DON'T MISS A THING

One of my favorite parts of being the editor of Love Happens is all the amazingly talented people I get to meet! While working on the 4th volume of Love Happens print edition (launching October 2019!) I had the great pleasure of discovering architectural photographer Steve Freihon. A master of capturing interior design, architecture, and cocktails that make your mouth water, Steve Freihon is a must-know name we are so excited to share!

Steve Freihon: The Road to Architectural Photographer Extraordinaire

Born in New York City and raised in the suburban town of Edison, New Jersey, Steve’s interest in photography was sparked by his father, an avid hobbyist. When I asked Steve about his passion for photography his answer was a great shout out to all the amazing teachers out there! “As I grew older, I had two incredible art teachers in high school—Mr. Michnowicz and Mr. Schein. They both allowed and pushed my photography basically letting me do photography for all of the art classes which I took. They did not offer photo in high school. When the art wing of the school expanded, they built a giant darkroom for me. To this day, I do not know if I would have become a professional photographer without their guidance. I was incredibly lucky in that sense.” 

Well on his way to a career in photography, Steve went on to study the art of it at New York University. While in college a strong interest in architecture began to grow which he studied through art history classes. After graduating with a B.A., Steve took a job working in fashion photography. However, he quickly learned this was not the path for him. So he took a job with an architectural photographer and instantly fell in love. “I got to travel all over the world and see amazing projects while meeting their creators along the way”, said Steve.

Inspired from the start by his father and two art teachers, when we asked Steve what gets him up each day, he told us: “Definitely my daughter Bowie. My wife’s ambition and drive is also a large part of it. I don’t know anyone with half of her passion.”

A Masterful Architectural Photographer

Capturing the true essence of an interior space or architectural structure is not easy. Although Steve sure makes it look that way! Designers and architects work for months and years to create beautiful environments and having someone like Steve capture a vision now reality is a wonderful gift.

A Few Lh Favorites

Capturing The Art of The Cocktail

In addition to his stunning interior and architecture portfolio, Steve also captures the art of mixology! Curious about the tie between interiors and cocktails I asked Steve to explain. “My wife is in the hospitality business. She owns and runs several restaurants. That was definitely part of it, but in addition, one of my dearest friends, Naren Young, has been a force within the beverage industry for years. The bar where he is the creative director, Dante in NYC (which has also won Best Bar In The World) I began photographing cocktails for him as he had asked me to. Shooting cocktails are just mini architectural shots to me. It made sense.”

Koktails with KOKET: A Haute Couture Client at Hotel de Crillon

A Few Lh Favorites

What’s next for Steve Freihon?

“I would love to photograph more though out Asia. Specifically Japan. I’ve only ever spent time in the airport there,” Steve told us. “[And] hopefully still doing what I’m doing, but probably more travel for leisure with my family.”

And when we asked if he had any other life or career goals he wanted to share, his answer was a perfect Love Happens moment: “Trying to be a better father, husband, and human. I’ve been very lucky in that I have wanted to do this almost my entire life, and I am still doing it. My wife has also been very lucky in this way. That we both do what we love and want to do is rather incredible to me.”

Words by Anna Beck Bimba