Meet Steven Busby | Photographer and Videographer

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

Hi Steven, what do you attribute your success to?
Being a successful shooter in Los Angeles can almost feel like an impossibility, at first. There is no shortage of ultra-talented, madly artistic people across the city. To try to stand out from the pack can be a challenge and it can often leave you with a little bit of Imposter Syndrome. What I’ve found to be the best path, at least for me and my business, is to treat every set as if you are the least talented person on it. (For me, this is easy) Don’t approach your work with an ego. Don’t be precious about your ideas. Be collaborative. Be adaptable. Make your set, whatever it may be, the most comfortable place to work that you can.

So whether I’m shooting headshots for an actor, or working on a video series for a law firm, or helping bring your short film to life, I’m going to approach that day the same way I would any other: with appreciation for getting to do this work for a living and with curiosity about your ideas and how they can mix with mine. What creatives get to do is fun. That’s the bottom line. The most successful people I know always keep that in mind.

Alright, so let’s move onto what keeps you busy professionally?
I’ve sort of been a jack of all trades for most of my life. I like to learn new things and try to be creative in different ways, which sounds like a good thing, but “master of none” isn’t something you really want to be known as in a city as competitive as this one is.

One thing I have learned along the way, though, is that your ability to fit many molds is the skill in itself. There are so many clients today who are looking for someone who can shoot stills, and video, and edit, and promote on social media. You have to wear so many hats to be successful in the industry that supports THE industry. I’ve been fortunate enough to have many clients who have challenged me in different ways, forcing me to expand my skillset and learn something new. I’ve then been able to take those skills and use them on projects that not only help me continue to grow as a storyteller, but allow others to share their stories more effectively.

That’s what the ultimate vision is for my brand- I want to continue to help others share meaningful stories- and all of these tools I’ve gained over the years are helping me do just that.

If you had a friend visiting you, what are some of the local spots you’d want to take them around to?
California, as a whole, is one of the most beautiful places I have ever been. If you like being outside at all, or if you have never been outside and are considering trying it, you would do well to visit. So, I would say the first 4 days are spent on a mad dash to my favorite nature spots – Redwood, Yosemite, Sequoia, Big Sur, Joshua Tree, Big Bear – and then we’re heading back to LA. I can do that right?

Now, I also think that LA is one of the greatest cities around. There is so much to do. The food is incredible. The people are amazing. I’m a big east side fan, so if you’re visiting me, we’re hitting up Villa’s Tacos, Joy on York, Night + Market Song, Wurstkuche downtown. Maybe I’ll cook you a steak from McCall’s in Los Feliz. We’re grabbing drinks at the Capri in Eagle Rock. Maybe you’re here over the summer and we can go watch a Dodgers game. Beaches? My favorites in SoCal are El Matador and Table Rock in Laguna, but anything in between is also fine by me.

And then I’d probably suggest a comedy show. I love improv, so UCB Franklin or Groundlings. Standup is always great at the Comedy Store or Laugh Factory, or Flappers up in Burbank. So much to do, not enough time.

Who else deserves some credit and recognition?
Oh, wow, I’m having my on-stage at the Oscars moment. There are so many people who have helped me get to the point I’m at in my career. It’s really difficult to name just one, but someone who immediately stands out is my brother-in-law, Jeff Nicholson. He was a photographer in Los Angeles for many years and is just one of the most relentlessly creative people I have ever met. When I first moved to LA about a decade ago (!) he acted as a sounding board of sorts. His best piece of advice was to keep my eye on the ultimate prize, but do everything. Say yes to anything creative (within reason). Figure out what it is that lights you up the most about the whole storytelling process. That was a really freeing thing to hear and helped me branch out away from acting into work behind the camera.

Website: buzzworthyshots.com

Instagram: @stevenleebuzz

Image Credits
Steven Busby