Hello, I’m Stephen!

Owner – Kinstler Photography

Stephen Kinstler as a boy playing as Superman.

700+

Portraits & Weddings

20+

Years of
experience
since 2005

Stephen Kinstler and his wife, Beth, on their wedding day.

Thank you for visiting!

Here’s a little about who I am, where I come from, and why I love telling stories through photography.

I would love to tell your wedding story or family portraits through my lens, so contact me today and let’s begin the journey together.

Contact Me
  • “Stephen was amazing to work with. He captured everything and more for our wedding. As soon as he came on-site, he was ready to work and took control. Our wedding was at night so I was a little worried about how the pictures would come out but he has mastered photography and the photos came out better than I could have imagined. I highly recommend him for your photography needs.”
    Michelle M.
    Virginia Beach, VA

Get to Know Me

My Story as a Virginia Beach Photographer

I was born & raised in Norfolk, VA. I graduated from Norfolk Christian High School and went to James Madison University to get my bachelor’s degree in computer science. I married my wife Beth in July 2003 at the Founders Inn, and I’ve been a wedding & portrait photographer since 2005, when I started my business as “Portrait Photography of Virginia Beach”. We live in Moyock, NC with our three children. Even though I live in Moyock, I still do most of my business in Hampton Roads because that’s where it all started for me and I know the best places to photograph.

We love to have fun and travel, even if it’s just a quick road trip to visit family & friends. I took Beth to Paris & Rome for our ten-year anniversary, and we went to Costa Rica for our twenty-year anniversary – Pura Vida! We’ve gone to Disney World a few times with the kids when they were younger, and being a big fan of Harry Potter, I’ve had my fair share of visits to Universal Orlando. But you’ll find us at Busch Gardens Williamsburg more often than not.

I also enjoy singing and acting in local theater (as time and schedules permit). I played the part of Bert in the musical production of “It’s a Wonderful Life” and really enjoyed being back on the stage in 2024. When I’m not taking pictures of families, couples, seniors, or at a wedding, I enjoy capturing images of all kinds – from flowers to birds, animals and landscapes.

  • Stephen Kinstler and his wife, Beth, on their wedding day.
  • Stephen Kinstler, and his wife Beth, standing on top of the pyramid at Chichen Itza in July 2003.
  • Stephen Kinstler with his three children at Disney World.
  • Stephen Kinstler, and his wife Beth, at Busch Gardens Williamsburg
  • Stephen Kinstler at the Colosseum in Rome, Italy.
  • Stephen Kinstler taking a selfie in the Weddings Mirror at Norfolk Botanical Garden.
  • Stephen Kinstler and his family after a hike in Acadia National Park.
  • Stephen Kinstler, and his wife Beth, standing in front of a lighthouse in Maine.
  • Stephen Kinstler acting as Bert in the musical It's a Wonderful Life.
  • Stephen Kinstler, and his son, at Universal Orlando.
  • Stephen Kinstler dancing as Bert in the musical It's a Wonderful Life.
  • Stephen Kinstler, and his three children, at Universal Orlando near Hogwarts Castle.
  • Stephen Kinstler standing outside Notre Dame in 2013.
  • Stephen Kinstler at the Louve in Paris, France.

Why I Love Photography

I’m a storyteller and I love a good story! That’s what a photographer does after all, isn’t it? Stories define our history and when we’re the star of the story, through photographs, a picture truly becomes worth a thousand words.

20+ Years of Experience

Over the years, I’ve photographed hundreds of weddings and portrait sessions throughout Virginia Beach, Norfolk, Chesapeake, Suffolk, and the surrounding Hampton Roads communities. My work includes wedding photography, family photography, engagement photography, and senior portraits, each approached with the same care and attention to detail. Whether I’m capturing a ceremony in Sandbridge, a family exploring a local park, a couple celebrating their engagement, or a senior expressing their personality, I focus on creating images that feel genuine and meaningful.

My Photography Style

Known for my creative use of light and abstract photography, I enjoy finding unique ways to create wedding photographs and custom portraits that are sure to inspire and bring life, love, and happiness to your memories!

  • Abstract wedding photo of a bride in silhouette at the Founders Inn
  • Abstract photo of the shadow of the Bride and Groom at the Lesner Inn
  • Abstract photo of a senior portrait girl holding a long red veil blowing in the wind
  • norfolk botanical garden wedding covid bride groom romantic embrace
  • Candid moment during the wedding ceremony of the flower girl picking up her petals
  • Abstract engagement portrait with flash burst f/22
  • Groom with groomsmen at the Norfolk Botanical Garden
  • Groom with groomsmen in silhouette with sunburst f/22
  • Silhouette of engaged couple jumping on the beach at sunset
  • Young engaged couple embracing in field of sunflowers
  • Engagement session couple with love sign
  • Sepia tone image of family walking down the beach at First Landing State Park
  • Lovely bride laying on the steps of the Regent University Law Library
  • The Bride's Kiss
  • Detail picture of the wedding rings on a mirror with a yellow rose in the reflection
  • Abstract photo of the wedding rings with book pages wrapped as a heart

What Makes Me Different

virginia beach family portraits two brothers playing together

Creative Lighting

Whether it’s full sun or a dimly lit room, I can manage any lighting situation with proper camera & flash equipment. I use all professional-grade Nikon gear.

Great with Kids

I can impersonate lovable characters like Mickey Mouse, Elmo, Goofy, and more! Kids and adults alike get a big laugh when I tell them how to pose in Mickey’s voice!

Here For You

I don’t have a personal agenda to fill out my portfolio at your wedding or portrait session. I have plenty of great pictures, so I’d rather stay focused on what’s most important to you.