Meet Stephen Wheeler | Freelance Photographer

We had the good fortune of connecting with Stephen Wheeler and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Stephen, what was your thought process behind starting your own business?
Well, I come from a line of small business owners. My grandfather, who owns a car shop, has always been an idol to me. His love and passion for his business really cemented in my mind how being your own boss could be so much more rewarding than just being an employee. Additionally, my father is co-owner of an electrical company. I remember working a summer in high school with him. We would lay the electrical foundations for apartment buildings and I would be responsible cleaning up after them. At the time, this was really hard work for me but now I see how his work ethic really made an impact on mine.

I wish to expand my photography business into marketing smaller businesses who may not have the resources to do so. I’ve been to so many great mom-and-pop owned businesses by just walking around the city but they have next-to-no online presence. In this day and age, it is vital for businesses to be online in order to maximize their life-span. That is where I want to help. I want to market the small businesses I truly care about in order for them to succeed.

Alright, so let’s move onto what keeps you busy professionally?
I have been practicing photography for 8 years now but I do not want to stop at just being a photographer. I want to take my skills in photography and apply them to assist others. Whether that be restaurants needing pictures taken of their food and beverages or small businesses needing to market and promote their brand, I would like to be a jack of all trades in that aspect.

Any places to eat or things to do that you can share with our readers? If they have a friend visiting town, what are some spots they could take them to?
Day 1: Take them to experience the best California burrito in the whole country, Valerio’s Mexican food in El Cajon. I don’t care what anyone says San Diego has the best Mexican food in the U.S. It doesn’t even have to be Valerio’s, just go to any Mexican food place that looks run down. If the restaurant has higher than a “B” health rating, go somewhere that does. I would then take them to Ocean beach. This is one of my favorite places in San Diego. Just the overall vibe of the place would keep someone stuck there for hours. Or the traffic will.

Who else deserves some credit and recognition?
I would like to dedicate this shoutout to my mother, Susan. She has always been supportive of my goals and has always been pushing me to pursue them. Even though we did not have the best circumstances growing up, she was constantly guiding me to better me situation and I love her for that.

ersonalStephenWheeler

Instagram: steezenphotos