Hi! I'm Mikki!
Born & Raised Nebraskan. DOG MOM. NATURE LOVER. WIFE TO THE CUTEST HUSBAND. Photographer.
I'm Mikaela Stephenson , the face and heart behind Tripods & Tails Photography in Southwest Nebraska. My friends call me Mikki, and you can feel free to do the same! I am a lover of dogs, family, lists, and the great outdoors! My husband (Tristan) and I live in Grant, NE where he teaches Art. I love running with my dogs, hiking forgotten trails, and pouring into color-coded planners. Above all, I love getting to authentically know other people. The name Tripods & Tails was inspired by our rescue tripawd (three-legged) pup and her zest for life despite having only three legs. I specialize in family and senior photography with dogs (as well as other pets) in Southwest Nebraska and the surrounding areas. My official business venture began in November 2020, but my journey with photography started well before.
After being incorrectly diagnosed with Non-Hodgkins Lymphoma three days before my and my husband's first wedding anniversary, I gained a genuine gratitude for the life I have. Suddenly, I started paying more attention to little "in-between" and seemingly unimportant moments of life, and in these moments is where I found the most unexpected beauty. I never set out to become a photographer, but I am a firm believer that the best things in life aren't planned. Those in-between, candid moments are the moments I strive to capture for clients and reflect through my work.
Publications
Happy Clients
Dogs
Photographed
Year Founded
13
200+
70+
2020
- Pretty sure she is half frog (she always lays on the floor with her legs out like frog legs)
- The newest rescue dog member of the family adopted in May 2021
- Professional snuggle bug
- Smallest dog of the bunch
- Doesn't like being alone
- Favorite hobby is napping
- Rescued from the ditch with a broken leg (and now only has three)
- Takes up more space in bed than a normal human
- Official watch dog
- Gorgeous, strong-willed pup
Lab/Pit/Chow-Chow/Border Collie
- Will never turn down a run or a game of fetch
- Thinks naps are bad
- Loves doing tricks, watching tv, and refereeing
while other dogs play
- Protects the house from squirrels
- Can basically hold a conversation with humans
Border Collie/Blue Heeler
Pitbull/Boxer
The Stephenson Pups
Something I shouldn't be allowed to do
Open cereal bags because I tear them wide open every. single. time
favorite food
Bacon cheeseburger pizza from In & Out in Grant!!
Favorite Series
Avatar the Last Airbender or Brooklyn 99
My unpopular opinion
Staying in is wayyy better than going out
Things I love
Dogs
People who love dogs
Videos of dogs & cute rescue stories
Lavender lemonade
Making lists
A Clean House
Books I Recommend
Unbroken - Laura Hillenbrand
The Book Thief - Markus Zusak
A Dog's Purpose - W. Bruce Cameron
(I cried in an airplane, my bath tub, and in the car reading this one)
Just for Fun
After being incorrectly diagnosed with lymphoma in 2019, three days before our first wedding anniversary, I realized how fragile life can be and how quickly things can change. I've spent the last few years realizing how special every single moment and emotion (both good and bad) are and capturing those moments for people like YOU.
I am married to the most HANDSOME man on the east (and west) side of the rockies. My husband is an art teacher and artist who specializes in painting and other artistic services. We met in high school and have been together eight years! He continues to inspire me to be more creative and be a better person. I'm obsessed with him, and he shows up frequently in stories on Instagram. <3
It won't take you getting to know me long before you realize that I am also totally OBSESSED with my pups. The photos of my dogs out number all other photos on my phone COMBINED!!! Our sweet pups, Nova, Scotia, & Kacy are the inspiration for the name of my business! If you work with me long enough, they're sure to become acquaintances. :)
Dog Mom
Wife
My Why
More About Me
What I'm Working With
Camera & Lenses:
Nikon z5 & Nikon z6ii
Nikkor 24-70mm f2.8
Nikkor 50mm f1.8
Nikkor 30mm f1.8
Editing:
16 inch MacBook Pro
Apple Mouse
-Larissa
"Mikki took such good care of our sweet little girl during her newborn photos! She was only 3 days old during her session and Mikki so meticulously captured the beauty of those special newborn days that fly by so quickly. Our baby girl is already growing up so fast which makes me forever grateful for Mikki's ability to capture every little detail from her tiny fingernails to her short little toes. This session was the best way to freeze time just for a moment. Now we can always look back and be reminded of those first few days with our first baby that forever changed our world. It will never be the same again, but in such a wonderful way!
"
"I can’t recommend Tripods & Tails enough! My husband and I had such a fun session with Mikki - we felt so relaxed and comfortable the entire time, resulting in beautiful candid photos! (I usually do not love photos of myself, but these are definitely going to be printed!!) I LOVED the dress I borrowed from Mikki’s gorgeous client closet! She is creative & suggested prompts that had us all laughing so hard, creating natural smiles! Tripods & Tails is professional & dependable yet down to earth and caring, doing whatever it takes to create photos you’ll love forever. Mikki is the absolute best photographer and we can’t thank her enough for these photos we will cherish for a lifetime.
-Sophia & Levi
"
"Mikaela Stephenson is the type of photographer that makes everything out of nothing. She is a master of the camera. She didn’t just want the perfect shot, she wanted the perfect session. And she made it happen.
You will start your session with your photographer, Mikaela, and end it with your friend, Mikki. Mikki is intelligent, kind, energetic, and hard-working. She even consulted with our outfit choices. She loves being outdoors, and is always able to catch “golden hour” just right. We couldn’t have found a better photographer or friend for our family photos! We are so grateful for the memories she has provided us with, and are looking forward to having her continue to take our family pictures for the years to come.
-Kara
"
"Mikki goes above and beyond. She took my husband and I’s engagement and wedding pictures. She helped me get my wedding dress pinned up when the bustle broke. She also helped us create our wedding timeline and find the perfect location to take our pictures. She is so responsive, easy to work with, and FUN. She made us feel so comfortable in our own skin. Mikki had lots of fun prompts that created genuine smiles and laughs. We had the best experience and received the most beautiful pictures. We will definitely be booking more sessions with her!
- Kaley & Jace
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