Hey everyone, Steven Hankins here! Thanks to VoyageLA for featuring me – it’s exciting to be recognized alongside the other talented creatives who make LA such a vibrant place.

Creativity wasn’t exactly a stranger to me in high school. I wasn’t just taking pictures; I was developing my own prints in a darkroom. Witnessing that magic firsthand was incredible. And let’s not forget video! Capturing the energy of our church’s youth group gatherings with a camera felt natural – a way to document those chaotic yet heartfelt moments. This passion for visual storytelling definitely stayed with me through college at the University of Colorado.

After graduation, the bright lights of LA, the heart of entertainment, beckoned. I found myself drawn to that energy, and that’s where I landed. Fast forward some years, and a spark reignited during a Christian men’s retreat. While in prayer, I felt a calling – a nudge to take my photography to a deeper level. It wasn’t necessarily about making it my sole income, but about using this creative outlet to tell stories through the lens. Fueled by this newfound purpose, Steven Hankins Photography was born in 2015.

The road hasn’t always been smooth. Balancing photography with the need to pay the bills meant finding flexible work. It wasn’t easy, but that challenge speaks volumes about my commitment to this vision.

So, what makes me different? My clients are my priority. I’m dedicated to making sure they feel confident and happy with their final images. Whether it’s spending extra time on a shoot or meticulously editing photos, I go the extra mile to create a positive experience alongside a stunning product.

I’m proud of the projects I’ve been a part of. From taking photos of actor Doug Jones to bringing the powerful stories of Skid Row to life for the book ”The Incredible Stories of Skid Row: From Homeless to Hopeful in the City of Angels,” each project has been rewarding. There’s even a headshot I took that ended up on a digital billboard in Times Square – talk about a career milestone! 

But photography isn’t just about taking pictures. It’s about being visible online. I’ve put a lot of effort into SEO to make sure potential clients can find me easily. This constant learning and exploring of new marketing avenues keeps me growing and helps me stay ahead of the curve.

As VoyageLA wraps up our chat, I want to leave you with this: LA is a city of dreamers, and I’m living proof that perseverance and a passion for storytelling can take you far. 

Ready to capture your own story? Contact me at 323-493-2552!

Check out the full article at https://voyagela.com/interview/rising-stars-meet-steven-hankins-of-santa-monica

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