I'm Steffany,
a brand-focused
creative photographer & director
in San Diego, California
As a photographer and creative director, I focus on helping people show up as themselves—confidently, clearly, and authentically. As the co-founder of Merakairos Media and The MK LAB, my work sits at the intersection of creativity, strategy, and connection. I am 110% committed in creating environments where people feel seen and supported enough to step into their next level.
I use a people-first approach to every project, blending visual storytelling with intention so brands can communicate who they truly are, not just what they sell.
Whether I’m behind the camera or shaping the creative vision behind the scenes, I lead with empathy, calm direction, and purpose to build work that is human, grounded, and impactful.
I can't wait to work together!
- Steff
brands I've worked with
the evolution of steffany
"I became the girl with the camera!"
2006-2011
My journey with the camera started with my dad, who is now a retired photographer. As a young girl, I used to tag along with him to events, sporting games, and on-location shoots. I didn’t fully understand it at the time, but I was learning—watching how he moved, how he framed moments, how he interacted with people.
In 2006, he gifted me my first Nikon camera. I took it everywhere. I became that girl—the one who always had a camera in her hand. I fell in love with capturing moments, documenting memories, and seeing the world through a lens.
By sixth grade, in 2007, I pitched the idea for my elementary school’s very first yearbook. I designed it and supplied the photos myself after securing funding to make it happen. Looking back, that was one of my first real creative leadership moments.
Unfortunately, most of those early photos were stored on MySpace and are now lost forever. But even though the files are gone, the foundation they built in me never left.
"Experience became my teacher."
2012-2013
In 2010, my dad handed down his old starter DSLR to me—a Canon 10D. That’s when people started taking me seriously as a photographer. Not because I suddenly became better, but because the camera looked serious. Something about holding a DSLR made people think I had moved out of the minor leagues. The truth? I was still very much learning. That camera felt like a beast, and I barely knew how to tame it.
But perception matters. Family and friends started asking me to photograph their events, family sessions, headshots—anything that needed a “professional.” I said yes to every opportunity. I was hungry. I didn’t go to school for photography. I didn’t have formal training. Experience became my teacher.
In 2011, at 16 years old, I auctioned and sold my first photo for $60. It may not sound like much, but to me, it meant everything. My youth pastor was able to retrieve that original photo in 2025! I keep it as a reminder of what saying 'yes' can do. Even when I didn’t feel ready, the yes-to-the-challenge changed everything.
"I then realized I could pursue this passion of mine..."
2014
In 2014, my dad gifted me a Canon 40D. Around that same time, a friend from my early high school days reached out and asked if I could photograph her to help launch her fitness portfolio. She had been quietly following my journey and trusted me with something that mattered to her. That meant more to me than she probably knew.
That shoot was a turning point. I realized this wasn’t just a hobby people tolerated—it was something people genuinely valued. It was something I could build. Something uniquely mine.
From that point on, I decided to start charging for my work.
In May 2014, I ran a special at $20 an hour to let people know I was officially in business. By June, I was charging $100 an hour for events and $175 for portrait sessions.
I wasn’t just learning anymore—I was building.
The Expansion
2015-2016
In 2015, business was going great! I was still shooting events and family portraits... but it was time for me to expand. My dad gifted me a Canon T2I to shoot video and I added it to my services.
I decided it was time to get in business with local brands and businesses. This was before reels, content marketing, influencer content, and influencer marketing was a thing!
I would approach some businesses, pitch the idea of taking their merch photos and shoot a promotional video for FREE. Because of this, I was able to advertise my collaboration with these known businesses and other paying businesses would approach me to work together.
Burnout & Break
2017-2018
While things were going great in 2016 for my business, I was not doing so great on a personal level. I could not pick up let alone look at a camera and feel joy. Instead, I felt dreaded and grieved. With the weight of 2016 carried into 2017, I stepped away from the camera for a long break.
Instead, I began working with other friends' projects
A New Life
2018
In 2018, I became a mother and welcomed my first child!
Photo, video, and business was nowhere on my radar at this point. My goal was to have a healthy pregnancy, prepare for birthing, and learning what motherhood would entail.
SMACK'N Begins
2019-2023
In June of 2019, my boyfriend (now husband) and I opened SMACK'N Guamanian Grill on Miramar Road and we were very successful amidst the COVID-19 pandemic!
Alongside motherhood, I was working in the restaurant and in charge of branding. Through social media, I learned, tested, and developed SMACK'N's brand.
During this time, I gave birth to my 2nd child, and finally felt ready to return to photography by 2023.
This is when I took and interest in studio photography. I'd rent out local studios to learn how to work with controlled-lighting and sets.
Introducing The MK LAB
2023-2024
During a coffee trip to Jaunt Coffee Roasters located in the Miralani Makers District, my husband and I enquired about a space to open our first studio!
While it wasn't solely dedicated to just my photography business, it became a place where I could freely create and find my eye again.
In 2024, we launched the studio and I welcomed my 3rd daughter! After healing from my 3rd cesarean, I jumped back into working at the studio with my girls!
Our studio hit the ground running immediately working with coaches, consultants, brands and business owners ready to jump in front of the camera. I would shoot product photos for brands and they would record in our podcasting studio.
Soon, we became the #1 podcast studio on Peerspace!
Building Merakairos Media
2025-2026
By 2025, businesses were coming to us to shape their content, oversee their marketing, and build targeted strategies that put them directly in front of their ideal customers... and just like that, Merakairos Media was born.
New Beginnings
2026
2026 is here and we're moving our studio into a new location!
From the very beginning, the mission has always been the same: to create impact using photography as a vehicle to share the stories that often go untold. That hasn't changed for me since I started photography 18 years ago. What has shifted is how I'm choosing to show up this year.
In 2026, I'm being more intentional about who I work with. I say this with an open heart. Over the years I've learned that the most meaningful work happens when there's alignment. When the person on the other side of the camera is just as invested in the outcome as I am.
My "right client" is someone who takes their work seriously. Not in a rigid or hard way, but in the way that is apparent. I pay attention to how they think about their brand, how they talk about their business, how they carry themselves and their image.
They understand that carving out time and energy for this kind of work isn't a luxury, but a necessity. They're not looking for just a photographer but for someone who will see them clearly and help the world see them that way too.
If that sounds like you, I think we'd do beautiful work together!
Sincerely,
Steffany
