Hi, my name is Steve. I was born with a camera in my hands. Well maybe not exactly, but it seems that way. I still have a clear childhood memory of being dragged down the street by my mother as she ran, dragging me behind, and my little 120 gray and black Kodak camera dangling from the strap around my neck as she tried to save me from the charging, anrgy donkey I wanted to get a picture of. I guess I've always been willing to do what I needed to to get my shot.
Anyway, for most of my life I was more interested in photographing nature. It wasn't until I photographed a play, that I designed the lights for, and heard that the actors wanted to buy my photographs instead of the the ones taken by the "professional" photographer, that I though, "hey, I should try to make a living at this." I took classes at the School of Visual Arts in Manhattan to learn the basics, and then I started working with local models to practice posing and lighting people.
Since that time, I have shot numerous weddings, birthday parties, skate and golf events, corporate events, actor head shots, theater pictures, as well as my old standby, nature shots. Photography is not my full time job, but it is a passion. I love capturing happy moments, which might be why I really enjoy photographing weddings. I also enjoy capturing the beauty of nature, which is why I love nature photography. If I get to shoot an outdoor wedding, bonus.
I have have been shooting semi-professionally for about 10 years and have officially had my own business since 2010. I am insured (which I know is sometimes a concern at some reception venues). I am a member of Professional Photographers of America. http://www.ppa.com/findaphotographer/33390/Stephen-Cihanek.php And I have been working hard to make alliances with local photographers. This way if you want two photographers at your event, I can find a second photographer for you. Or if, God forbid, I get into an accident the day before your event, I have people I can call on to fill in. I felt this was important as no-one knows their future, and I want do my best to insure my clients will get the best of care from me no mater what happens.
Anyway, for most of my life I was more interested in photographing nature. It wasn't until I photographed a play, that I designed the lights for, and heard that the actors wanted to buy my photographs instead of the the ones taken by the "professional" photographer, that I though, "hey, I should try to make a living at this." I took classes at the School of Visual Arts in Manhattan to learn the basics, and then I started working with local models to practice posing and lighting people.
Since that time, I have shot numerous weddings, birthday parties, skate and golf events, corporate events, actor head shots, theater pictures, as well as my old standby, nature shots. Photography is not my full time job, but it is a passion. I love capturing happy moments, which might be why I really enjoy photographing weddings. I also enjoy capturing the beauty of nature, which is why I love nature photography. If I get to shoot an outdoor wedding, bonus.
I have have been shooting semi-professionally for about 10 years and have officially had my own business since 2010. I am insured (which I know is sometimes a concern at some reception venues). I am a member of Professional Photographers of America. http://www.ppa.com/findaphotographer/33390/Stephen-Cihanek.php And I have been working hard to make alliances with local photographers. This way if you want two photographers at your event, I can find a second photographer for you. Or if, God forbid, I get into an accident the day before your event, I have people I can call on to fill in. I felt this was important as no-one knows their future, and I want do my best to insure my clients will get the best of care from me no mater what happens.
© Stephen Cihanek Photography