Meet Sterling Scott: Photographer & Model

We had the good fortune of connecting with Sterling Scott and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Sterling, why did you pursue a creative career?
I chose a creative career because I truly enjoy it. I’m passionate about using my camera. I love being behind the camera as well as in front of it, and having the opportunity to tell stories with that, can truly be eye opening, not only for myself, but for others as well. I’ve mentioned this plenty of times, but I was on track to become a doctor, having graduated college with a science degree, although life had something different in store for me. I believed that the only way to do something worth while in this world, as far as giving back to others, having to be something “physical” or done in some substantial way, but that’s not true at all. Being an artist, a creative, is just as impactful. Bringing awareness to problems in this world, like Gordon Parks (a photographer that truly inspires me), and making people ask questions to promote change to those issues is vital. The same way my creative partner, Louis Carr and I, documenting the events revolved around Black Lives Matter this past summer, that we compiled into a book called ‘I Can’t Breathe,’ was to preserve history, make people ask questions, and ultimately have folks realize that being Black in this country is not a crime.

Let’s talk shop? Tell us more about your career, what can you share with our community?
My art is basically about stories. How can I tell a story about others or about myself and have others relate to those experiences. And these stories can be told with me wielding the camera, or turning the camera on myself to create these images. I think I’m a little bit different than others, because I want. to be fairly raw with the imagery. I don’t want to be like everyone else, and my photos don’t need to be perfect, but they need to be real, they need to make someone feel something. My latest book with, Louis Carr my co-author, ‘I Can’t Breathe,’ does just that. It is a piece of work that I can say I’m most proud of, because it focused on a lot that we saw last year during the protests, but contained images since rallies from 2013 revolved around Trayvon Martin. So this book spans some time, and it’s important to realize that the struggle for the importance of Black life didn’t just take place in 2020 but has been going on for many years. I got to where I am today because of hard work and beating the odds. The road was not easy at all, and I can’t say it’s easy now, but the more you work the more resilient you become and that’s when the breakthroughs happen. Listening and believing in yourself is of the utmost importance, there is any lesson that I can share. People will try to swerve you off the path that you are seeking to be on, and they will not understand, but it’s not for them to tell the road that you should take. Live your own life, and walk your own path. SC Visualz is the brand started between my friend and I. As photographers and creatives, we hope that we can continue to tell stories about our communities, display life in ways that may not have seen before and also throw in a little style, but our way. The path getting there took years and consistent work, and I hope that that climb continues to grow over the years, with more work and faith.

Any places to eat or things to do that you can share with our readers? If they have a friend visiting town, what are some spots they could take them to?
I like this question a lot, but I don’t want to give away my secret spots! There’s so much to do, I’m not even sure where to begin. First, because I love to eat I would take them out to my favorite place food truck in East LA, for some shrimp tacos and ceviche. Cool thing about this spot is that the tacos are deep fried and they give you an entire avocado with fresh salsa. It’s also one of those spots that once you get it, you have to eat it there which makes for a great outing and conversation. Then for after that for desert, I would probably head to Phoenix Bakery in Chinatown for a slice of their famous strawberry cake. Places that are a most see, are of course the beaches! I’m always up and down PCH so there’s some pretty sweet spots that I would take them to. I guess that’s just a brief overview, but I’m a local so I would take them to places that are dear to me and well as dear to this city. Breakfast at the Pantry ! for instance. Who else deserves some credit and recognition?
There are so many people that deserve shoutouts! But one person in particular is my friend, mentor and creative partner Louis Carr. Not only has he been an inspiration to me through the years, my guy has been going through so much this past year due to covid. All praise and glory should go to him, because it’s not just me that he has poured into, but so many others. And he continues to pour into others even when he’s not at his best. I can’t say I know many people out there that are like this man, so I’m humbled and thankful to have him in my life and to be honest I would have never rose to where I am without him. Thank you Louis! I can’t ever repay for the things you have done for me nor the ways you have contributed to my life. My rise is because of you.

Website: scvisualz.com and sterlingscott.me

Instagram: sterlingscott_ and sterlinggold

Image Credits
The photo of me with the flowers on my head was shot by Louis Carr. All other photos I took myself.