Steven Piper

Last week I was honored with the award for Fashion Photographer of the year by the @chicagofashioncoalition at the @mcachicago . I took the last week to reflect upon what this recognition means to me and to share my gratitudes. First and foremost the work that I have done over the past ten years would not be possible without all of the people that have trusted and supported me. Its the local designers who trusted me to create their lookbooks, its the hmuas and stylists that trusted in our collaboration to make something portfolio worthy, its the models who are in pursuit of making their dreams come true, its the set designers who refuse AI and work to build the vision, and its the other photographers who do all of the behind the scenes work you dont see. Everyone is so valuable and essential to the process. I have also thought about my own path, as a self-taught photographer my journey was a slow one. It took a long time to get to the point that I am at, and even then some days it still feels uncertain. With that background I feel like I hold an important responsibility to spread opportunities and share knowledge with my peers. To the extent of my capacity I have made an effort to mentor many other photographers along the way and help them advance their careers. I like to think that this recognition is not just about the work you see, but represents all of the people I have worked with and met along the way. Photos by @michaelmontielphoto @archiveyams @denisebelyea_photo

‘Passerby’ my newest photo series. 🧳🌾 In collaboration with: Model: @houstonfraley Prop Stylist: @rmcdonald98 Wardrobe Stylist: @an.ika Photo Assist: @_dreasbrimmer @aleiette Studio: @theflatironstudio Film images developed by @bellowsfilmlab

My first ever repost, because this one deserves a second look with additional selects. One of my favorite shoots to this date, with the marvelous @miaghogho and an incredible team. Credits: Model: @miaghogho MUA: @silenceoftheglam Stylist: @panache.__ Digitech: @elainesuzannemiller DP: @ryanzeller Set Designer: @callliefitz Hair Stylist: @lolaaslooks @lolas.lab Location: @charcoalfactoryloft

New work for @jumpman23 Recently directed and shot stills for a round table discussion at @svrnshop over the AJ1 Banned shoe featured on @nike ‘s SNKRS app. Talent: @raye.josh @vdot_life @davejeff DP/edit: @shaun.baluyot 2nd Cam: @kristopheravilla Agency: @recess.studios @valentine.global Assist: @serg.mantilla Producer: @johncjester Client: @badchurchboy @ladykream @atlcell @k.lockk

My Strangers series is exhibiting again! This time at the @epiphanyarts201 with an opening reception on May 3rd from 2-5pm. Come join me to celebrate! I am so appreciate of the love my series ‘How Close Can You Get to a Stranger’ has gotten. The reason this project means so much to me is because this is the type of artwork that got me hooked on photography in the first place. If you haven’t seen this work yet, this is a great opportunity to see it in person. And if you have, come hangout with me and see all of the other artists exhibiting. Thank you to @vcentu for inviting me to exhibit and curating this show. First image is a platinum palladium print made by the help of @mp_brandt @latitudechi and @bostickandsullivan All film developed and scanned by @bellowsfilmlab

Full interview with Chicago-based photographer Steven Piper @prezpipe now on our YouTube 🎥 We talk about perception, visual language, travels, and what it means to see and capture the world through photography. Watch via link in bio. #l8streetmagazine

AVAILABLE NOW- My first photo book ‘How Close Can You Get to a Stranger’ is available on my website, link in bio! Foreward by Francine Almeda- How Close Can You Get to a Stranger is arranged along this gradient of proximity, bringing the viewer progressively closer to Piper’s recurring subject of choice - the stranger. Far-away landscapes sequentially become intimate portraits: each page taking one, metaphorical step, closer. Piper desires to extend the first encounter with a passerby - to him, a serendipitous meeting is both an opportunity for sonder and the potential to present oneself authentically, free of preconceived notions. In a contemplative twist of perspectives, Piper invites the viewer to perceive themselves through the eyes of a stranger, as if meeting for the first time - suspending the moment of first recognition, before assumptions take hold. Each image becomes an invitation to enter this instance: a practice of releasing judgements meant to be carried away, even after stepping beyond the frame. “To my subjects, you were once a passerby in my life, yet now I look at you, so intently.” Printed by @nocautllc Designed by @mangojenny Foreward by @frannieflo

Some of my favorite images captured in the Philippines and Hong Kong. Every photographer gets asked what it is they shoot. For me that answer is often too long and complicated for a casual conversation. There is are many sides to that answer. As someone who is self taught, I learned by focusing on one aspect or skill of photography, and then moving onto the next challenge. I need to be challenged to adjust my eye to different contexts. That is why my portfolio has wide range of genres. Even if the commercial work looks much different than what I shoot for myself, I love the challenge of capturing someone else’s vision. Most people in marketing would say niche-down to make it more clear to your audience what it is you offer. But as an artist, I want to be known for having expansive view of the world. Searching for beauty and inspiration in many different areas. That is what is exciting to me, and keeps me going even after creative fatigue. Film developed by @bellowsfilmlab and @kodak vision 3 film developed by @mileskalchik #madewithkodak #film

I had the privilege of traveling with @an.ika back home to the Philippines. Met with a warm welcome from her family, it was beautiful to explore this part of Anika and learn so much more about this person I thought I had already known so well. To see her in the context of her family home, but also the lush greenery and the lively streets of Manila. I loved seeing Anika play host, as we also got to spend time with our best friends so far away from Chicago. Our trip to El Nido in Palawan was a brand new experience for me and one I’ll never forget. Having Lee tour us around one of his favorite cities in Hong Kong was the cherry on top of an unforgetable trip. Film developed by @bellowsfilmlab and @mileskalchik with the Kodak Vision 3.

Shoot for @p.almyrastudio 🛄 Model: @im__emmanuel Shot with @an.ika 📸 CD: @lordricosuave Location : @sunismysymbol @thejoemiller Film Dev: @bellowsfilmlab

First international editorial publication for @chair.magazine.c , with a feature on Naomi Pollock in Hyde Park. @sweathesmallstuff Assistants: @c.wyo @zippymiggy

Published in @wednesday_mag , an homage to Edward Gorey 🧛🏼‍♂️ Credits: Photo: @prezpipe Creative Direction: @blackplasticmusic Wardrobe: @an.ika Hmua: @enezbeauty Photo Assist: @mp_brandt Talent: @stumpmahoney @victoriahappyyyy @audrey_tonik Cat: @ninaclev Location: Pleasant Home Foundation