We recently connected with Steven James Matthews and have shared our conversation below.
Hi Steven James, 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.
The more I became experienced and confident in myself as an artist and what I have to offer the world, the more my imposter syndrome went away. The more I stay true to what I love and what makes me feel fulfilled, the less of an imposter I feel. The more I commit to who I am and stick to my goals, while make decisions that benefit my long term happiness—the more I develop a love and respect for myself that allows me to walk into a room with confidence in what I bring to the table.
I practice mindfulness and meditation which helps me connect with the source of who I am and without plugging in through meditation, I would not be where I am today. My motto is: “Do your best, and trust the rest.”
Thanks for sharing that. So, before we get any further into our conversation, can you tell our readers a bit about yourself and what you’re working on?
I am a photographer and creative artist based in West Hollywood and I do everything from headshots/portraits, to some of the biggest events in LA! I have a home studio that I work out of and I partner with different clothing brands and models for product marketing campaigns. I also work with models and influencers by providing them with new creative content for their socials. I have an upcoming project with WAYNE underwear as well as TigerXhorse clothing for their new marketing campaigns and I am very excited for you all to see the final product!
You may recognize me as from being out and about as @StevenOnTheScene photographing many iconic events around LA including EVITA, WeHo Pride OutLoud Festival, Summer Tramp, HUMP, Daddy Issues, and many more! I absolutely love working particularly with local queer bars and party promoters helping elevate their visuals through my photography. I have a sincere passion for uplifting the queer nightlife experience through my work as a photographer. Queer spaces are sacred safe havens and these spaces have given me a place to fully be myself and connect with my community. When I was a young gay in Orlando, Florida I would sneak out of my window and my friend would drive us to Parliament House or Pulse where I could be free and explore all of who I am and meet other people like me. Queer spaces allowed me to feel a real sense of community and I cherish them with all my heart.
The horrific massacre at Pulse was an absolute nightmare to the Orlando queer community and to the whole world. Every single day of my life I live for those 49 angels whose lives were stolen. I was there 3-4 nights a week as a regular–Pulse was a second home to so many of us. The reason I do what I do is for them, for us as a collective. I want the world to see us in the best light possible. I cherish every moment I get to be celebrate queer joy and attempt to capture it with my camera so that I can show the world how gorgeous and powerful we are when we come together as a community.
Looking back, what do you think were the three qualities, skills, or areas of knowledge that were most impactful in your journey? What advice do you have for folks who are early in their journey in terms of how they can best develop or improve on these?
My relationship with my inner child has been the main thing that has helped navigate my journey. Me looking back at what I loved to do with my time as a kid and finding ways to honor that is what has led me here and will continue to guide me.
When I was a kid I would create and build stages/set in my family dining room to the point where my parents just let me fully take over the dinning room that they never used and have it be my stage. I would have friends over after school and we would create shows and I was all about directing it through stage lighting, music, backdrops, etc. My imagination ran free and I just felt like I could create anything I wanted and it was so thrilling. My father loved photography and always had cameras around so I would always love taking photos or videos of my friends and I in these environments that I created with them!
I suppose this doesn’t exactly answer the question as far as pinpointing 3 qualities or skills, but I simply cannot do so.
I have done a lot of work re-connecting with my inner child through meditation, mindfulness, journaling, activities, and that connection is 100% what has led me back to my creative journey and kept me on the right path. Do what your inner child would want to do. Tell that inner child that they are safe,that we are adults now and we can do anything we want to express our creativity. The world is at our fingertips, we just need to be bold enough to start somewhere and continue to learn, and evolve through experience.
Okay, so before we go we always love to ask if you are looking for folks to partner or collaborate with?
I am excited to collaborate with anyone out there who wants to enhance the visuals they put out into the world. Whether it be for themselves or for their business — I will work with you on putting out the best possible visuals that align with you/your brand’s journey and public presence. I will ask you about your goals and get a feel for the aesthetic you want to put out there, then I will help you amplify your ideas and make them a reality that exceeds your original expectations. You can reach out to me via email [email protected], or DM me on instagram @StevenJamesPhotos, or for events @StevenOnTheScene
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.stevenjamesstudios.com
- Instagram: @stevenjamesphotos
- Other: My event photo Instagram is @StevenOnTheScene
