Bay Area Photographer

Bay Area Photographer My name is Hope Knudson! I’m a photographer in Palo Alto, CA shooting natural light and smiles! Hi there! My name is Hope Knudson Stephensen.

I am a native to Virginia but I have been in Utah living it up as a student at Brigham Young University. It has been almost four years since I left the rolling green hills and sticky humidity. Another 4 years went by and I again traded scenery. I have moved to the Bay Area and am looking to continue my photography. I fell in love with photography when I was in my tweenies. I took out my parents ol

d Nikon and went crazy for a summer. My friends have more pictures of them going through puberty than they will ever need. I took every chance to go location scouting and even started my little business pretty early on. Friends at school asked for mini sessions and people in my congregation asked for family sessions. It was a great gig in high school because it helped me grow so much and enabled me to invest in myself. Ever since, I have been doing all sorts of photography in all sorts of places. I am a natural light photographer. I love couples, families, babies and baby bumps. I strive to capture the real and effortless chemistry you have with your loved ones. I use an array of poses to get the money shots and prompts to take you out of your head and put you into the connection you have with those around you. My goal is to make you as comfortable as possible and to capture the moments you will want forever. Let's get together and document your life in the most beautiful way.

Kendelle & Chad have been my good friends for years. Last week we went to the beach together and woke up one morning for...
09/02/2026

Kendelle & Chad have been my good friends for years. Last week we went to the beach together and woke up one morning for some sweet portraits on the beach and in the dunes.

As a photographer, when friends are in front of the camera you can be more laid back, funnier & directive. Buuuuuuttttttt I feel like all my clients are my friends!! We’re chillin, laughing and chatting our way through the session. I’m not holding back giving you pointers like where to put your hands or when to stand up straighter. I’m your wing woman!!

That’s what I want our sessions to feel like. Couples, weddings, families, seniors - all of them. You’re hanging out with a good friend who has a camera in their hand. ☝️✨

I love doing this because everyone loves a Photo Booth! It is also a fun break from the more romantic and formal photos...
07/07/2026

I love doing this because everyone loves a Photo Booth! It is also a fun break from the more romantic and formal photos. The count down gets them a little chaotic and the poses turn out so creative and fun. 🤪

07/06/2026

We don’t have the official photos yet, but I’m so excited to see what Taylor and Travis‘s wedding looked like and how we will see those trends impact the broader wedding culture. This is what I’m thinking from the sneak peaks we’ve seen so far!!

07/06/2026

Thoughts on Taylor Swift & Travis Kelce’s wedding before the official photos drop. What other trends do you think will come from this royal wedding?

06/27/2026

Love this advice 📸🫶

06/27/2026

My grandad said this to me unprompted (I’m a photographer). Thought it was so sweet and true, I asked him I could record him saying it and post it! You won’t regret getting family photos and hanging them on your wall. 🫶📸

06/22/2026

Ways to stay cool during summer wedding season! 📸

06/22/2026

Some things that helped me in the heat as a wedding photographer! What did I miss?

The only reason why I am still able to be a photographer after becoming a mother is because of my husband, who is 100000...
06/21/2026

The only reason why I am still able to be a photographer after becoming a mother is because of my husband, who is 100000% supportive and 1000000% in this thing with me. Happy Father’s Day!! ♥️

The best way to cope with 97 degree heat on your wedding day is to drive faster on the side-by-side!! I loved being ther...
06/16/2026

The best way to cope with 97 degree heat on your wedding day is to drive faster on the side-by-side!!

I loved being there for Evelin and Max’s beautiful and bright day in El Dorado Hills. The energy was so peaceful, yet full of excitement and celebration.

My favorite part was the side-by-side rides on the trails up to the most gorgeous views. We caught the last bit of sunset after toasts & dinners and twirled & danced around with happiness. ☀️🌸🌼

Address

Palo Alto, CA
94305

Telephone

(703) 507-1637

Website

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