Today we’d like to introduce you to Steve Anderson.
Hi Steve, thanks for sharing your story with us. To start, maybe you can tell our readers some of your backstory.
It started at the Brooks Institute of Photography in Santa Barbara around 1982. I’m fascinated by science and art, photography was a smash-up of both in my studies of what was called industrial photography at the time. I was taught techniques using infrared, ultraviolet, cross-polarization, schlieren, kirlian, and photo microscopy… you get the idea. It really triggered my curiosity, more importantly it gave me the confidence to do things I had never done. When clients asked if I could do something, I always said yes, then figured it out before shoot day. I assisted some very talented LA photographers before breaking out on my own. I’m glad I did; building a successful business is more than making good light. Business is art and working alongside of more established artists gave me the education Brooks didn’t. I’ve worked hard at my craft, and I’m grateful to be working for 30+ years. I began my commercial work shooting almost exclusively 8×10 films for food and product clients. I never considered myself a specialist, and having a broad skill set helped me build a career and deep client base. I embraced digital early on, the medium has allowed me to explore and do more than ever before, and I’ve never looked back. I don’t miss films, except for one. Polaroid. The original emulsions were beautiful and truly gave you a one-of-a-kind piece of art.
I’m sure it wasn’t obstacle-free, but would you say the journey has been fairly smooth so far?
Smooth road? Hell no! Man, I remember breaking down one day in my “garage studio” with too many bills, a family, and no jobs thinking I should back to stacking oranges at the market like I had done while in school. I called my brother-in-law who was an independent contractor because he knew the struggle. He talked me off the ledge. I put down the phone with him, and it rang: a call for a shoot! That client has still been with me to this day.
Alright, so let’s switch gears a bit and talk business. What should we know?
I’ve shot everything. Ok, not sunken ships at 300 meters, but I’ve shot so many different assignments that I’ve developed unique perspectives toward the creative process. Maybe thought of as cross-pollinating one genera style into another.
Teaching everything I’ve ever learned makes me happy…
I started teaching several years ago and became a Canon certified master educator teaching over 20 different workshops. Today, I spend more time teaching others than I do shooting. I have a one-on-one consulting business where I help artists break through a wall or clear a hurdle that is slowing their growth. It has been everything from a bid with a new client to marketing strategies and portfolio development.
It’s very satisfying when looking back at all that I’ve done, always wondering if I should have specialized, I’m happy I didn’t.
I’m more proud of helping others and to see them find success, than I am of any one moment in my own career.
The crisis has affected us all in different ways. How has it affected you and any important lessons or epiphanies you can share with us?
This too will pass. You can’t forsee everything, but you really should be ready to flex and bend when the time comes. I had friends that resisted the digital camera and they suffered. Embrace change; it’s the only thing you can count on. I remember being really impressed at some of the creative adaptations and solutions I saw on Instagram posts.
Contact Info:
- Website: www.SteveAndersonPhotography.com
- Instagram: @steveandersonart
