RESUME

Steven Paul Whitsitt
A photographer who stays focused on excellence.

The word “focus” is a mainstay concept in photography: producing an image that is sharp and clearly defined. Coincidentally, focus has been an important element in Steven Paul Whitsitt’s journey that has led him to become an accomplished photographer. Whatever goal Steve has focused upon, he has used it to propel him to the next level. Growing up in Port Huron, Michigan, Steve shifted his attention to the bigger arena of the Navy and moved to California. After his discharge in 1986, Steve set off for a photographic adventure through the wilds of Africa. Seeking a focus in formal education, he attended the Brooks Institute of Photography in Santa Barbara.

After graduating in 1990, Steve then decided to follow a dream of working in the music business. He landed several photographer assistant jobs including the one that placed him alongside Michael Jackson’s photographer working on the Black & White video. He was an assistant to this photographer for 3 years in addition to assisting other respected photographers such as Reid miles, Michael Sean, David Langley and Neal Preston, an icon in entertainment photography. While he assisted Neal, Steve was able to work with several prominent artists including Bruce Springsteen and shot live concert performances of entertainers such as Sheryl Crow, Usher, Tom Petty & the Heartbreakers, Rush and Neil Diamond, to name a few. Then fate stepped in and Steve was catapulted into becoming Michael Jackson’s full-fledged personal photographer. “It was one of the most memorable times of my life and taught me many lessons in handling a chaotic and fascinating environment while honing my photographic skills.”

Steve’s success has highlighted one of his gifts: the ability to make people comfortable. Bill Hendricks, one of his mentors and a well-known photographer says, “When people work with Steve, there’s a comfort, confidence level and connection that happens almost instantly, which doesn’t happen with every photographer. It’s a rare gift. In fact, Michael Jackson once told him, ‘Steve, I always feel so comfortable with you’.”

After a year and half with Jackson, Steve shifted his focus to a more meditative life in North Carolina. As Hendricks puts it, “Steve went from Hollywood glam to an ashram.” After this insightful period, Steve began shooting architectural interiors for designers, builders and architects in†the Raleigh/Durham area. His excellent work caught the attention of†a prominent national kitchen-and-bath-buying group. Currently, he travels the country photographing kitchens and bath projects for design firms and cabinet manufacturers. In the process, Steve has focused on developing an impressive portfolio of kitchens and bathrooms as well as interiors of residential and commercial buildings.
“Focus does have a lot to do with my photography besides the obvious. During the process, I strive to focus on a perfect balance of the left and right sides of the brain to best interpret a client’s vision. I find this approach makes my clients happy as well as giving me pleasure in knowing that I’ve contributed to the success of their vision. ”

In his constant quest for artistic expression, Steve is also pursuing his love for photographing people in distinctive settings. “The multi-dimensional aspect of capturing a person’s essence in a special way is something that I truly enjoy.”

“Steve, thanks for being so warm and open and fun to help me be me during our photo session. I’ve had nothing but rave reviews about the photo.”

-Kate Finlayson, Actress

“We were inspired by the variety and quality of your work. Your photography is truly a gift, not just as an expression of you, but as a window of insight to those who can see it.”

-Ruth Ledesma, Professional Coach