Today we’d like to introduce you to Stephen Bertalan
Hi Stephen, thanks for sharing your story with us. To start, maybe you can tell our readers some of your backstory.
When I was young, my aunt was a wedding photographer, and she would let me play around with her camera whenever I was at her house. But my creative journey really kicked off in 2010 when I was a sophomore at Oviedo High School and my parents got me a little Kodak point-and-shoot digital camera. Honestly, that simple gift changed everything. I was also taking a video production class at the time, so between photography and making videos, I kind of fell into both worlds at the same time.
After high school, I landed my first gig doing video work for the church I grew up in. And during that same time, I got to collaborate with a lot of different creatives around Orlando, between models and musicians. Those early collaborations taught me a ton and helped me figure out what kind of stories I wanted to tell. Then, in 2017, I took a big step and moved to Wisconsin for a job as a lead filmmaker. It was a whole new environment, and stepping into that role really pushed me to grow creatively. I spent five years there, met some amazing people, and learned a lot about what it means to be part of the industry.
By 2022, I felt it was time for a change. I wanted more freedom to explore my own projects, so I decided to go all in on freelance work. It was a big leap, but it felt right. In 2023, I moved back to Florida and started reconnecting with the creative community here in Orlando. I’ve been lucky to partner with some incredible agencies since then, and it’s been a really rewarding experience.
Looking back, I’ve realized that success in this industry isn’t just about being good at what you do. It’s about meeting people, building relationships, and being part of a community. That’s what keeps me going—telling stories and connecting with others through photography and film. It’s been more than a decade now, and I’m still just as excited about what’s next.
We all face challenges, but looking back would you describe it as a relatively smooth road?
I don’t think any road in the creative world is ever truly smooth. This industry is built on the things we make, and as artists, we’re constantly putting pieces of ourselves out there to be seen—and inevitably judged. That can be both exhilarating and terrifying.
One of the biggest struggles I’ve faced along the way has been networking. As an introvert, putting myself out there in social situations doesn’t come naturally. I’ve had to push myself to step outside of my comfort zone to build genuine connections. It’s something I’m still working on, but I’ve realized that the best relationships are built on authenticity, not forcing myself to be someone I’m not.
Another challenge has been avoiding comparison traps, which is probably something a lot of creatives can relate to. It’s so easy to scroll through social media and see what other people are doing—whether it’s their style, their client list, or their success—and suddenly start questioning your own work. That constant comparison can be paralyzing if you let it.
What’s helped me navigate those struggles is learning to tune out the noise and focus on creating work that feels true to me. I’ve found that I have the most success—and the most fun—when I’m making something that I genuinely like and feel proud of, rather than trying to follow trends or blend in with what’s already out there. Staying grounded in that mindset has made a difference.
As you know, we’re big fans of you and your work. For our readers who might not be as familiar what can you tell them about what you do?
I’m a freelance photographer and filmmaker, but I tend to wear a lot of hats on set. I’ll shoot whatever is needed, but I’m also happy to pitch in with behind-the-scenes photos or even help set up gear. Most of my work comes from agencies, where I’m either out filming or photographing whatever they assign to me.
I also do a fair bit of video editing, whether it’s at home or on location, and I’ve got a reputation for being a pretty fast editor. When it comes to photography, people tend to know me for my lighting, especially when it comes to portraits.
I’d say what I’m most proud of is the variety of projects I’ve been able to work on—whether it’s small shoots or bigger commercial gigs, I get to keep pushing myself creatively. And what sets me apart from others? I think it’s really all about perspective. We all have the same tools, but the way we see and interpret the world around us is what makes each of us unique. That’s what I think people connect with in the end.
Do you have any advice for those looking to network or find a mentor?
My advice for finding a mentor and networking is simple—don’t be afraid to reach out. If there’s someone whose work you admire or someone you want to collaborate with, message them. It might feel intimidating, but the worst thing they can do is not respond. I’ve found that the best connections happen when you take the initiative.
Shake as many hands as possible, figuratively and literally. Just meet people in your community—because you never know what door could open from one conversation. Networking isn’t about having a set agenda; it’s about building relationships, learning from others, and being open to opportunities that come your way. Even if a connection doesn’t lead to immediate work, it can still open doors down the line. Keep your network diverse and genuine.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://wearegoodhuman.com
- Instagram: https://instagram.com/stephenberty
