Today we’d like to introduce you to Steven Vargo.
Hi Steven, it’s an honor to have you on the platform. Thanks for taking the time to share your story with us – to start maybe you can share some of your backstory with our readers?
Film Photography and my introduction to Photoshop took shape in high school back in the early 2000’s. I was shooting, developing, printing, and discovering what it meant to be a visual Artist.
Knowing what you wanted from life as a teen was intense. I followed the breadcrumbs to University of the Arts in Philly and then transferred to School of Visual Arts in NYC. Trying to find my identity in Art meant learning different techniques, visiting galleries, and being inspired by my peers. As a student, I had been commuting 2 hours to class & 2 hours home. Which ultimately took a toll on me and I ended up loosing steam. I pursued business and technology at a local community college and kept shooting on the side. After years of exploring Information Technology in corporate America I found myself back in the visual arts at a Fashion Photography studio from a college connection. Saks Fifth Avenue is where I focused and spent years learning more on the job.
Through this web of creative connectivity I met a woman who was living in New York but was from Utah. After some time of dating, and a craving for the great western landscape, we decided to move out to Salt Lake City together. Finding my footing here meant taking jobs with different businesses to create connections and to further hone my craft. I worked at Ski Mountains, Camera shops, Local newspapers, and honestly anything that would pay me to take pictures. I took a couple more full time roles with Overstock & then Maverik (Adventures First Stop). I served as a Photographer and helped create visual assets for their marketing purposes. Learning, growing, and doing my very best.
My high expectations led me to being an independent business owner. I currently offer Photography and Videography services for commercial clients. (Locally & Nationally). I have been exposed to a plethora of amazing opportunities and believe that it’s just the beginning.
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?
Overall, the road has been rather smooth. I am very grateful for the luck that I have had and those who have watched over me.
A life without struggle or obstacle is not realistic. My pain points have been mostly around a scarcity mindset, a disbelief in my worth, finding the will power to carry on, and letting other people define my value or my ability.
Thanks – so what else should our readers know about Vargo Photography?
I am most proud of being easy to work with. I offer tons of creative experience that provides solutions for those marketing Products, People. or Events. I specialize in lighting… I believe it to be the most important part of image capture. Understanding technology is a very close second. Being able to bridge Art & Technology takes a certain person and confidence. I have spent many years loving this craft and sharing it with my network.
In terms of your work and the industry, what are some of the changes you are expecting to see over the next five to ten years?
Technology will continue to evolve. Camera capture and editing will become streamlined. I can also see people resisting it and creating subcultures. The industry and world is in an interesting pivot point right now. It’s hard to imagine, so we continue to explore everything that is available. Quality vs Quantity seems to ring loud in my mind.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.vargophotography.com
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/vargophoto/?hl=en
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/VargoPhoto/
- LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/stevenvargo/
