrates both beauty and honesty.

What fear has held you back the most in your life?
For me, it’s been the fear of being truly seen — flaws, dreams, and all. There’s vulnerability in putting yourself and your work out into the world, especially when what you create is so personal. That fear has held me back before, but I’m learning that connection happens in those messy, authentic spaces. It’s something I still work through, but so far, I’ve experienced that confidence grows when you take action.

So a lot of these questions go deep, but if you are open to it, we’ve got a few more questions that we’d love to get your take on. What are the biggest lies your industry tells itself?
One of the biggest lies the wedding photography industry tells itself is that success comes from following trends — the next editing style, the next pose, the next viral aesthetic. But weddings aren’t trends; they’re art. They’re a deeply personal expression of someone’s love story, and no two are ever the same.

I believe the real magic happens when we step outside the box and create imagery that’s intentional, sentimental, and true to the couple — not just something that looks good on Pinterest. To me, photography isn’t about chasing perfection; it’s about connection. It’s about slowing down, paying attention, and crafting a personalized experience that celebrates who my couples really are. That’s where the art lives.

Okay, so let’s keep going with one more question that means a lot to us: What do you understand deeply that most people don’t?
I understand that love is layered, imperfect, and beautifully human — and that’s what makes it worth capturing. Weddings aren’t about orchestrating flawless moments (although it’s still important to capture some flawless portraits); they’re about preserving the raw, unpolished parts that make a relationship unique. When couples let go of expectations and embrace the real, that’s when the magic happens. My goal is for my clients’ grandkids to look back and their wedding photos and say, ‘grandad still looks at grandmom the same way’. While the beauty and design create happiness in the present, Emotions and true moments are the images that truly give emotion for a lifetime.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://www.staciaddisonphotography.com
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/staciaddisonreed
• Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/staci-reed-photography/
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/staciaddisonphotography