Today we’d like to introduce you to Steven Lake.
Steven, please share your story with us. How did you get to where you are today?
I grew up with an amateur photographer for a father, the kind that posed the family every opportunity he could find. Let’s just say my four siblings and I did a lot of eye rolling. He was gifted the photography bug from my German grandmother, who at eight was giving a box camera. She had a terrific eye. I picked up a camera very young, but as did with soccer, piano lessons, gymnastics, etc… it didn’t stick.
After some college and then trying to find myself (i didn’t) for almost two years in Maui I returned to my Malibu and Venice roots, eventually starting a private fitness business that to this day I have been very successful with. This being LALA Land I’ve had the opportunity to work with some extremely talented actors, writers, and behind the scenes people; all artist. This interaction rugged at my creative side, and 15 years ago I picked up a small digital camera for the first time. A canon elf if I recall correctly. I began documenting the lives of my friends in Venice; holidays, birthdays, weddings, baby births, etc. That parlayed into Venice Street photography and eventually landscape.
I came into my style of photography with my surfing and Venice lifestyle work, I am inspired living here everyday. I’ve been pretty blessed to work behind the lenses with some great talent, capturing editorial for national a campaigns and even feature films. But it really is my love for my beach town that continues to motivate me. I think it’s reflected in my fine art pieces. Turning 50 last year, it was clear I needed to scratch my creative itch, While scary to embark on a new direction at this point in my life, I’m glad I did.
Has it been a smooth road?
Falling into my career in fitness was much safer than scratching my creative itch, so in my late twenties I let that practical side distract and take over. Considering myself an artist has always been intimidating to me. The very thought of it still brings up some insecurities. And artists are supposed to starve, struggle to make ends meet, or they get famous after they die. I didn’t want any of that. I’m lucky that I’ve had two incredible careers. I love the fitness business. It has been good to me, opening many doors. And proving me with incredible opportunity and travel. But my creative side finally got the best of me. It is a challenge to keep things fresh when not crafting my fine artwork, and instead shooting commercial; capturing another creatives vision. But I do love the collaborative process. Being able to help bring that vision to life is extremely rewarding.
So let’s switch gears a bit and go into the Steven Lake Photography story. Tell us more about the business.
I consider myself a fine art photographer first and foremost. I love to create photographs images and collages inspired by the town that I’ve lived in and loved for over thirty years. I launched my fine art site early last year after much delay. It has been an awesome experience, and now I even have collectors in Europe. The first time I shipped a piece there was surreal I have my lens aimed at commercial work as well, to balance out my fine artwork. I’ve actually been really lucky in that department; I’ve worked on some rad campaigns and done some fun editorial work for pretty high profile brands. Even films. It’s going to sound cliche when I say that my eye and ability to tell a story through then lens is what sets me apart from others, but I try to bring each subjects story to life. I want viewer to see depth. Even in an ad for a pet brand. There are some pretty incredible photographers out there. I’m inspired constantly with what I see in gallery shows and on Instagram feeds, so I can’t really declare myself any better than those other artists. I’m just stoked to be working among them.
How do you think the industry will change over the next decade?
The advent of smartphones, social media and “influencers” has made everyone a “professional” photography these days. It is really challenging to compete when some of these brands nickel and dime your work. If I could have a buck for every time I was asked to do work for credit, I might just have that sailors life I’ve been coveting. Gratefully I have the ability to turn down jobs most of these offers. Of course if it is a project I really believe in, has a cause, I’m all ears. Another challenge is copyright infringement and the online theft of images. I’ve had to write a couple of nasty letters to people. I hate this part of the business. There is hope through new technologies though. I’ve been approached by some photography sharing startups and participated in some prototypes for new tacking software that will follow the images and show you the money. Fotofy is one I have my eye on.
Contact Info:
- Website: stevenlakephotography.com
- Email: stevenlake@mac.com
- Instagram: stevenlakephoto
Image Credit:
Steven Lake
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