Steve Bueckert
In this edition of «Beyond the Frame», we chat with Steve, a passionate photographer who shares his journey from capturing family moments to exploring mountaineering and travel photography. I have been a fan of Steve’s work since I discovered his writing and photography on Vero a few years ago. In this interview, Steve discusses his love for both digital and analogue formats and the inspiration behind his recent zine on the Morocco earthquake. He offers practical advice for photographers looking to improve their craft. Whether you're curious about his creative process or where to find his latest work, Steve’s insights are definitely worth listening to.
Patagonia, shot with the Fuji X100T, by Steve Bueckert
Tell us a bit about yourself and your photography journey. How did it all begin?
As long as I can remember, I've had a camera in my hand. As a kid, I was always documenting family events. When I started mountaineering, I needed great photos to determine routes up the peaks. That’s when I really started to learn the craft.
What was it like transitioning from analogue to digital photography? Do you have a preference between the two?
It was a rough transition. For about a decade, the immediacy of digital was needed, but the quality wasn’t there yet. Thankfully, it has caught up nicely! I love digital photography, but shooting a bit of film on the side gives me more creative options and a reason to slow down and assess the scene and, most importantly, the light.
Frozen Morning, shot on Fujifilm Xt5, by Steve Bueckert
What do you find most rewarding about shooting with film compared to digital?
In a word, Imperfection. I think that is why people prefer to listen to vinyl records now. That slight crackle makes it feel more real and less digital. I think we are all very tired of technically perfect HDR images that have a little soul. The little flaws, the grain, and the character in the film are something I love.
I know you love the Nikon analogue cameras, like the F90x and the F.4. What makes these cameras so special, and which camera would you recommend for someone who is considering getting into analogue photography?
It's interesting; I lived through full manual analogue cameras and did not enjoy them! Hahaha!
Film cameras reached the pinnacle of technology in the ’90s and early 2000s. They were groundbreaking systems. My success rate went through the roof. The film is expensive now, very expensive. Having a higher success rate means people are more likely to stick with it.
Can you share some more tips for someone just starting with analogue photography?
Here are a few points:
It's not about film vs. digital. It's about merging both into one workflow. Figure out your exposure and composition with digital, then come in with the film camera; you will nail the shot.
Keep notes! There is no EXIF data. Record your film speed, aperture, and lens choice by frame so you can learn from it.
Try lots of different film stocks. Understand what they do. This is so much of what we do after the shot now in digital. Your film choice is an editing process before you even shoot.
Black and White processing at home is incredibly simple and requires a minimal investment. Go for it!
You’ve travelled to incredible places, including Norway, Iceland, Morocco, and South America. What draws you to these destinations?
I love a little bit of adventure in my travels. Travelling to places that are a bit more of the primary tourist path inspires me.
Some of us travel to experience life rather than to escape it. I tend to feel a lot more alive in wild places than I do in cities. That being said, I've seen most of Europe and parts of Asia, too, but my dreams always lead me to places without cruise ships or All-Inclusive Resorts.
To me, it boils down more to “What I want to do” versus “Where I want to go”
Mt Shuksan, on Cinestill 400D, by Steve Bueckert
How do you prepare for a photography trip to a new location? Any specific gear or planning tips?
I take a balanced approach to planning travel. The internet is not the answer. It ends up putting everyone in the same place at the same time. “The top 10 things to see in Barcelona” type lists are all over the place, and they don’t help. I believe in a 4 pronged approach:
Some online research
Guidebooks and history books, reaching out for local knowledge, and Google Earth and Photo Pills, planning to understand where I want to be in the excellent light.
As far as gear, I make a list. If I come home and don’t use something on the list, it doesn’t go next time. My intention has always been the least gear I can get away with and still achieve my goals.
For instance, last fall, in Morocco, I left my tripod at home and took a tiny Manfrotto tabletop tripod. It was a risk, but it worked out great.
Could you share a particularly memorable travel experience and the story behind one of your favourite travel photos?
Man, that is a tricky question. There are so many...
But this one early morning in Seydisfjordour, Iceland.
I was all set up to take this reflection shot of a fishing boat in the most incredible light.
I was super annoyed when this guy in a dinghy came right through my scene. It turns out he makes the photo something special, something I had not envisioned. This is a big lesson in being flexible and adapting in the moment.
Your storytelling through photography and written words is truly inspiring. How do you approach creating a narrative with your photos?
At heart, I am a storyteller. Photography is an extension of that. I wanted to share the places I was travelling and the things I was seeing with people I knew. Eventually, it grew into telling stories to a broader audience.
Do you have a favourite photo story you’ve created? What makes it special?
I think that would have to be my photo story, “Inca Cola and Molotov cocktails,” based on my experience being caught up in the riots in Peru. It's available to read on my website. Despite having Molotov cocktails coming my way, I kept shooting. I think it says a lot about how I see life through a lens.
What advice would you give photographers who want to improve their storytelling skills?
Always have a notebook handy. Jot down those little details and how you felt. Those notes help me formulate the stories afterwards.
I think that reading travel narrative books also can help develop those skills.
A book that I would recommend for anyone looking to enhance their storytelling is “Long Story Short” by Margot Leitman. It is a definite skill builder.
Patagonia shot on the Fujifilm XT3, by Steve Bueckert
You’ve transitioned to using the Fujifilm X series for digital photography. What do you love most about these cameras?
I’ve shot Nikon my whole life; my last one was the D810. But when I got my hands on the original Fuji X100, my perspective started to shift slowly. I shot both for a while, but then I used the X100 more. I made a complete switch and now have Nikon film cameras.
The manual dials and controls bring me back to my film roots. I can shoot for days without going into a menu.
I also shot Fuji films primarily in my analogue days. So their colour science feels so right to me. I spend a lot less time editing,
How do you decide which gear to bring on a shoot, especially given the variety of cameras you use?
I honestly travel fairly light most of the time.
One of the benefits of the Fujifilm system is the weight.
I can travel with two bodies and five lenses for the weight of one body and two lenses of my old DSLR system. I primarily shoot primes below 100mm, so I tend to bring more lenses, but they all have a purpose.
As far as film cameras go, my days of travelling with film are pretty much done. Most of my film work is fairly close to home and road trip-based, so bringing a few options is easy.
I duplicate my film images on digital as I go, so I have options later.
I use a fairly big camera bag and bring options if I'm doing landscape photography.
If it's street or city travel, it’s one body, one or two primes, and a GoPro in a small messenger bag. Staying fast and light is vital in those moments.
Most of us who follow you on Instagram know about your passion for vintage cameras. Can you tell us about this passion, and do you have a favourite in your collection?
It's interesting. People keep giving them to me. At this point, I have a Nikon museum.
It is my Nikon F4. I saved up and bought it new in the ‘90s. Most of my major professional breakthroughs happened on that camera, which is so good-looking!
I just picked up a Mamiya C220 medium-format camera, which is an absolute blast. That one is getting most of my attention at the moment.
How has your approach to photography evolved over the years?
Good question! For me, the biggest evolution has been moving from primarily zoom lenses to nearly all prime lenses. I did an OCOLOY (One Camera, One Lens, One Year) challenge 2015. I used just the Fuji x100 for the whole year. 35mm fixed prime lens. That was my view of the world (and actually where the name “Lens of Steve” originated.
Using primes slows me down, makes me move more, and sparks my creativity differently than when I could just zoom in or out. It's been revolutionary for me—not to say it would work for everyone. It’s been the most significant change in my approach to photography.
I just recently found out that you created a Zine. Could you tell us more about it? ( what is it about? What is a zine for those who don't know, etc.)
Yes! I just produced my first "Zine." A Zine is an abbreviation of the word "Magazine." It is a short-form magazine with no advertising or anything like that. It is a great way to support photographers and a bit more price-friendly than a book. For my first issue, I focused solely on the days immediately following the September 2023 earthquake in Morocco. It pairs images of beauty with images of destruction and devastation. I am proud of both the writing and the photography in it.
I got Steve`s Zine in the mail a few days ago, and i highly recommend ordering it for your self. Its a beautiful visual journey trough Marrakech in the aftermath of the earth quake.
What inspired you to create a zine?
I am always so inspired to see my images in print. I think they take on so much more life and nuance than they do on a screen. To see them as a focused collection all with a cohesive narrative is a very powerful way to experience the images.
Where can people find it?
It can be ordered directly from the publisher Blurb at https://www.blurb.ca/b/12084472. I would highly recommend them if anyone is considering tackling a Zine of their own.
Rabat, Morocco. Shot on the Fujifilm XT5 by Steve Bueckert
What are your goals for the future in terms of photography?
Honestly, they haven’t changed. Stay humble and keep learning.
Is there a particular project or theme you’re excited to explore next?
I’m working on a travel photography course right now.
My desire to teach and inspire is a significant driver at the moment. I find it incredibly rewarding.
What keeps you inspired and motivated to continue capturing the world around you?
I’d love to say there is some magic answer, but it’s just hardwired into me. I always have a camera; I’m always looking for a light, and I’m always dreaming about the next trip.
Where can our readers find more of your work and keep up with your latest projects?
I always keep things pretty up to date on my website, www.lensofsteve.com, and have a very active community surrounding my Instagram account @lens_of_steve
Thanks so much for reading. If you liked it, I hope you can consider subscribing to the newsletter ( if you haven’t already done so). By subscribing, you get an interview like this straight to your inbox once a month, and it also inspires me to keep sharing people’s stories. Have a great day!