Picture Perfect: Photographer Steven Adam (Ayo Stevo)

“Picture Perfect’” is where Kaboom! Magazine.com sits down with some of our favorite photographers and get to know how they come up with ideas for their photoshoots, thoughts on photography, and ask them some of their favorite moments of their career. Today, we get the chance to sit down with the very talented Steven Adam. The highly popular newcomer from the California tells us about his very favorite locations to shoot, how he comes up with amazing ideas for photoshoots, working with famous fashion models and celebrities, perfecting his craft, photography in social media, and many more. Get to know and strike a pose with literally one of the best young photographers in the world Mr. Steven Adam.

Steven Adam Info:
Photographer Name: Ayo Stevo
Age: 29
Zodiac Sign: Virgo
Hometown: Chino, CA
Years in Cinema: 4 years
Instagram: @ayostevo
Snapchat: @ayostevo
Personal Website: Under construction
Camera Equipment: Canon 5dmarkIII 24-105 L 4.0 lens 50 1.2L Leica Minilux
Notable models/celebrities you’ve worked with: None….yet.

Notable brands/magazines/websites you’ve worked with: Young & Reckless, Roscoe’s Chicken & Waffles, & Deniro Supply

Some of your favorite locations for videoshoots/photoshoots: I love rooftops and bandos! Any thing run down and demolished. Places with tagging, trashed and secluded.

If you could have one videoshoots/photoshoots with one person (past or present) who it would have to be with…..: Selena Quintanilla

Tell us a little bit about where you come from?
I was born in San Pedro, and lived in Long beach until I was about 3. So it was around the late 80’s early 90’s and that’s when NWA was in their prime. Then Ice Cube, Dre and Snoop were blowing up. So living in Long Beach then, there was so much gang violence. I remember a cousin of mine coming home with his face so messed up from being jumped I could hardly recognize him. Not long after that my parents moved us out the hood to a small City called Chino. There was nothing much to do there. So I got into sports to pass the time. I always wonder how different my life would have been if we stayed in the hood.

Growing up did you always want to be in the cinematic industry or did you have other dreams?
I had dreams of becoming a professional soccer player. Never even considered photography

What was the first camera that you received?
I started shooting with my camera phone. Then one year I spent my entire tax return on a Canon 6d.

What type of cinematic education Have you’ve had?
Shoutout to YouTube

Describe your style videography/photography?
I would call my style, vibrant urban-provocative? I don’t know. I just create stuff that is dope to me. And have as much fun with it as possible.

How did you get into videography/photography?
I have to admit it was Instagram. It was an outlet for me to get out my creativity and also be inspired by others as well.

Are there any cinematic artists who have inspired your work?
Tarantino for sure.

When you work with individual subjects, how much time do you spend researching and getting to know them first?
We usually message back and forth about ideas and concepts. But aside from that, not much goes into it. I love the process of two strangers collaborating their talents, styles and perspectives.

Do you still remember your first videoshoot/photoshoot?
Yes it was horrible. I got with a friend of mine who was sweet enough to help me out. She was great but I had no idea how to even work my camera let alone the concepts of apeture or shutter speed.

Do you remember the moment when you realized that you were actually a talented videographer/photographer?
There wasn’t a specific moment for me. It’s always been a gradual improvement. So like anything, if you do something for years and years, you’re bound to get better and better.

What is the wildest moment you’ve ever had during a videoshoot/photoshoot?
There are always weirdos or drunks that stumble onto shoots but one moment I’ll never forget was when I used to shoot with this girl who was in a very dark place mentally. She would dance all night for work then do shoots with me in the morning and I don’t think she slept. Well the last time I shot with her she would try to be discreet and come in and out of the place we were shooting. Found out she was doing some pretty hard core drugs in between wardrobe changes. I haven’t heard from her. Hope she’s doing better.

Sexiest videoshoot/photoshoot you’ve ever been apart of?
My girlfriend let me do a shoot with her one time. By far the sexiest shoot ever. But no one will ever see those photos.

Over the years, did you ever encounter famous people who were very difficult to shoot?
N/A

How has social media influence your career?
Like I said IG sparked the flame. It’s given me the opportunity to meet and work with amazing people and companies. It also keeps me inspired by what other people create and share.

Social media can be very profitable and very risky at times. Can you tell inspiring cinematographers some of the Do’s and Don’ts when it comes to involving your business with social media?
Don’t sell your soul. In other words, don’t do or create things to get likes or followers. Do things that you like. It’s all about having fun. Who cares if others approve. Another thing is to understand that social media is a perception of life; it’s not reality.

Where is the most fascinating place you’ve been to do a videoshoot/photoshoot?
Barbados.

Explain how you come up with ideas for projects such as videoshoots/photoshoots?
I get ideas from whomever I work with. My model and I will get a sense of each other’s style and run with it.

How much planning do you do for each shoot, and how much happens naturally?
I’m a huge fan of being spontaneous. Adapting to the location and model is the fun part. I don’t like to plan too much for shoots. I let things happen naturally.

Do you coach or talk to your subjects about the expressions they will be making, or do you capture the spontaneous expressions from your conversation with them?
I let my subject do their thing for the most part. I feel like if you do too much coaching, your model will look less natural. I do communicate with my models if a certain pose looks good or if it isn’t looking natural and what might be a better look.

What’s your single favorite video/photo that you’ve captured, and what’s the story behind it?
My favorite photo would have to be of my good friend Adriana Toro. It was the first time we had met each other. We had a nice conversation and she made some amazing coffee for me (Colombians really do know their coffee). It was our first shoot on her apartment balcony. She’s so talented as she is stunning. the balcony view was amazing and the clouds gave me the perfect lighting. The way she was able to connect with me and the camera so effortless is something I’ll never forget. She was wearing a red lace top with a black fur best off the shoulders. I think that was the Genesis of my whole style. Bold red top contrasting blue sky. Colorful, sexy with the urban city skyline. That’s why it is so memorable to me.

What do you think about working on big budget films at some point in your career?
I don’t see myself doing big budget films. I’d love to do photography for movie production one day.

When you’re not working with models or capturing some of people’s greatest moments, what do you do in your spare time?
I love spending time with my 3 year old son. He’s a handful but so much fun.

How often do travel?
I try to travel at least once a month. I wish I could travel more though honestly.

Besides your equipment, what is one thing that you must have when you travel?
A speaker. Music is a must!

Let’s put you on the spot! Who is your favorite model/celebrity you’ve ever worked with?
That’s easy! My favorite model is Amanda Sandavol. I’m peanut butter, she’s jelly.

Have you ever been starstruck by one of your subjects?
Nope

What are some of your ultimate goals that you would like to achieve being a videographer/photographer?
I always wanted to work with a major clothing company. So finally being able to shoot for Young and Reckless is a dream come true. Next goal is to do more shooting abroad.

What would be your dream videoshoots/photoshoots?
Definitely a sunny tropical island with Amanda, Adriana, and Ashley Gills. Palm trees, beach, and a yacht.

How can people book you for their next project?
Email: AyoStevoPhoto@gmail.com or send me a message on IG @Ayostevo.

What’s next for you?
Just keep shooting! No plans really. Been attempting to shoot more film. Maybe do more videos. Just have fun with it and see where it takes me.

Follow Steven Adam on these following social media websites:
Instagram: @ayostevo
Snapchat: @ayostevo