Hi, I’m Stephen James Dottavi, a photographer, visual storyteller, and curious creator figuring it out as I go.

I didn’t come into photography with formal training or fancy gear. I started with a need to create and a stubborn drive to make something meaningful, even when I didn’t know how. That mindset still drives everything I do.

I’m not chasing perfection. I’m building a process—one photo, one edit, one mistake at a time. My work spans everything from street scenes and textures to portraits, quiet landscapes, and the moments most people walk past. I shoot what catches my eye, even if I’m not sure why at first. That instinct is what I trust most.

This isn’t about having the best equipment or the cleanest technique. It’s about using what I have to create something honest, expressive, and real. I believe in long edits, unexpected details, and giving old images a second chance.

If you're here, you're catching me amid a journey. I’m documenting what I learn, sharing what works (and what doesn’t), and chasing those little moments that feel like something. Whether we’re working together on a shoot or you’re just exploring my work, I hope you see the raw, evolving heart behind the lens.

Let’s create something—messy, accurate, and complete in possibility.