We caught up with the brilliant and insightful David Steele a few weeks ago and have shared our conversation below.

David, appreciate you joining us today. What do you think Corporate America gets wrong in your industry? Any stories or anecdotes that illustrate why this matters?

Sometimes companies’ projects are only driven by either budget or a set shot list. These constraints can lead to acceptable but very average results. If a project is a collaboration between the creative and the company it can lead to exceptional results. Often times this can still be achieved within a budget. But the point is when hiring a creative for a project, allow some flexibility to achieve interesting results.

Great, appreciate you sharing that with us. Before we ask you to share more of your insights, can you take a moment to introduce yourself and how you got to where you are today to our readers.

I have always been a photographer starting in middle school shooting photos of my friends skateboarding on old school film cameras. My college degree is in Photographic Technology and never really had a plan B. After college I relocated with my future wife to NYC where we resided for 12 years and worked my way up the ranks. My first break in NY was to work for a year as a first assistant to a prominent celebrity photographer. We traveled the country, worked with many famous athletes and celebrities and I learned a more in that 12 months than a college degree. From there I worked as a freelance assistant, digital technician and then moved into shooting for television. I had the opportunity to shoot for all of the major networks, and many cable organizations, and shot on set for years for Rachael Ray, Martha Stewart and Live! with Kelly and Michael. In 2017 I relocated back down to St Augustine Beach to be closer to family and establish a commercial photography business here. My company works with brands such as Mercedes Benz, Paul Davis, and Veritiv and the Jacksonville Symphony. I enjoy collaborating with editorial and advertising clients as well. In general I enjoy working with a team to make great images.

We often hear about learning lessons – but just as important is unlearning lessons. Have you ever had to unlearn a lesson?

Often as a photographer the instinct is to create what pleases us. This doesn’t always work with commercial clients and the lesson I had to learn was that often business is about executing. Which means helping to bring to life the vision of a company, ad agency, magazine etc. I’ve learned the most successful shoots are those where I’m able to meet the vision of the client while being true to my style.

For you, what’s the most rewarding aspect of being a creative?

Working for myself! I’ve worked within organizations in office settings throughout my career and even somewhere really cool like the NBA wasn’t for me. Too many layers to decision making, meetings and many other aspects which didn’t feel productive.

Overall staying organized and motivated are easier when it is for your own company. I don’t take for granted that I have the freedom to spend more time with my family than I would in a 9-5. And that I’m paid to do something that I truly enjoy. Also if the waves are solid and I’m not booked for a shoot I surf a fair amount.

Contact Info:

• Website: www.dsteelephoto.com
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/_dsteelephoto
• Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/dsteelephoto/