Love through a camera lens

Sunnie Stainback is a senior majoring in graphic design who has applied her talents in internships with the College of Arts + Architecture and 110 North The Creative Agency. She is a passionate content creator who has expanded her craft to include engagement/wedding photography and videography. What started with impromptu requests from friends and family members has now grown into a full-blown side-hustle, capturing couples’ most precious moments.

What is it like capturing love through a camera lens?

It’s a beautiful thing. Every couple is so different and they each have a unique story. The point of capturing that moment is not to manipulate it in a way that’s not true to them. The goal, as the photographer, is to see how they are as a couple and work with them to accurately portray their story.

Tell us about the first time you took engagement photos.

One of my first friends in college asked me to take her engagement photos at Freedom Park in Charlotte. That day it was pouring down rain so I had another friend holding an umbrella over me as we set up in a pavilion in the park. We had to hide behind a tree as they walked together and when they got within my sight I started taking photos. It was really sweet and crazy because it was my first time shooting in the rain and I had to perfectly capture him going down on one knee.

Tell us about your wedding videography experience.

My first experience was for my brother-in-law’s sister’s wedding. She originally wanted me to take videos on my phone for social media. I suggested I make a longer cinematic recap of the wedding instead and she agreed. There weren’t a lot of expectations for the video and I was working with an older camera. But I had so much fun.

Honestly, I would say there’s less pressure taking videos of a wedding because the photographer leads a lot of the time. As the videographer, I followed the photographer around and stepped in during special moments. I got one shot of the bridal party interacting that the photographer may not have wanted because it was a moving shot.

What type of feedback have you received from happy couples after they saw your work?

One couple told me that they sat down with their family in their living room and put the video I made on the TV. Everyone was crying and emotional because they didn’t know I was there capturing their first dance or their interactions with parents, friends and family. Most couples say they kind of blacked out in certain moments of their wedding, so to have a video to watch is very special for them and really encouraging to me.

Do you feel pressure to capture the perfect moment?

There can be some pressure, especially in making sure the equipment is working correctly. There is also a little bit of pressure in the moment because you can’t get the moment back. But I think my confidence has grown with experience.

How have you grown as a photographer at UNC Charlotte?

UNC Charlotte has helped me grow by presenting different opportunities to take photos and videos. I got the chance to take photos at college events and performances. It’s also allowed me to connect with people which has made my photography more personal.

What’s next for you?

I decided that I really love this and want to start to grow in my talents. I upgraded my equipment over the holidays, and have an Instagram photography page that I want to leverage as more of a business opportunity. I created this New Year’s package where I did half off wedding photography and videography for 2025-26 brides and it ran the whole month of January. A lot of people around my age are getting married, they want the moment captured and they like good deals. Plus, I’m new to this so it didn’t make sense to charge crazy prices. I wound up booking four weddings in May!