Lori Steed

Specializations: photography as a tool in research on human behavior and emotion (eg. use of photography and video in both personal development and organizational learning), custom image prints, special projects, events/experiences, nature landscapes, travel, on location portrait photography

Bio: capturing images since the 70’s, BS Applied Art & Graphic Design, Cal Poly SLO, California Central Coast native currently living just north of Los Angeles in the Conejo Valley.

Favorite Photographer(s): Steve McCurry, Ansel Adams, Irene Abdou, Norman Seeff, Doug Busch


Why I photograph: A portrait or image that captures the essence of a human being seems like such an honoring thing to do. If I can give that gift to others through the use of a camera, I will be eternally fulfilled.


I recently discovered Irene Abdou through a facebook group, and have looked through her Web sites. Her work is amazing, versitile, dynamic, broad, and inspiring. In addition to immediately connecting with her work, when I read her artist's statement, I connected with her soul. I have reprinted it here with her permission.

"I am an explorer.

An explorer of vibrant colors that stir my heart, an explorer of the multitude of hues, both natural and man-made. An explorer of shadowy contrasts that make me wonder, an explorer of the supple paths of light. I travel down dusty highways and onto dirt roads, and through lush landscapes into desert sands. And with my camera, I seek beauty in my subjects. Sometimes, I find it on the surface, easily displayed for the world to see. But always, I seek the more subtle beauty within. I seek the meanings of my subjects’ emotions—I seek answers. I seek to understand, to appreciate.

I seek the spirit of humanity. I seek the essence of our world."

I also connected deeply with Norman Seeff, whom I met in March 2010. I wrote a blog post inspired by the Norman connection.