Hey. I'm Stephen, the head and heart behind Lakeshore Visuals
A Life of Creativity, Purpose, and Good Stories
If money weren’t a factor, I’d be living in a midcentury modern tiny house by the beach, working from an open-air office with an ocean view. I’d spend my days writing, designing, making videos, and sharing it all just for the love of it.
Since that’s not quite reality, I built Lakeshore Visuals—so I can do what I love while helping others do meaningful work. Whether I’m working from a beach, my backyard, a coffee shop, or a pub, my goal is the same: to create visuals and words that help mission-driven businesses and nonprofits connect with their audience in real, meaningful ways.
The Mission: Helping Small Teams Make a Big Impact
I’ve been creating design, video, photography, and written content for over two decades. Along the way, I realized something: there are a lot of businesses and nonprofits doing incredible work, but struggling to share their message in a way that gets attention.
I’ve been to small business events, worked with nonprofits, and seen firsthand how much potential gets lost in the noise. The problem isn’t a lack of passion—it’s a lack of time, resources, or strategy.
That’s where I come in. Lakeshore Visuals exists to bridge that gap. Think of me as your on-call creative partner, giving you the expertise of a full-time marketing team—without the full-time cost.
Why work with me?
✔ Real-world experience across multiple industries—business, nonprofits, education, and media.
✔ No cookie-cutter marketing—everything is tailored to your brand, your audience, and your goals.
✔ I believe in what you do—if you’re making a difference, I want to help you reach more people.
My Journey: How My Experience Translates to Your Success
Photography & Videography – I started in college, developing film in darkrooms and recording video on tape, but my skills expanded in ways I never expected. My time as a Public Affairs Specialist in the Army took me around the world, where I captured stories through photography, writing, and design. I worked across international, inter-agency, and military teams, creating publications and covering events for internal and external audiences—experience that taught me how to craft messaging that resonates with diverse groups.
Audience Analysis & Engagement – Teaching for nearly a decade meant mastering the art of understanding audiences in real time. I had to create or curate content that appealed to diverse groups, quickly analyze who I was speaking to, and adapt my approach instantly. That experience translates directly into marketing—knowing how to differentiate audiences and tailor messaging to maximize engagement.
Storytelling & Client-Focused Messaging – Running a wedding and commercial videography business meant learning to deeply understand client needs and translate their vision into a compelling narrative. I didn’t just show up with a camera—I asked deep questions, spent time with clients, and helped plan their day so we could capture their story without missing a detail. That same skill—getting to the heart of what matters to your audience—is exactly what I bring to branding, copywriting, and content creation.
Full-Scope Digital Marketing – Beyond visuals, I’ve built and run social media accounts, designed and rebuilt websites, developed blog and content strategies, created digital products, ghostwritten eBooks and blogs, and produced video content for a variety of businesses and organizations. Whether it’s a landing page, a brand campaign, or an entire content ecosystem, I know how to create marketing that works.
Freelance & Side Projects – Through it all, I’ve kept creating, helping businesses, brands, and individuals who need marketing that’s not just professional, but personal.
