George Stephens (Gstee) | Live Sound Engineer | Photographer | United Kingdom
Whilst his main base is the North Cornish Coast, living the exciting life of a live sound engineer during the summer, and the brilliant life of a photographer during the winter, Gstee spends much of his time travelling.
His desire to protect the ocean stems from his proximity to it. Being a part of an ocean based community means issues such as plastic and pollution is a constant topic. As a photographer, Gstee’s goal is it to help people fall in love with the ocean through incredibly beautiful abstract imagery. He hopes that as people fall in love with the beauty, they will also be inspired to protect it.
What is a typical day like for you?
I feel like my typical day can vary quite substantially as I am a working live sound engineer. So through the summer months I am often working festivals and events across the country and in the quieter winter months and in-between life slows down and I can focus my energy to capturing moments and travelling to distant shores.
When did you first pick up a camera and start shooting underwater?
I first picked up a camera whilst my older sister was studying photography at university and when she was back I used to take her camera out around where I lived and loved playing around with motion blurs (with no idea what different settings were really doing). Later in life I was working in London and got really into shooting directly up right next huge skyscrapers and using a GoPro to capture that vast wide angle. Funnily enough years later I bought my first drone whilst down in Cornwall and fell in love with shooting directly down onto the ocean. That perspective had me hooked instantly and has been the main theme throughout my work as my style has grown and developed.
What are the fondest memories from your upbringing that you feel impacted your life choices and lifestyle today?
I think travelling and exploring new places has always been in my life, even if it was a seaside trip to Norfolk or Cornwall and not abroad. I have always enjoyed discovering new places since I can remember and this definitely rubs off on me today.
What path did you choose after leaving school?
I studied Music Technology & Audio Systems at university after school and moved down to Cornwall shortly after.
What do you value most in life?
Happiness & Friendship. With a few mental health struggles in my life, having good people around me and having meaningful interactions with people inspires me everyday and is what I strive for. Be able to travel with friends and meet new people along the way is always a pleasure.
What brings you the most joy?
Going off to new places at home or abroad with my partner or friends with a my drone and Fuji handheld and capturing our journey.
Who/what currently inspires you?
I am always inspired by the abstract and unusual. I love Sebastian Zanella's stolen moments in time and the emotion his work evokes. Simon Fitz is another who's bold colours and motion captures my imagination.
What would you most like to change in the world/environment today?
Being on the North Cornish coast, ocean plastic and pollution is a very relevant and constant topic in my community. It is something so many who live by and love the ocean are aware of everyday, but those who don't live by the ocean everyday often don't have the same level or any awareness. Education/awareness of this for future generations is something I would love to be able tie in with my imagery.
Are there any books/documentaries that have guided your thinking?
More so charities like Surfers Against Sewage.
What legacy do you hope to leave?
I would like to be able to share awareness of the ocean environment and environment in general though my imagery and hope it is something I can find a successful way to align within my work.
What advice would you give to anyone looking to follow their dreams as an ocean Storyteller?
To be yourself. Follow your beliefs and styles of work and allow yourself to grow an evolve on your path. It is so easy to seek inspiration and swap and change styles if you aren't completely inspired yourself.
WEBSITE: www.gstee.co.uk/portfolio
INSTAGRAM: @gstee
