Who are you, where are you from and where are you now?
I’m Devon Steigerwald, from Aurora, Ohio. I currently rest my head in Venice Beach for the past 15 years. I Built my Morals in Ohio, Grew my Backbone in New York, and learned my Lifestyle in Cali.
What do you do for a living and how long have you been in the line of work you’re in?
I’m a Photographer/Filmer for the last 22 years but a professional Trouble Maker for almost 40.
What inspires you to do what you do?
Its honestly the athletes and people I work with. I would be nothing if I didn’t have these people who inspire me to tell their story helping people see what I see. I work with some insanely amazing humans.
Being a Champion Trampolinist, my high flying past helps me communicate on a deeper level. I’m currently working on a documentary about a gold hearted man who broke his back while BASE jumping and it didn’t stop him. He came back to be a Guinness World Record Holder in BASE jumping and holds the current title of World Cup Champion of ParaBobsled. I like to break the rules, and these rule breakers are what make us look forward with positivity and passion. Altho I’m a commercial photographer, these athletes and creatives have become the underlying bedrock to my style.
Was there a pivotal moment in your life that you knew this was your calling?
Honestly, about 12 years ago, I submitted to get a booth at ASR (Largest Action Sports Retail Show at the time), and the heads of the show personally contacted me asking me if they could feature me as the trendsetter of what to expect in the future. It was shortly after I was named and advertised by Red Bull as one of the top photographers in the world, HUMBLING. It also made the nights of me sleeping in my car in freezing weather or using my last dollars for gas to go over state lines to get the shot……..WORTH IT!
Do you have an epic story/memory that stands out to you the most?
Maybe being kidnapped in Sri Lanka with 25 base jumpers only to have to return one week later to shoot for Red Bull. That was interesting. Or maybe the time I almost fell off a bridge or that cliff? But honestly, One memory that had me hold my head higher was this exact moment. I had the privilege of shooting Xgames when I first moved out here and when I showed up as a young cheery blonde girl with a camera that wasn’t really built for sports, the ALL male photo section immediately started reacting.
I was looked up and down as they eyed my gear. One guy then asked me, “Wait, why are you shooting with this camera? I said, “Well its a higher resolution while shooting RAW (Highest Resolution). The guy jumped back and instantly barks…”You can’t do that?!? Why are you shooting with such a slow camera on High Resolution? It needs to be faster.” I calmly replied, “Well, I know when to take the picture.” Microphone Drop. I demanded respect and in a male driven industry, I made a name for myself. ESPN invited me back every year after. And because of XGAMES, I met Chuck Carothers who gave me two beautiful Goddaughters. That moment changed my life professionally and personally.
If you could share an adult beverage with anyone, who would it be with and what would you order?
Honestly, I don’t think I would need a celebrity or legend. The legends in my life are my tight crew of friends around me. Last year I was diagnosed with Breast Cancer and my friends came to my side and helped me beat it, including Sean. They are the most important people that I never want to miss a day with. They saved my life. A nice old fashioned or Gilly’s with my extended family sounds like the best time to me.
Could you share a few legendary last words for the people?
“I am not afraid of tomorrow
for I have seen yesterday
and I love today”― William Allen White.
#BeBold #BeTheAdventure #BeYourOwnHero
And never forget,” Its the small steps that give you the momentum to leap.” -Devon
THE HOUSE OF DEVON.
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