What does it take to completely reinvent yourself as a photographer?
In this episode of The Nerdy Photographer Podcast, I sit down with photographer Steve Vaccariello to explore a career path that’s anything but conventional. Steve’s journey spans from the highly technical world of medical photography and the storytelling demands of photojournalism in Ohio to the fast-paced, creative landscape of portrait, fashion, beauty, and dance photography in New York City.
This conversation dives into what it really means to be self-taught, and how curiosity, persistence, and adaptability can shape a long-term creative career.
Starting in the Unexpected: Medical Photography & Photojournalism
Steve’s entry into photography wasn’t through traditional fine art or commercial routes. Instead, he began in medical photography – a field that demands precision, consistency, and technical accuracy.
Combined with his experience in photojournalism, this foundation gave him a unique perspective:
- A deep understanding of light and detail
- The ability to work under pressure
- A strong instinct for storytelling
These early experiences weren’t just stepping stones—they became the backbone of his creative evolution.
The Self-Taught Photographer’s Advantage
One of the most compelling parts of Steve’s story is that he’s largely self-taught. Rather than following a prescribed path, he built his skills through experimentation, observation, and real-world experience.
In our conversation, we explore:
- How being self-taught can actually accelerate creative growth
- The importance of learning by doing—not waiting for permission
- Why developing your own visual voice matters more than following trends
For photographers who feel like they don’t fit into a traditional mold, Steve’s journey is proof that there’s no single “correct” path.
Making the Leap to New York City
Transitioning from Ohio to New York City isn’t just a geographic move—it’s a complete shift in pace, expectations, and opportunity.
Steve shares insights into:
- The challenges of entering a saturated, highly competitive market
- Building a network from scratch
- Adapting to the demands of fashion, beauty, and dance photography
This part of the conversation highlights a key truth: growth often requires discomfort, risk, and a willingness to start over.
Evolving Into Portrait, Fashion, and Dance Photography
Steve’s current work focuses on capturing people—whether in portraits, fashion editorials, beauty campaigns, or dance imagery.
We talk about:
- The transition from documenting reality to shaping it
- Directing subjects vs. capturing candid moments
- The importance of movement, expression, and connection in his work
His background in photojournalism still influences his approach, bringing authenticity and storytelling into even the most stylized shoots.
Key Takeaways from the Episode
- Your starting point doesn’t define your destination
- Technical skills and creative vision can (and should) evolve together
- Being self-taught is a strength when paired with curiosity and discipline
- Reinvention is not only possible – it’s often necessary
- Every photographic experience adds value, even if it seems unrelated at the time
Stream the Episode
Be sure to listen to the full conversation for deeper insights into Steve’s journey, creative process, and perspective on building a photography career that evolves with you. Stream using the player below of click here to listen on your choice of podcast platforms.
Episode Promos
This episode includes promos for the following:
- Siteground Web Hosting
- Nerdy Photographer Contract Templates
- Aftershoot AI Culling, Editing, and Retouching
- The Power Up – a newsletter for photographers looking to level up their photography game!
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About My Guest
“Steve Vaccariello is not just a photographer; he embodies the art of photography itself. “Photography isn’t what I do; it’s what I am,” he asserts with conviction. For Vaccariello, the essence of his craft lies in the image, transcending mere technique or fleeting trends. He invites viewers to discover the beauty in simplicity, capturing the often-overlooked moments that reveal the extraordinary in the ordinary. His vivid and sensual imagery is characterized by suggestive lighting, evocative shadow play, and innovative printing methods. Vaccariello’s work delves into the realms of ethereal beauty and physical expression, artfully exploring the nuances of form and the spectrum of emotional depth. “I’m a purist at heart,” he explains, emphasizing his commitment to the foundational elements of photography—camera, light, and composition—striving for a unique yet timeless aesthetic. Vaccariello’s artistry has garnered significant recognition, including a feature in the highly esteemed relaunch issue of Nikon World, which showcased him as a leading figure in contemporary photography. His work has also graced the pages of prominent publications such as Digital Pro Photo, American Photographer, PDN, and Nikon World. An award-winning photographer, his images have been included in several influential books, including the best-selling “The Male Nude” (Taschen, 1998), “A Thousand Hounds” (Taschen, 2000), and “Graphis Nudes III” (Graphis, 2000). His striking prints are coveted by notable collectors, including Bruce Weber, Mark Balet, and Kevin Aucoin, as well as the esteemed contemporary art collection of Progressive Insurance. Vaccariello’s work is also part of the permanent archives at the Leslie Lohman Gay Art Foundation. Born in Cleveland in 1965, Vaccariello now calls New York home, where he continues to create and travel extensively for assignments around the globe. Through his lens, he invites us to see the world anew, celebrating the delicate interplay of light and form that defines our shared human experience.”
You can view Steve’s work on his website – www.stevevacc.com
Are You a Self Taught Photographer?
What has your photographic journey been like? I would love to hear about it. Find me on Instagram or Threads and let me know what this episode stirred up in your thoughts!
