That early obsession with image and story evolved into experimentation, first with short skits and homemade genre films, then into more structured projects. By college he was studying Media at Runshaw College, and by university; Film and TV at the University of Salford, he was already shooting music promos, gig films, and documentaries for Channel M.
For a lad from the North West, working in drama or features always felt distant, something reserved for someone else, somewhere else. So Steph carved his own path. He joined creative agencies, gaining years of on-set experience in commercials and branded content. He lit, shot, edited, refined. And in 2018, he stepped out as a freelance director of photography.
Stephen (Steph - Pronouns He / Him) grew up in Preston, surrounded by images. His dad was a photographer, always chasing the right light, often with Steph in tow on countryside trips in search of the perfect shot. At home, there was a deep love of film. As a kid, Steph would rewatch the same movies endlessly, absorbing not just the stories, but the way they looked, moved, and felt. Without realising it, he was learning the language of cinema.
Kenton Jordan Thomas, Writer/Director MYMAN - An Origin Story
Working with Stephen was a real pleasure. His positive energy and enthusiasm created an amazing energy on set. I really admire his attention to detail and his drive to find the best shot - he’s always looking for ways to best serve the story. A true collaborator, he not only understood our vision but also brought his own great ideas and experience to the table with no ego. Plus, he’s a film buff who totally gets all the wild film references you throw his way!
Steven Symon, Digital Film Producer at SharkNinja for EMEA
"As a production manager, finding a DoP who is both highly skilled and adaptable is crucial. Stephen fits the bill perfectly. His extensive experience and creativity ensure our TV commercials are visually captivating and on point with our brand message. His ability to collaborate effectively with diverse teams, regardless of the project's scale, makes him an invaluable asset to any production."
Now based in Stockport, South Manchester, Steph has shot national TV commercials, explored virtual production, and built a reputation for reliable, emotionally intuitive camerawork. With over 15 years of professional experience behind him, and a cinematic eye shaped by decades of film obsession, he’s now stepping closer to the kind of work that inspired him from the start.
Steph is passionate about cinematic storytelling, crafting striking, human-centered visuals that elevate a narrative. Over the years, he has worked across a wide range of projects, but it’s always been drama and film that have pulled at him the most.
Collaborating with directors who value mood, nuance, and emotional honesty, and helping bring bold, character-driven ideas to life, is where he feels most at home.
Jamie Swaby, Director - MYMAN - An Origin Story
Stephen joined MyMan relatively close to shooting, but quickly became a crucial part of the team. Despite the tight timeline, he went above and beyond in helping us visualise the film and played a key role in shaping its final visual style. We came in with a strong idea of how we wanted it to look, but Stephen challenged and expanded on that vision in a really constructive way, and we ended up with a much stronger film because of it. He brought a great attitude to set, was easy to get on with, and helped maintain a positive energy throughout the shoot, even on the toughest, longest day. I only met Stephen two weeks before we started filming, but going forward, he’ll be at the top of my list of DOPs to chat to for future projects.
Rick Dooley, Video Director & Creative Content Producer
"It's always great to collaborate with Stephen - no matter what the brief.
He helps me push the boundaries on the creative vision and is always looking for that different perspective or new way of doing things with the camera, composition or lighting setups."
Jamie Swaby, Director - MYMAN - An Origin Story
Stephen joined MyMan relatively close to shooting, but quickly became a crucial part of the team. Despite the tight timeline, he went above and beyond in helping us visualise the film and played a key role in shaping its final visual style. We came in with a strong idea of how we wanted it to look, but Stephen challenged and expanded on that vision in a really constructive way, and we ended up with a much stronger film because of it. He brought a great attitude to set, was easy to get on with, and helped maintain a positive energy throughout the shoot, even on the toughest, longest day. I only met Stephen two weeks before we started filming, but going forward, he’ll be at the top of my list of DOPs to chat to for future projects.
Rick Dooley, Video Director & Creative Content Producer
"It's always great to collaborate with Stephen - no matter what the brief.
He helps me push the boundaries on the creative vision and is always looking for that different perspective or new way of doing things with the camera, composition or lighting setups."
It has always been his dream to work in film, not just to shoot beautiful images, but to contribute meaningfully to stories that move people. Stories that stay with you. After years of building experience in commercials, documentaries, and branded content, he’s now on the edge of that dream becoming reality.
With a strong technical foundation, a sharp eye for performance, and a growing network of collaborators, Steph is ready to take the next step into high-end drama and feature films. The skills are there. The vision is clear. Now it’s just about finding the right stories, and the right people, to go the distance with.