Alright – so today we’ve got the honor of introducing you to Steve Satzberg. We think you’ll enjoy our conversation, we’ve shared it below.
Hi Steve, thank you so much for opening up with us about some important, but sometimes personal topics. One that really matters to us is overcoming Imposter Syndrome because we’ve seen how so many people are held back in life because of this and so we’d really appreciate hearing about how you overcame Imposter Syndrome.
I’m not sure I have, or ever will. It’s always a struggle. There are so many talented photographers out there, I sometimes wonder why anyone else would care about my photos. But then someone will say something wonderful and it makes my day. I try to focus on the process, getting better at the things I want to do, and the occasional external goal, but I’d be lying if I said it didn’t matter what other people think of my work.
Thanks, so before we move on maybe you can share a bit more about yourself?
I’m a photographer. I shoot portraits and nature, but I spend most of my time shooting musicians. Last year, I shot several band portraits and more than 70 concerts – everything from local bands in small bars, to Green Day and Bruce Springsteen in baseball stadiums. It’s the most fun I’ve ever had in my life. I like to think that the time I’ve spent onstage as a musician helps me capture the energy of a live show, and sets me apart as a photographer. My goal is to capture a little piece of the magic that makes each musician special, and make you feel like you’re part of the band, rather than just a spectator in the crowd.
There is so much advice out there about all the different skills and qualities folks need to develop in order to succeed in today’s highly competitive environment and often it can feel overwhelming. So, if we had to break it down to just the three that matter most, which three skills or qualities would you focus on?
I guess the 3 things that came together for me were my love for music and photography, an unexpected opportunity to combine them, and the curiosity to take the leap into something unknown. I’ve been a photographer since I was a teenager, and a musician of some sort even longer, but they were hobbies that I never once thought of combining. I had a neighbor, Jeni Parris Brady, who ran the local music site Naptown Music. She was an icon in the Annapolis music scene. She knew I was a photographer, and she asked me to cover the 2019 Frozen Harbor music festival for her because she was sick. I had a blast, and that’s how I got started. Jeni was much sicker than I realized, and she died later that year from an aggressive form of cancer. I give Jeni the credit for seeing something I didn’t, and opening a path for me that I don’t think I would have found on my own. Everyone’s situation is different, but I’d encourage people to try as many different things as they can, and to take as many chances as they are able to. You’ll never really know until you try.
How can folks who want to work with you connect?
I’m always looking for musicians or other artists to work with. I’m also looking for an opportunity to tour. I’d love the chance to capture the entire tour experience, including everything that contributes to the concert experience. Anyone looking for a photographer to help capture the magic of what they do can reach me at [email protected]. My goal is to take great photos of great people making great music.
You can find my latest concert photos at www.instagram.com/big.red.steve/ and more at www.satzbergphotography.com/.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://satzbergphotography.com/
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/big.red.steve/
Image Credits
All photos by big.red.steve for Satzberg Photography, except the photo of me is by Tammy Satzberg.
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