We recently had the chance to connect with Lyn Stevens and have shared our conversation below.
Lyn, so good to connect and we’re excited to share your story and insights with our audience. There’s a ton to learn from your story, but let’s start with a warm up before we get into the heart of the interview. What do you think is misunderstood about your business?
A big misconception is that photography is easy, especially now that everyone has a cell phone with a higher-quality camera. People often think, ‘well, I could take that picture too.’ But there’s so much more involved, like understanding light and composition to knowing how to tell a story in a single frame. It takes years of practice and a trained eye to capture an image that truly makes people feel connected. That’s what sets fine art photography apart from just taking a snapshot.
Can you briefly introduce yourself and share what makes you or your brand unique?
My name is Lyn Stevens, and I’m a fine art and music photographer based in Nashville. This year I was honored to be part of the 2025 Periscope Artist Entrepreneur class through the Arts & Business Council of Greater Nashville, which has been all about learning, growing, and figuring out where I want to go as an artist. My photography marries photojournalism with fine art, I capture what I call ‘future history in the present-day moment,’ often highlighting Nashville’s music culture and city life. Lately, I’ve been focused on turning that passion into a sustainable business, from showing more work in galleries to learning SEO (search engine optimization), so I can better reach people online. I’m also working on putting the pieces in place for the next stage, which will be exploring opportunities like licensing and wholesale, so that more people can experience and collect my work.
Thanks for sharing that. Would love to go back in time and hear about how your past might have impacted who you are today. What’s a moment that really shaped how you see the world?
A moment that shaped how I see the world was realizing how photography makes you slow down and notice things others might overlook. a reflection in a window, the glow of neon after a rain, or the way a quiet moment tells a bigger story. Over time, I’ve also had the privilege of photographing older, often retired songwriters, and some of those images have been used in obituaries, memorial services, and even on the live telecast of the CMA Awards. Those experiences taught me that photography isn’t just about capturing something beautiful in the present, it’s about preserving people’s stories and legacies, sometimes in ways you can’t fully imagine when you’re behind the lens.
Was there ever a time you almost gave up?
Yes, there were definitely times I almost gave up. Before I moved to Nashville, I worked in radio and thought my future would be in the music industry. But once I got to Nashville, that path didn’t unfold the way that I had anticipated, and it was pretty discouraging. I’ve continued to move forward, even though the road looks much different than originally imagined. Photography became the bridge that kept me connected to music and storytelling. It’s given me a way to document the culture I care about and turn the present into lasting memories. This deeper sense of purpose is what has carried me through the hard seasons and continues to guide my path as an artist.
I think our readers would appreciate hearing more about your values and what you think matters in life and career, etc. So our next question is along those lines. What would your closest friends say really matters to you?
My closest friends would probably say that what really matters to me is loyalty and community. I’m very loyal to those who are good to me, and I always try to find a way to help others when I can. They’d also say I’m very focused when I’m working toward a goal, I pour myself into it. At times that means I don’t have as much free time as I’d like with them, but they know my heart is always in the right place.
Okay, we’ve made it essentially to the end. One last question before you go. What do you understand deeply that most people don’t?
I think what I understand deeply and what most people don’t always stop to think about, is how quickly the present becomes the past. A moment can feel ordinary while it’s happening, but years later it can hold so much meaning. That’s why I feel such a responsibility with photography: to pay attention, to notice the details, and to preserve them before they’re gone. Most people snap a picture and move on, but I see it as a way of holding on to memory, a legacy, and even history as it’s unfolding.
Contact Info:
- Instagram: lyn.stevens
- Facebook: Lyn Stevens Photography
Image Credits
Art In Motion (Lyn Stevens Headshot)
All other photos by Lyn Stevens
