My first experiences in photography were back in the late sixties. My brother, my cousin and I would wander around to various locations with our trusty polaroid Land camera and attempt to set up shots in the style of popular album covers.
Some of them actually turned out pretty cool! Since the camera was totally auto, I didn’t learn much in the way of settings or technology, but I did pick up some basic understanding of lighting, camera angle and perspective which would serve me well years later when started to shoot more seriously. After high school, life happened and I drifted away from photography in the day to day struggle to put food on the table and pay the rent.
I learned to play guitar, played in a few bands and started writing. Time passed and I drifted. Enter the computer age. Suddenly I had this “magic box” that I could look into and see a whole new world! Not only could I see it but I could actually touch it and manipulate it. I became a digital artist. A field which I pursued for several years with moderate success.
Then one day I decided to buy a digital camera, thinking it would help me with my artwork. Around that same time I met fellow musician and professional photographer Harry Snowden Who resparked my interest in photography and who has remained my friend and mentor through the ensuing years. It didn’t take me long to become hopleessly addicted.
A few months afterward I received an email from Harry with a picture Of a photographer grabbing a shot. The man must have had close to fifteen cameras hanging on his body. All different types. Different lens configurations. Some had hoods taped on with duct tape.
It was hilarious. As a caption, Harry had written “You. In six months.”The rest is pretty much history. Since then my work has appeared in the Bend Bulletin, the New York times and National Geographic. I carry my camera with me wherever I go and I’m constantly searching for the next “killer shot!”
I am also a working musician and owner of a small web design business in Cave Junction, Oregon. One of my earliest influences was Iain Macmillan. Most famous for his cover shot on the Beatles Abbey Road album.
Other early influences include Gene Anthony and Robert Altman whose work with Rolling Stone magazine left an indelible impression on me and is largely responsible for my fascination with “People Shots.” Ansel Adams’ mastery of black and white imagery “Colors” much of my work and most recently would be Fine Art Photographer and long time personal friend, Harry Snowden.
My ultimate goal is to be recognized as an accomplished fine art photographer. While it is quite common for personal “heros” to be rock stars and being a musician, I certainly have my share of those.
The one artist I would aspire to be compared to. My own “personal hero” if you will. would have to be Ansel Adams. A lofty goal to be sure but my goal none the less. If I’m going to dream I might as well dream big right?
Links:
Blog – http://stephenvantuyl.com/blog
Gallery – http://stephenvantuyl.com
Web Design – http://dawgdigital.com
I can understand why Snowdon likely enjoyed mentoring you, there is a spark in your take on the world both in photography as well as attitude! I do like your Blanc Noir Series, including the push of Dynamic Range: underrated in B&W and very effective when well done!
Great story!
My only feedback is to avoid mixing up catagories, your monotoned images in your black and white set on your website is beautiful, but the guitar pickup somehow jars against your other subjects. A beautiful image, but I found it interrupted my immersion in your other images.
A brilliant portfolio, truly inspiring.
I really like Steve’s pictures. It feels strange commenting on his work, because he is so much more of a mature artist and accomplished photographer. The portraits are pleasantly awkward – that’s coming from a guy who enjoys hanging out with folks like those Steve featured. The subjects are natural and relaxed. Im still struggling with HDR myself, but I like the subtleness that Steve uses in some images. But much like my own, I find the surreal HDR work to be a striking contrast when viewed with other images. It almost needs its own gallery.
I’ll definitely bookmark the site – I enjoy the work of other photographers like this!
-T.C. Geist
I forgot one other comment – when I go to the main gallery – you should have links to your blog and so forth. Sorry in advance if I missed it.
-T
Thank you all for your kind comments and advice. They are very much appreciated.
Rich. I enjoyed your portrait work very much.
Tim. Loved Belly of the Beast! Keep up the good work guys!
Stephen
Nice work Stephen. I especially enjoyed the 2nd picture in the article above. Congratulations on your success, and ALWAYS aim big.
i just checked out your website, fantastic work. i like how you mentioned your equipment and how you dont focus much on the big expensive gear. i’ve always been under the interpetation the more expensive the camera you have the better your photos will be. therefore i never rated my photos to be ‘top notch’ only because my slr was at an entry level range. but judging from your website, it was just refreshing to know you’re not bothered by the range of your gear but the quality of your photo – i thought that was really encouraging. i have the canon 450d with only the 18-55mm lens kit i got with it. hopefully i will have as much success in the future as you do now.
@Chris Horner
Thanks for your comments. I Enjoyed your “Urban Decay” gallery. Add more!
@Paula
Thanks Paula. For any artist there is nothing more gratifying than to be an inspiration for another! I very much appreciate you’re sharing! Congratulations on your profile!
Stephen
Stephen…
Great work, I love the atmosphere that comes across with your photos! Great to see and I hope to see more in the future!
Jony
@Jony Thank you. Much appreciated!
A great story! I laughed at the bit about your friend sending you the pic of the guy with a bunch of cameras around his neck! Love your photography on your website, and especially your use of natural light in the first image here, it’s beautiful! I hope you reach your goal as a fine art photographer. People who aim high, usually reach high!
@Nicky Thanks for the encouragement. It is very much appreciated!
Definitely a great story. Inspiring. Thank you!
Thanks Chelsea. Much appreciated!