Meet Steve O | Travel Photographer

We had the good fortune of connecting with Steve O and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Steve, how has your perspective on work-life balance evolved over time?
Finding balance between work and life is a continual effort. We do not necessarily have to sacrifice one to make room for the other but, instead, find harmony between them both. It is important to build time into our day that is focused on ourselves and our own interests. Additionally, I’m lucky enough to have my family as an incredibly strong support system, who are also some of my favorite travel companions! Taking advantage of their willingness to come with me helps me turn work situations into fun trips that everyone can enjoy together. Overall, striking the right balance between work and life can be a challenge but it’s far from impossible.

Let’s talk shop? Tell us more about your career, what can you share with our community?
Overall, bravely chasing the things you are passionate about is an invaluable experience. As an artist, finding new ways to make yourself stand out is a commendable pursuit and discovering the 4×5 as a way to bring your art to life truly takes it up a notch. The ability to travel and explore for new inspiration builds momentum for yourself as well as other creatives around the world. Who knows, maybe with every photo taken, someone else’s story will find its way into their living spaces and possibly yours too! What is certain however, is that your work should be cherished and celebrated regardless of where it ends up hanging. Make today count and pursue your goals with zest!

Keeping focus on yourself and not comparing your journey with anyone else’s will help you to stay in the right lane. Be present, be willing to learn and keep growing, have patience and push through difficult times. Ideas are always out there for inspiration but everything starts from within – challenge yourself and don’t give up so easily. Break things down into smaller achievable goals, focus on what works, go with the flow, develop a positive attitude and welcome creativity into your life. Adopt a few more strategies that resonate with you, practice them religiously, follow through and implement action steps consistently. Stay true to your path, create momentum and work diligently towards achieving The impossible!

Let’s say your best friend was visiting the area and you wanted to show them the best time ever. Where would you take them? Give us a little itinerary – say it was a week long trip, where would you eat, drink, visit, hang out, etc.
If my friend was in town I would take him out to some of our spots up in the mountain as in creating an itinerary some of these spots I choose to keep hitting because I don’t want people to destroy the environment or to turn it into a hotspot and the area get shut down, there’s already a lot of problems within the outdoor community of people not having a care in the world.

Who else deserves some credit and recognition?
Overall, I cannot thank my family and friends enough for the amazing support and care that each of you have provided me throughout this journey. Your words of encouragement, your helpful advice, and just knowing that I have always had people behind me who believe in me have been invaluable. I could not have asked for a better support system filled with such influential people to help guide me towards success. As I start a new chapter in my life which includes The Shadow as part of it, I can only count myself lucky both to be surrounded by you all AND to pursue something I’m so passionate about. This newfound independence may be daunting but I know that with each feeling of trepidation comes an opportunity to learn and grow– two things I look forward to doing alongside all those who make up my unbreakable “team.” So, until we meet again at the next milestone or beyond, thank you everyone! With love and respect, The Shadow.

Website: Steveoworld.com

Instagram: @steve_o_world

Twitter: @Steve_o_world

Youtube: @steve_o_world

Image Credits
@Steve_o_world Steve-o