Today we’d like to introduce you to Steven Vargo.
Hi Steven, can you start by introducing yourself? We’d love to learn more about how you got to where you are today?
I hale from the Garden State (New Jersey) and have been serving Salt Lake City for the last 6 years.
My story begins when my family moved around a bit, chasing a better life for us kids. This was in the 90s-00s, I clearly remember the fashion and the beginning of cell phones. I was going from school to school and learned a lot about how to fit in, make friends, and navigate the world. Art had always been a part of my life and something I was passionate about. My parents were creative, resourceful people, and my older brother was a tattoo artist.
Photography and I found a love for each other in high school. I took film photography and realized that I could make it a career. I applied to colleges that had art programs and I bounced around some more from Philadelphia UArts to New York City’s SVA. Art education formed my opinions, my business sense and ultimately led me to work in a High Fashion photography studio with Saks Fifth Avenue in New York City. I spent time there, met some eccentric people, formed new ideas, and learned a ton about studio photography.
After 3 years with Saks, I was ready to enter into the freelance world. I served E-commerce studios and gigged around NYC, making my way shooting in one of the most diverse cities in the world. In between all of the work and play, I found my wife to be. Our adventurous hearts, the great western skies, and the mountain air were calling our names. A U-Haul truck, 2200 miles, and 3 days later, we landed here with a whole new set of challenges.
Starting new, and knowing nearly no one is probably one of the hardest things there is to do. Luckily, I had found my way. While in Salt Lake City, I have served large and small businesses as a freelance photographer and have had some amazing adventures. In addition to that, I have also held full-time photographer roles with Backcountry, Overstock, & Maverik Adventures First Stop. It has been a great journey so far-
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?
I think it’s all about how you look at it. The road has been pretty smooth but never without speed bumps, potholes, flat tires, or the costly engine repair. Breaking down on the side of the road builds character. It teaches you how to be a creative problem solver. (Bonus, It’s usually a good story.) It’s those moments when your car battery is dead, you’re in the middle of Brooklyn alone, and you’re parked in a tow-away zone. That’s when you learn a lot about yourself.
Maybe you’re living in a very small apartment with very little room to spread your wings. There is always something that is in the way of you and your dreams. The willpower, the perseverance, and the desire for more and to be better have always been something I focus on. What can I do right now to improve my chances tomorrow?
I find that being kind, staying focused, having faith, working hard, and staying open is when everything ultimately works out in our favor. I often tell myself that “Life is working for you, and not against you.” What’s the good in this moment?
Some of my true struggles as a visual artist include remaining positive, finding patience, and not being too hard on myself.
As you know, we’re big fans of you and your work. For our readers who might not be as familiar, what can you tell them about what you do?
I specialize in photography that has an impact. With still photography, you only have a single frame to capture viewers’ attention or to make them feel or see something. In this world, slowing someone down and getting them to engage is worth a lot. I gravitate towards pops of color, stopping moments that affect the dimension in a frame, paying attention to details, lighting and composition to set myself apart from others.
I really enjoy shooting studio photography because I build it in layers. I use set design, lighting, computer technology, camera tricks, and professional post-production editing to make my work stand out. I try to be unique as I can while still staying relevant in the visual world.
Being a creative to me has meant solving problems. When something fails how do you pivot? When the idea that you thought would work doesn’t, where does plan B come from? I think as artists, we follow the process of trial and error. Sometimes what we dream up is awesome, or maybe it isn’t but then leads us someplace else. I am known for getting the job done with whatever resources I have available. I’m always going to show up and do my best.
What do you like best about our city? What do you like least?
Our city has great recreation and lots of room to grow family life. It is beautiful, wholesome, and most people are genuinely nice. There has been a decent amount of opportunity but it is still a little competitive- Our city seems to be 10-20 years behind LA and NYC in terms of the expectation in the creative industry. Lot’s of potential growth- Still some great creators here. If it gets too crowded, it won’t be as beautiful- So the balance has been nice.
I wish the food scene and customer service was overall better.
Contact Info:
- Website: www.vargophotography.com
- Instagram: @mr.vargo
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/VargoPhoto
