Today we’d like to introduce you to Steve Lunden.
Hi Steve, please kick things off for us with an introduction to yourself and your story.
I have always had a strong passion for photography and no matter where I was, I would snap pictures of something I thought was photo-worthy. Through that passion, I purchased my first DLSR camera, a Canon Rebel XTi, and after a while and various free shoots and building a portfolio, I decided to open SLP. I also had over 20 years of experience in customer service. Providing the best in customer service and going above and beyond in providing a quality product with great service is the experience that I strive for.
It also begins with an idea. When you first think about hiring me I always schedule an initial meeting with any prospective clients to go over what your ideas are. The initial meeting also gives you and me a chance to get to know each other which makes the actual photoshoot easier and more comfortable.
I recently opened a small studio space in Anoka at the Old Milk Factory. It’s the second step into moving into a store-front location. One step at a time. One client at a time.
I’m sure you wouldn’t say it’s been obstacle free, but so far would you say the journey has been a fairly smooth road?
Unfortunately, life has taken me on a varying road with moving to different places so it’s always been a struggle to settle in long enough to build a client base. The hardest part, aside from the moving, was being a male and asking people who expressed interest to come to my house to take photos. Nobody has ever said anything but I can pick up on the uneasiness about it. That’s why getting this studio has been a blessing. Currently, my biggest obstacle is just getting people into the studio. I advertise in local Facebook groups and I try to network with locals but it’s not enough. I know that if I hang on, things will happen as they should.
Appreciate you sharing that. What should we know about Steve Lunden Photography?
I started Steve Lunden Photography in Casper, Wyoming in December 2017. I traded something for an entry-level, older DSLR camera and became obsessed with using it. I started taking pictures of everything, My very first model was a young lady who met me at a venue in downtown Casper in the middle of winter. I knew nothing about exposure, lighting, bokeh, composition, etc. But I just made it happen. Since then I have learned a lot and every day I continue to learn. I run my business around taking portraits of people and of families. It’s my second-favorite subject matter, with landscapes being my first. I think candid portraits are the best and I believe I produce the best work with that type as well.
I have been privileged to have worked with some celebrity-level comedians and actors in my short few years of being open. I have worked with TJ Miller from Deadpool, Nikki Glaser the comedian, Tone Bell from CBS’ The Family, Jaime Lissow from Netflix’s Real Rob with Rob Schneider. I have also worked with companies like Hooters of America and have photographed some of their Hooter’s Girls outings in Texas.
I pride myself in giving the best customer service ever, It’s the backbone of any business that serves the general public. I try to give a great product with great service behind it and I do that to create repeat clients and to get new ones because someone told their friend about me.
Can you talk to us about how you think about risk?
Having minimal client income coming in and backing it with my own day-to-day money, I decided to open the studio. It’s financially feasible and I know that it will eventually help with capturing more clients. Sometimes you need to take a risk. If you believe, in your heart, that it’ll pay off in the end, and you can be okay presently with making that decision, then do it. Some people say to quit your job and put everything into chasing your dreams… Well, what if? Weigh the odds and make the right decision, but don’t be afraid to take a risk.
Pricing:
- In-studio basic sessions are $150.00
Contact Info:
- Email: [email protected]
- Website: https://stevelundenphoto.com
- Instagram: https://instagram.com/stevelundenphoto
- Facebook: https://facebook.com/stevelundenphoto
- Yelp: https://www.yelp.com/biz/steve-lunden-photography-anoka
Image Credits
Steve Lunden Photography
