Heather Sten

Bio

Sten is a Brooklyn-based photographer whose journey began in California, where she honed her craft at the prestigious Art Center College of Design in Pasadena before relocating to New York in 2014. Her artistic vision is characterized by an unassuming yet deeply empathetic approach, allowing her to create intimate portraits that reveal her subjects in their most authentic moments. Her diverse portfolio features a remarkable array of personalities, including acclaimed director Spike Lee, avant-garde filmmaker John Waters, and renowned actress Glenn Close. A standout moment in her career was a captivating shoot with Amy Schumer for The New York Times, highlighting her ability to connect with both friends and international icons alike. Sten believes that “getting to learn about people and their experiences, and translating that kindred energy into portraiture is really exciting and humbling for me. I strive to be as tender as I can.” Sten’s passion for photography ignited during her teenage years, leading her to undertake her most personal and enduring project, Con Cháu. Initially conceived as a means to capture every moment of her grandmother’s life, the project took a poignant turn when her grandmother was diagnosed with Alzheimer’s disease when Sten was just 17. This transformative experience has shaped her work into a profound exploration of love, loss, and the complexities of the multi-generational family dynamic. Her unique blend of candid portraits, natural gestures, and rich environmental details has garnered a dedicated clientele, with her work featured in high-profile brands and editorial publications such as Gap, Google, M Le Monde, The New York Times, Nike, TIME, and WSJ. **Client List:** A&E, ACLU, Adidas, Apartamento, The Atlantic, Gap, M Le Monde, The New York Times Magazine, The New Yorker, Nike, T Magazine, TIME, Süddeutsche Zeitung, and WSJ Magazine.