Local StoriesJanuary 21, 2022

Conversations with Patrick Steele

Local Stories

Today we’d like to introduce you to Patrick Steele.

Hi Patrick, it’s an honor to have you on the platform. Thanks for taking the time to share your story with us – to start maybe you can share some of your backstories with our readers?
I think for me it started when I was young. I’d had always loved to create and it was something that came more naturally to me than most things. I finally decided to pick up a camera in 2015 more seriously as a more hands-on creative release.

I’d had always enjoyed writing and playing music but felt that wasn’t enough because I’d had always enjoyed art and what better art is there than the capturing of life through a lens. It is a moment frozen in time, groundbreaking in all rights. So I begin picking up where I left off years ago.

I had been an amateur photographer since my teen years snapping shots of wildlife scenery and my two dogs Jack and Socs. Now, however, I really wanted to learn so I took it extremely seriously.

I spent the better part of a year and a half getting as much photography experience as I could and I found out weddings are hard but photography is something truly special. After years of weddings and events, I moved on to fashion photography where I have been primarily since.

I’m sure you wouldn’t say it’s been obstacle-free, but so far would you say the journey has been a fairly smooth road?
It hasn’t been a smooth road but anything worthwhile in life rarely is. Like all industries, the photography/video industry is quickly becoming oversaturated in its ease of entry. Which makes for a tough competitive market. Each photographer is vying for the same clients you are so it can be a little tough.

Also, being a full-time photographer is just more than about being behind the camera it’s hours behind the computer learning, learning, and more learning. Some days you’ll find yourself editing all day just to meet a project deadline, others you’ll spend hours learning a new photoshop or video editing skill.

Then last maintain your budget and expenses. If you aren’t balanced it can become stressful.

Appreciate you sharing that. What else should we know about what you do?
For my day job, I’m a Scientist. I know it’s a big leap from photography to science but the science field has some of the most interesting diverse people you’d ever meet. I would say what I’m most proud about is life. Growing up in the deep south of Mississippi, I got to enjoy living a simple country life.

Now, we didn’t have too much but we had a family. I was able to run outside and play until the sun went down and I was able to look up at the stars at night and let my imagination take me away. As you grow older, you begin to get far removed from those simple things with the bustle of life. After years I learned to appreciate simple things.

I feel like what sets me apart from others is my ability to see both sides of a situation. I rarely take sides and understand that most of life is one big gray zone. If you truly want to understand someone see it from their point of view and meet them in the middle.

Any advice for finding a mentor or networking in general?
I think mentors can be found pretty easily there are several meetups and local photographers that are more than willing to give advice and help out. I found my first mentor on Craigslist of all places. He was the one that introduced me to wedding photography and showed me how to properly use my camera as a tool and not a hobby.

As far networking it’s an ever-growing process the best advice I would say is to talk to people in the field and local business. Also, good marketing. Never underestimate the value of a post or display of your art. One of the best pieces of advice I can give any creative is to show your work.

Even if you don’t like talking your art can fill space no words can.

Pricing: