Today we’d like to introduce you to Grant Maxfield
Hi Grant, we’re thrilled to have a chance to learn your story today. So, before we get into specifics, maybe you can briefly walk us through how you got to where you are today?
My photography journey began at 13 when my mother traded her gold jewelry for a DSLR camera. While she never used it, I secretly began experimenting—staging photoshoots with my sister in our backyard or on nearby farmland. A tripod soon became my companion as I explored self-portraiture, sharing my images on Instagram. As my skills developed, I started photographing friends, gaining greater creative control behind the lens.
At 15, a modeling agency approached me to photograph their models—a pivotal moment in my early career. Despite being too young to drive myself to photoshoots, I immersed myself in portraiture, collaborating with signed models and refining my craft.
During high school and college, I began taking senior and family photos to make extra money. This was an important part of my growth, as it helped me develop a deeper understanding of client relationships and deadlines, while also honing my ability to create compelling portraits in varied settings.
While I paused photography during college to focus on earning a degree in advertising, I later transitioned into the world of creative production, joining advertising agencies where I worked with Fortune 500 clients. These roles allowed me to expand my portfolio, introducing commercial photography to my repertoire and sharpening my ability to merge creativity with strategy.
Recently, I had the opportunity to lead a seltzer campaign as creative director, producer, and photographer. The project involved crafting playful, user-generated-style content tailored for modern platforms, blending storytelling with strategy to create visually compelling work.
Currently, my artistic practice is deeply inspired by nostalgia. I often incorporate warm tones and film grain to evoke emotion, creating images that appear to tell a story. This past summer, much of my work focused on lakes and water—a reflection of my Minnesotan roots. Surrounded by water, I’m captivated by its ability to reflect light and transform a scene.
Today, photography remains central to my life. Whether I’m working on creative projects with models, photographing friends, or capturing brand products, I am constantly driven by the desire to create imagery that resonates and inspires.
Would you say it’s been a smooth road, and if not what are some of the biggest challenges you’ve faced along the way?
The road has been far from smooth, but every challenge has shaped my journey and growth as a photographer. Early on, I struggled with self-doubt, constantly comparing my work to photographers with decades more experience. It left me feeling frustrated and dissatisfied with my progress. It took years to grow out of that mindset and learn to value my unique perspective and process.
After high school, I enrolled at the Minneapolis College of Art and Design, thinking a degree in photography would help me refine my craft. However, after one semester, I realized the cost far outweighed the benefits. I truly believed I didn’t need an expensive degree to pursue photography, so I transferred to the University of Minnesota to study advertising—a degree I saw as a more practical and strategic long-term investment.
During my time at the U, I hit a creative slump. I felt distracted and uninspired, wasn’t making new art, and added little to my portfolio. At the time, I assumed my passion for photography was fading. It wasn’t until after graduation—and following the end of a four-year relationship—that I rediscovered my love for the craft.
My first full-time role as a creative producer marked a turning point. Working with bigger clients, I gained hands-on experience with artificial lighting, explored high-end camera equipment, and expanded into commercial photography. It was an opportunity to refine my technical skills and embrace new challenges, which reignited my passion.
The journey hasn’t been easy, but I’ve learned resilience and the value of trusting my own process. Each obstacle has been a stepping stone, pushing me to grow, adapt, and rediscover my creativity. These experiences have made me a stronger photographer and storyteller.
Alright, so let’s switch gears a bit and talk business. What should we know about your work?
I’m a photographer who focuses on creating images that feel raw, simple, and emotionally resonant. My work often draws on feelings of nostalgia, incorporating storytelling elements that connect with viewers on a deeper level. Lately, I’ve been especially inspired by the lake—spending time photographing its reflections, light, and movement. Being surrounded by Minnesota’s natural beauty has shaped much of my recent work, allowing me to explore how water and light can create mood and atmosphere.
What I’m most proud of is my ability to capture moments that feel honest and timeless. Whether it’s a quiet portrait or the way light dances across the surface of a lake, I aim to create images that tell a story and evoke a sense of connection. For me, photography is about simplicity—distilling a scene down to its most powerful elements and letting those details speak for themselves.
We’d love to hear about any fond memories you have from when you were growing up?
One of my favorite childhood memories takes me back to the weekends spent at the cabin of a family that was like an extension of my own. We lived just two doors down from each other, and our families were inseparable. I often find myself longing for those days before social media and smartphones—when time seemed to move slower, and the world felt a little more connected.
I remember spending entire weekends up north, immersed in nature, where everything felt simpler. We would catch frogs with minnow buckets, their little legs kicking in the water. We’d spend hours water tubing on the lake, the wind in our faces, the sun on our backs, and the water splashing against us. The woods were our playground, and we climbed trees like it was second nature, racing to reach the highest branch. But what stands out most vividly is the quiet peace of fishing off the end of the dock at sunset. There was something so grounding about sitting there, surrounded by the stillness of the lake as the sky turned soft shades of pink and orange.
In those moments, I felt an overwhelming sense of happiness and tranquility, as though the world had paused, just for me. I was surrounded by people I loved, and there was this deep feeling of belonging—like everything in the world was right in that one perfect moment. It’s a memory I’ll always hold close, one that reminds me of the simple joys of childhood, where everything felt more raw and authentic.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://grantmaxfield.com
- Instagram: grant_maxfield
