Press Features and Awards for Stasi Photography

Over the years, my work through STASI Photography has been featured in publications such as LensCulture, Business Insider, and LAist. I’ve also been grateful for the recognition and incredibly honored to have received a Smithsonian Award for my photography work. But at the core of it all, I’m just passionate about creating portraits that go beyond surface impressions—images that feel cinematic, emotionally resonant, and deeply human.

My headshots don’t just aim to show what someone looks like; they’re designed to suggest a story, a character, a moment in motion. Whether I’m working with actors, musicians, or creatives of any kind, my approach is rooted in capturing truth and presence. I want every frame to feel alive—like a still pulled from a film.

Many of the features and interviews I’ve been a part of focus on how I work: the mood, the lighting, the sense of trust I try to build with each subject. I don’t believe in stiff, overly posed images. I believe the strongest portraits happen when someone lets their guard down just enough to be seen for who they are. That takes patience, collaboration, and empathy—and I bring all of that into every session.

As cinematic headshots continue to gain traction in Los Angeles and beyond, I’m proud that my work has been part of shaping what that means. Whether I’m shooting actor headshots, raw street photography, or expressive portraits of musicians, my goal is always the same: to create honest, visually arresting imagery that resonates long after the shutter clicks.

Thanks for exploring STASI Photography. Below, you’ll find links to recent features and articles that dive deeper into the process and philosophy behind the work.

WINNER - 2021 Smithsonian Magazine Award

THE INDESTRUCTIBLE PODCAST interview w/ Danny Cano

Insider Magazine article discussing the studio

LAist article discussing Smithsonian Award

LensCulture article featuring my documentary photography