Meet Stephen Lewis | Photographer & Filmmaker

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

Hi Stephen, why did you decide to pursue a creative path?
When I got really serious about my career I asked myself, “What do I want to do with my time on Earth?” I realized that what I wanted more than anything else was to work as a professional image maker… I can’t think of a cooler job than being able to express thoughts, feelings and emotions or represent people, places and things through the visual language of light and color. That passion is what drives me and keeps me striving year after year.

Let’s talk shop? Tell us more about your career, what can you share with our community?
I’m a commercial photographer and filmmaker. My specialties are product, food and lifestyle. I love the craft of photography and filmmaking more than anything. Client’s come to me with a new product or service and I get to tell their brand story through light, color, styling and art direction. What sets me apart from others is my fun and laid-back personality coupled with a drive for excellence and client satisfaction… I take my job seriously but in my experience, the more we enjoy our work the better the results will be. I got to where I am professionally through hard work and a bit of luck! I spent years developing my skills both artistically and professionally. It was definitely not easy! We all hit roadblocks and setbacks and I am no exception. It took a long time to market myself through work of mouth, Google SEO, portfolio reviews, collaborations with other creatives and sending spec work out to agencies and dream clients. I still experience slow periods when I have little to no work so I use that time to explore new creative possibilities and sharpen my skills. I am still a work in progress as is my business and that’s an exciting thing!

If you had a friend visiting you, what are some of the local spots you’d want to take them around to?
My three favorite areas are the Santa Monica Mountains, the historic movie studios of Hollywood/Burbank/Culver City and the beaches of Malibu. We might start with a 2 day cycling trip up into Santa Monica mountains and explore the amazing views and road bike climbs like Latigo Canyon and Mulholland or Deer Creek.

I seriously geek out over old Hollywood trivia so I’d encourage my buddy to join me for a some studio tours at Warner Bros. Studios, Universal Studios and Paramount Studios. Maybe even drive around to some famous filming locations!

Lastly, I would end the week with visits to El Matador and Zuma state beaches in Malibu. Gotta love that dreamy golden hour sunlight for taking Instagram beach photos!

Who else deserves some credit and recognition?
I have to recognize my parents. They have been so supportive and patient with me through my career. I’m so grateful for this privilege because I know many don’t have the luxury of family support when going into a tumultuous and volatile career like the arts. Their encouragement and advice during the building of my photography business kept me going when times were tough. If you decide to become a photographer what you’re really saying is “I want to be an entrepreneur and a business owner.” My parents have owned their own business for 35 years so having them as a resource for business advice was a boon!

Website: www.slpictures.com

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/stephenlewisphoto/

Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/stephen-lewis-938798161/