Today we’d like to introduce you to Steven Flood.
Steven, we appreciate you taking the time to share your story with us today. Where does your story begin?
I started out with photography with the last film photography class offered in high school at the time. I did that for one year and then started to pursue some musical interests I had for a time. I tinkered with go pros and cell phones but never any DSLRs until 2018. I then decided to see what I could do with a better camera and within a month of me picking it up, through sheer luck I was asked to shoot Gasparilla Music Festivals in March of 2018 after just starting to shoot in February 2018. I had approximately 10 years of experience in performing so I think that paired with my eye really helped sell what little portfolio I had to Chauvet Lighting the ones who hired me for that event. After being paid for that, I decided that I might as well start charging everyone else for my work. So, for two years, I did a ton of live music photography with a mix of portraits here and there. Then as we know covid shut down all the events I used to shoot every weekend. At the time, I just had started going to car meets and smaller events that ultimately led to me making relationships with quite a few people in the industry. I spent most of 2020 with my limited automotive experience finding my style for something completely different than what I was used to shooting and not getting paid in that niche at all. At the end of the year, a now good friend of mine and Youtuber Joseph Raiti of Raiti’s Rides started to hire me for his events and has been a client of mine now for almost 3 years. I got asked to shoot at Sebring for PBOC winter fest in early 2021 and that’s where I started my Motorsports style photography. Shooting there and at Florida International Rally and Motorsports predominately. Fast forward to where I sit now. I have covered multiple Drive Florida events, GR Rally events, Festivals of Speed, Exotic’s on Las Olas, Nitro Rally Cross, Formula Drift, Gasparilla Music Festival, multiple weddings across the state, events at local colleges, various styles of portraits, and just started a contract with Raiti’s Rides as a fill in a videographer. In that has inspired me to start putting things together for my own Vlog YouTube channel I intend to start this year. I’m currently wrapping up my license for my FAA Part 107 for commercial drone work and also am a member of Professional Photographers of America. I’m officially full-time in my business as of June 2021. It’s been a wild ride and I can’t wait to see what’s next!
We all face challenges, but looking back, would you describe it as a relatively smooth road?
It has had its ups and downs. You have to be conscious of moving at your own pace. Be willing to meet with others and learn from them or even team up with them. It’s easy to believe you have to go at this alone, or maybe you want to, but either choice is wrong. The help, teaching, experience, referrals, and guidance you can receive through the relationships you make will far outweigh your technical skills or how comprehensive your business is. Always be open to critiques without making them personal.
Thanks for sharing that. So, maybe next you can tell us a bit more about your business?
I am running a professional photography small business delivering a premier customer service experience. Specializing in portraiture, event, and motorsports photography. I have been in business full time now for 1 year while I have 4 years of digital photography experience. I strive to deliver a world-class product with true-to-life colors, sharpness, and pop to capture breathtaking photos. My business is able to capture family portraits one day and meet you out at the racetrack the next day. I can help you step by step in the booking process to ensure that your needs are met before the session takes place. We also offer consultation on printed photographs to help you make those tough calls on size and frame style. I deliver a musician and artist perspective on my photography giving me a unique edge in all of my sessions!
Are there any important lessons you’ve learned that you can share with us?
Patience when it comes to literally everything. Try not to get obsessed with numbers and analytics early on. It’s easy to get wrapped up in a loop that just ultimately turns into negative self-talk. Work hard and be true to yourself. The numbers will come with hard work. We all have to start from somewhere. Remember the bigger the goals you set for yourself, the bigger the struggle will be!
Contact Info:
- Website: stevenfloodphotography.com
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/sfloodphoto
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/Sfloodphoto
- Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCgwUhp3bq_7eL1Ujtu5xkvQ
