The (un)original Iceland Trip blog post

March 06, 2018

I'll try not to say much. Obviously Iceland is disgustingly beautiful. You can throw a camera with duct tape on the shutter anywhere in the whole damn country and probably end up with a photo to put in your portfolio.

That being said, Iceland trips are a dime a dozen in the age of Instagram and internet BUT, we did try and go to a few off-the beaten path places that are rarely seen. (Don't worry, no photos of that one broken WWII plane below.)

at Kirkjufell Mountain. Well, actually Kirkjufell is 180 degrees behind me in this shot. It's that one mountain from Game of Thrones and the one you've probably seen 100 times with the Northern Lights over it. — at Kirkjufell Mountain. Well, actually Kirkjufell is 180 degrees behind me in this shot. It's that one mountain from Game of Thrones and the one you've probably seen 100 times with the Northern Lights over it.

Okay yeah so there's like one cliche photo of Kirkjufell mountain but come on, how can you not? COOLER PLACES AHEAD!

Random geyser that blew up in our faces. The water was scolding hot yet it was below freezing out. — Random geyser that blew up in our faces. The water was scolding hot yet it was below freezing out.

Contemplating waiting for a second geyser burst or eating those potato chips.

Squad squat. This was a beautiful "pull off the side of the road" type thing that probably had a name none of us could correctly pronounce.

Just kidding here's the real squad squat.

Followed by this (seemingly) deserted giant waterfall aka: Skógafoss. There are about 30 other tourists behind me. I'm not gonna lie and say "Woke up at 4AM to be alone at *insert Iceland location here*" cause it's about a 3.5 hour drive and th… — Followed by this (seemingly) deserted giant waterfall aka: Skógafoss. There are about 30 other tourists behind me. I'm not gonna lie and say "Woke up at 4AM to be alone at *insert Iceland location here*" cause it's about a 3.5 hour drive and the jet lag was real.

Here's a fairly unique area called Snæfellsjökull (have fun with that one) and it's freaking intense.

Jökulsárlón is in fact not a Nordic metal band, but might as well be. What it is though is the Diamond Beach! — Jökulsárlón is in fact not a Nordic metal band, but might as well be. What it is though is the Diamond Beach!

And windy as all hell as Jeff holds onto this tripod for dear life.

"But Steven I thought you said these weren't cheesy!?" yeah I know. But when you're standing behind a waterfall that is drenching you in sub-zero temperature water you kinda go with the first thing that pops into your head. So naturally I made Ashto… — "But Steven I thought you said these weren't cheesy!?" yeah I know. But when you're standing behind a waterfall that is drenching you in sub-zero temperature water you kinda go with the first thing that pops into your head. So naturally I made Ashton stand closer to it...

Go to Iceland folks. It's cheaper than a weekend in Vegas and you'll actually remember it!

#OrlandoUnited Pulse Vigil at Lake Eola

June 20, 2016

Orlando is my home, my city, and tonight it stole my heart.

Over 50,000 people gathered at Lake Eola in an overwhelming display of compassion, remembrance, and love. I have never been prouder to be a part of this town, and among the people who became family tonight as we stood together for the victims of the horrific events at Pulse Orlando this past week.

Below are photographs I took throughout the night; I attempted to captured as best I could the feeling of being at such an amazing vigil and ceremony.

To the thousands who came out in support, you showed the world the true meaning of Orlando United.

Many wore and displayed pride flags in support of the Pulse victims and equality.

Couples shared intimate moments in the grass of the Lake

Hundreds wrote personal messages to the victims on the enormous "OrlandoUnited" banner.

A perfectly timed rainbow appeared minutes before the ceremony began.

This man sat at the water's edge and gave out flowers to any who wanted one.

Orlando locals of all ages came out in support.

Thousands held their candles up during the silent vigil at the end of the ceremony.

Thank you for reading,

Steven

2014's Concerts in Review

December 19, 2014

Let me start off by saying 2014 was an amazing year, I had the opportunity to shoot in pitch black, hot and sweaty pubs; to festivals headlined by Fallout Boy and the likes. Over the year I felt my photography improve with every show, and I'd like to share my personal favorites of this year. In no particular order, here's my 2014 Year in Review.

Thanks for looking and I hope everyone had an awesome 2014. This year was pretty special, from running around with Alex & Sierra backstage and surprising die-hard fans; to landing my first gig at a music festival, 2014 was as good as it gets. I'm excited for the future, with lots of travelling already planned. Expect to see things a bit differently next year, but it'll all be for the best.

Thank you,

Steven

Radical Something @ House of Blues, Orlando

November 13, 2014

Radical Something brought Reggae-Rock down to the House of Blues in Downtown Disney. I was given the opportunity to shoot this show and wasn't quite sure what to expect, but once Radical Something came out and played their first number, I was hooked on the chill vibes they produced with a great mix of reggae, rock, and rap.

Josh Hallbauer AKA Josh Cocktail - Lead Vocals

Alex Lagemann AKA (Loggy) - Lead Vocals and Guitar

This being my first time hearing Radical Something, I was completely impressed. The band has an amazing sound, with Josh Hallbauer singing beautiful melodies while all of a sudden Alex Lagemann hits you hard with a fast and punchy rap break. The mix was awesome, and the best part was you could tell these guys were loving it up there. Performances are always so much more enjoyable to be at when you know the performers are having a blast on stage.

Randy is Radical Something's new drummer, I ran into him after the show and told him he killed up there. He was a super humble guy, thanked me, and told me he'd hit me up for some of these pictures later.

Michael Costanzo AKA Big Red - Bass, Guitar, Vocals, Keyboard...Everything.

Photo Stuff:

Canon 5DMKiii
14mm 2.8
24-70mm 2.8
70-200mm 2.8

B.o.B @ The University of Central Florida

October 24, 2014

B.o.B summed up in one word: "Performer." From the moment B.o.B got on stage, he fired off like a rocket of energy. I've never seen an artist move as much as B.o.B did, and he didn't let it die down for a second. Best of all, he is a total crowd-pleaser, and he absolutely loved the students of UCF who came to see him at this Homecoming concert.

After just barely coming on stage, B.o.B jumped down into the pit after the first song, and from atop the barricade he got as close as he could to the students for some sick selfies.

B.o.B was performing under a new label dubbed "No Genre." It makes perfect sense for the artist; his music isn't strictly Rap or Hip-Hop, and takes a lot of influences from Alternative and Electronic music making a unique sound that B.o.B likes to describe as "Has no genre."

UCF students part of Homecoming Court & Executives dance up on stage during a number with B.o.B. To me, this was an incredible gesture from the artist, and it was easy to tell he was loving every minute of it up there. And of-course, for the students this was an experience of a life-time to share the stage with B.o.B in front of all their peers.

This was easily one of my favorite shows I've gotten the chance to shoot. B.o.B was simply an amazing performer and gave UCF students one heck of a Homecoming concert. His energy onstage and throughout the entire show was awesome and so much fun to capture. I hope I get the chance to work a show with him again someday!

Photo Stuff:

Canon 5D Mkiii
14mm 2.8
24-70mm 2.8
70-200mm 2.8