Our latest Welcome To Sanford Artist of the Week is celebrated local photographer Steven Ashmore. From his studio at 110 Carthage Street in downtown Sanford, and at remote locations throughout central North Carolina, Steven brings out the best in his subjects.
Steven is best known as a well-established portrait photographer, working with families, infants, brides, graduates, maternity clients and pets. In addition to his exceptional skills as a photographer, Steven is also an accomplished portrait framer and also offers oil painting portraits. This is the technique where a professional portrait photograph is embellished by oil painting. The addition of brush strokes, vibrant colors, interesting backgrounds and the focus on the subject create a truly inspiring piece of art.
From the time he picked up his first camera at age 16, Steven has been in love with photography. He’s been a professional photographer for 4 decades, a member of the Professional Photographers of America for nearly his entire career and has been a Certified Professional Photographer since 1980. A Tar Heel state resident since 1999, Steven moved to Sanford and established his Portraits By Steven portrait studio here in Lee County in 2006.
Although Steven can find inspiration in all types of subjects and settings, he especially enjoys creating portraits for families that will become cherished keepstakes for many years to comes. Steven comments, “It is such a joy to create a beautiful portrait for a family and have them actually get emotional when you present the finished piece of art to them. One client told me that when she pictures her twin boys as infants what she sees in her mind are the portraits that I created of them as newborns. That is just one of the many special things about my chosen career.”
As with many talented artists of all types, Steven’s chosen life’s work is also his favorite hobby. He notes, “When I am not photographing subjects for the studio I enjoy walking around town, or roaming in my yard with camera in hand, or driving through the county side and stopping to photograph what interests me. I am always looking at the play of light on people’s faces, buildings and landscapes and envisioning images in my mind.” Not surprisingly Sanford landmarks and other nearby destinations are frequently subjects of Steven’s work.
Steven’s website and Facebook page are both filled with plenty of his images and he can be reached at 919-292-1600, or by emailing [email protected].
Artist of the Week is a feature that is devoted to Sanford’s dynamic arts community and the hundreds of talented individuals who are a part of it. Painters — potters — performing artists — musicians and much more! If you, or someone you know, is deserving of recognition, please click here, or on the Artist of Week badge and fill out a nomination document.
