Hello! My name is Stephen. Some folks call me by my last name, Proctor.
landscape cinematographer • aerial photographer • licensed drone pilot • author
projection mapper • experience curator • VJ
I’m a visual artist who uses a combination of drones & projection to curate calming, imaginative experiences – both online & off-screen. I illuminate what has always been but is rarely noticed & enjoyed.
For the past 20 years, I’ve worked in the music industry touring with various bands & authors, producing visually immersive experiences for live concerts & conferences all around the world.
My current passion is in landscape cinematography & aerial photography, which has introduced a strong emphasis of natural beauty & aerial perspectives to my work. Many of my collaborations these days are with film composers, ambient artists, & modern classical musicians.
I’m also the author of “WILD WONDER: What Nature Teaches Us About Slowing Down and Living Well” (Ink & Willow/Penguin Random House, 2024), a photo-book featuring my landscape photography along with contemplative essays and stories about the beauty of Creation and what it might teach us.
When I’m not on the road or flying over glaciers, I am living a peaceful, quiet life in a cabin in the Columbia River Gorge just outside of Portland, OR. (Check out @RivendellxPNW on Instagram to follow that adventure.)
every story has a soundtrack
For as long as I can remember, music has filled every corner of my life. When I was a kid, it was piano lessons. Later on in school, I fully embraced the band nerd life & even became the drum major of the marching band (while acting & singing in a few high school musicals here & there.) And during my free time, I was constantly listening to classical music & soundtracks nonstop. Much like today! =)
When it came time to pick a career, I set my eyes on Nashville (aka Music City USA) with the hopes of finding a place in the music industry, not as a performer but as someone behind-the-scenes. Next thing you know, I found myself on planes & tour buses, for I had begun carving out a role in the niche world of concert visuals & projection mapping. And my work became consumed with pairing imagery to music & creating immersive visual experiences that harmonized with those on stage.
But it wasn’t until I started flying drones that I felt my creativity was unleashed. Finally, I was able to film scenes that I had only dreamed about. So on every roadtrip & international flight I took, I tacked on a few extra days & began capturing as much of the world as I could. And I’m so thankful that music has continued to play a central role in the work I’ve been able to do.
For booking inquiries, collaborations, & partnerships, please reach out to my agent:
Whitney Gossett of Content Capital