Stephen Finkel – Photographer
Creative, Storyteller
Stephen Finkel is a Brisbane-based photographer whose work captures the beauty, emotion, and energy of life in all its forms. With a career spanning sports, music, events, fashion, travel, and street photography, Stephen’s images are marked by a sharp eye for detail and a natural talent for telling compelling visual stories.
His photography journey has taken him around the world — from bustling city streets and remote landscapes to the charged atmosphere of live performances and the quiet intimacy of personal moments. Stephen’s work is guided by the belief that every frame should evoke something in the viewer: curiosity, joy, nostalgia, or wonder.
In addition to his own practice, Stephen is deeply committed to the photography community. As the Canon Australia Facebook Community Manager for the Canon Collective, he has fostered one of the most engaged and supportive photography groups in the country. Through thought-provoking questions, shared learning opportunities, and inspiring challenges, he’s helped connect thousands of photographers— from beginners to seasoned professionals.
Stephen is also the Director of the Brisbane Photography Festival, an annual celebration of photographic art and culture that brings together exhibitions, workshops, and talks from local and international talent. He has a strong passion for photography education, regularly hosting workshops, mentoring programs, and community events designed to encourage creativity and skill development.
Beyond still photography, Stephen is the host of Photomission Focus, a weekly podcast that dives into the craft, culture, and challenges of photography. The podcast blends practical tips, industry insights, and inspiring stories from photographers across all genres, reflecting his belief that there is always more to learn, share, and explore.
Stephen’s creativity doesn’t stop at photography. He is also an artist who works with recycled materials, building whimsical, personality-packed sculptures — from robot dogs to spider bots — that aim to spark smiles and start conversations about sustainability. His ability to combine technical precision with imaginative play is a hallmark of both his art and his photography.
Across all his work, Stephen brings an approachable warmth and a genuine enthusiasm for the craft. He values collaboration, celebrates diversity in creative expression, and thrives on helping others discover their unique photographic voice. Whether he’s capturing the raw emotion of a moment, curating a community project, or sharing the stories of others, his goal remains the same: to connect people through the power of images.
Artist Statement:
"Photography is more than freezing time — it’s about noticing the things others might miss, telling stories without words, and creating connections between strangers. Every image is a conversation, and I’m always ready to start one."
