Rising Stars: Meet Steven Mena of High Desert (Victor Valley)

Today we’d like to introduce you to Steven Mena

Hi Steven, please kick things off for us with an introduction to yourself and your story.
Art has always been my true calling. I thrive on the ability to create something from nothing, whether through writing and rapping—once a cherished hobby—or capturing breathtaking sunsets and stunning portraits. Whenever I hold my camera, all my anxiety and stress melt away; it’s as though I’ve discovered my genuine passion. To refine my skills, I enrolled in a photography class, where I learned about my camera’s intricacies, composition, and lighting. I took the leap to start my photography business during the challenging times of the COVID pandemic. My very first client was a friend who asked me to photograph her intimate wedding. Although it was a small event, it felt like being thrown into the deep end, and from there, word of mouth propelled my journey. I’ve since received numerous requests from friends and acquaintances for weddings and quinceañeras. Today, I primarily specialize in shooting weddings, quinceañeras, and portraits. As my business has grown, I’ve begun to hire additional photographers and videographers to assist with larger weddings. I’m continuously learning and evolving in my craft, and while I’m not yet where I envision myself, I am committed to the journey ahead without any intention of stopping.

I’m sure it wasn’t obstacle-free, but would you say the journey has been fairly smooth so far?
Starting a business is much like building anything else—it’s filled with challenges that extend far beyond just taking pictures. I’m discovering something new nearly every day, whether it’s marketing myself, managing client relationships, hiring contract workers, or navigating budgeting and contracts. Despite the hurdles, I find the process to be quite smooth, largely thanks to the positive community of people I surround myself with. I’m fortunate to connect with fellow photographers, videographers, and other business-minded individuals, as well as supportive friends. The photographers I’ve met on this journey have been incredibly generous with their time and knowledge; we view each other not as competition, but as collaborators. We uplift one another, helping each other with shoots and sharing insights on business strategies, which has made this experience all the more rewarding.

Alright, so let’s switch gears a bit and talk business. What should we know about your work?
As a photographer specializing in events, I primarily focus on weddings and Quinceañeras. Many of my clients are aware of my extensive experience with Quinceañeras, but what truly sets me apart is my passion for capturing weddings. While weddings are filled with joy, they often come with their own set of stresses and chaos behind the scenes. I thrive under that pressure, ensuring that I capture every important moment that couples want for their special day. Some of the work I’m most proud of, however, goes beyond the people. I find great fulfillment in photographing the beauty of nature and its stunning landscapes, creating images that evoke emotion and tell a story without a single person in the frame.

How can people work with you, collaborate with you or support you?
You can easily reach me on Instagram at @momentstostill, where I personally respond to every message I receive. I’m always open to collaboration and love brainstorming ideas for photoshoots with both models and fellow photographers. Support can take many forms, whether it’s a follow, a like on a post to help with the algorithm, or sharing my information with someone in need of a photographer. Every bit of support makes a difference!

Contact Info:

• Website: https://momentstostill.com
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/momentstostill/

Image Credits
MomentsToStill.com
Steven Mena