We recently connected with Seth Stern and have shared our conversation below.

Seth, thanks for joining us, excited to have you contributing your stories and insights. Let’s talk legacy – what sort of legacy do you hope to build?

The mark I hope to leave this world with is of kindness towards others and of absolute dedication to the craft of Photography and Storytelling. And to be extraordinarily prolific.

Seth, love having you share your insights with us. Before we ask you more questions, maybe you can take a moment to introduce yourself to our readers who might have missed our earlier conversations?

Whether serving high-profile clients like BMW or crafting personal projects that capture Western Lifestyle throughout Wyoming, I am committed to delivering compelling and meaningful storytelling through my photography and film work, leaving a lasting impression on audiences. Just recently, while sitting in a McDonald’s in Jackson, Wyoming, and using the free McWifi on day 27 of a month-long project in the Mountain States, a group of black cowboys sauntered in. After becoming friends, they invited me to photograph their 5 am chores. Watching the sun rise over their cowboy hats as they threw saddles over dozens of horses, I felt privileged to contribute to a more inclusive photographic representation of Western Lifestyle. It felt rewarding to depict, with dignity, the individuals often left out of the narrative: the hard-working black Americans serving as wranglers throughout the country. I am driven to create art and tell stories that empower the underdogs. This dedication has led to my nomination as Best New Director at the UK Music Video Awards and collaborations with top labels like Warner Music Group and Interscope, featuring artists such as Mozzy and Hoodie Allen.

Let’s talk about resilience next – do you have a story you can share with us?

There’s been numerous times where I wasn’t sure I was going to make it. Times where you are months and months into just scraping by, eating ramen and PB&J for every meal, and having nightmares about getting an unexpected parking ticket because it would devastate you. What I’ve always leaned on is lessons I’ve learned from Steven Pressfield’s The War of Art. You have to show up to work every day whether you like it or not. By becoming extremely disciplined in my craft, I’ve been able to maintain a consistent upward trajectory and weather tough times. It’s important to remember your life can in fact change overnight. It just takes one email, one text, one call with a new opportunity to change your life. It just might be 10 years of hard work every single day to be prepared and open for that opportunity.

Any resources you can share with us that might be helpful to other creatives?

When I started, I wish I knew about principles of Value Based Pricing taught by Chris Do over at The Futur. I recommend this to every creative. I do not charge hourly. What I bring the to table is based off the value and a results it provides my client. Charging hourly penalizes me for the lifetime I spent learning so I could know how to get it right the first time and get it done quickly.

Contact Info:

• Website: sethstern.com
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/sethmichaelstern/
• Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/sethmichaelstern/
• Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=j9Vga0FSkNY
• Other: https://docs.google.com/presentation/d/1il0AqknnOFx4UJnq9MHnwUa4sO3lmw8IsUYMWMSh9Lc/edit?usp=sharing

Image Credits
All Photos Copyright Seth Stern 2023